Weight loss drugs have become all the rage in the health industry. But before you consider trying these medications, there are several important things you should know. In a new episode of the Balls Deep podcast, Dr. Joe Pazona and co-host Cat Williams discuss weight loss medications. If you have any doubts, whether these drugs are a magic bullet for losing weight or just another gimmick, continue reading to find out the top things you should know about weight loss drugs:
1. Weight Loss Drugs Are a Tool, Not a Magic Fix
We cannot stress this enough: these medications are NOT a one-stop solution for weight loss. While they’re effective, true success involves using them as part of a larger strategy to reach your long-term health goals.
Without adjustments to your habits—such as dietary choices, physical activity, and mindset—the weight will come back, and likely even worse than before.
💡 Takeaway: If used along with proper nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes, these drugs can in fact have great effect.
2. Muscle Mass Loss In Conjunction with Fat Loss is Possible
Reducing weight is beneficial, but muscle loss is another possible outcome that isn’t great. A worry for these medication types is that they are capable of inflicting atrophy, which women are more susceptible to. For this reason, it is essential to prioritize:
Increased protein – Make sure to eat plenty of protein to ensure you are getting enough nutrients.
Resistance exercise – Incorporate weight lifting in your routine to preserve and develop your muscles.
Dr. Pazona highlights that many people struggle to gain muscles while losing fat. His advice is to focus on building muscle strength before you focus on restricting calories.
💡 Takeaway: The goal is to lose fat, not muscle. Weight loss medications require an increased intake of protein and the implementation of strength training.
3. Extreme Side Effects are Possible But Rare
All pharmaceutical products come with the possibility of adverse effects and in this case, these weight loss medications do too. A couple of other major side effects are not typical but have appeared are:
Blindness – Some claims have been made, but there isn’t any clear evidence.
Gallbladder issues – Inflammation and attacks have been recorded.
Pancreatitis – This potentially serious side effect requires immediate medical attention.
Surgical aspiration – If you require surgery, you should refrain from using weight loss drugs for two weeks prior to an operation to mitigate the risks associated with stomach content entering the lungs.
Dr. Pazona does point out, however, that the statistical risk and the media’s portrayal of it are completely different. Countless people are helped by these medications, yet the attention is often stuck on the handful of unfortunate outcomes.
💡 Takeaway: This medication, like any other, has risks, but they are far outweighed by the health benefits it offers to the majority of people suffering from obesity.
4. It’s Not “Cheating”
The use of weight loss medication still carries a negative connotation because a lot of people think that these medications are "the lazy option." But Dr. Pazona challenges that way of thinking:
Obesity is a disease. It’s not just a lack of self control.
A range of lifestyle factors make losing weight extremely challenging, including food addiction and hormonal issues.
These drugs assist in resetting the body’s natural weight control mechanism, thus allowing new habits to be formed with greater ease.
Starting out with these medications is a great way to get yourself moving on your path to better health, and there is nothing wrong with that.
💡 Takeaway: If you struggle with weight, what’s stopping you from utilizing a proven tool to help you reach your goals? Losing weight is a positive, no matter how you achieve it.
5. Be Open-Minded
The most notable takeaway from this episode is that science evolves. The understanding we currently have of these drugs can change in a matter of years.
They may turn out to have higher risks than currently known.
They may prove to be the biggest breakthrough in longevity, with decreased risks for diabetes, heart disease, or even dementia.
They may become the go-to treatment for children to prevent lifelong obesity.
The critical point is to stay informed, be open-minded, and change your weight loss strategy as new information comes out.
💡 Takeaway: Science is flexible, and it’s about learning, adapting, and understanding as new information becomes available.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Pazona believes that these weight loss drugs will become one of the top five discoveries in pharmaceutical medicine in the next decade. The ways they can improve diabetes management, cardiovascular well-being, and aging is remarkable. But he also warns:
Don't just look for the cheapest option online and start injecting yourself.
Instead, work with a health care specialist who knows how to use these medications the right way. Success and failure lie solely on the right medication, dose, timing, and, most importantly, the right plan.
You’re all up to speed on everything you should know about weight loss drugs. Curious about the science behind these medications? Be sure to check out our guide to GLP-1 agonists!
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
