In recent years, new weight-loss medications have come onto the market (Rybelsus, Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, etc.). These drugs (GLP-1), which are highly effective for weight loss, could be of great help given the significance and prevalence of obesity among the world’s population (It is estimated that around 13% of individuals are obese).
GLP-1 drugs can improve cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of kidney disease, and potentially protect against neurodegenerative diseases. Despite all these benefits, there are some concerns regarding their use. In many cases, these drugs are being prescribed in inappropriate situations: to people without diabetes, obesity, or excess body weight. Thus, the frequent use of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, without any other medical indication, has risen from 4.5% in 2018 to 17% in 2023. The mechanism by which GLP-1 drugs promote weight loss is multifaceted: they reduce feelings of hunger and slow gastric emptying, which creates a feeling of satiety. They also act on the brain, and the final effect is to induce weight loss.
Weight-Loss Drugs: Risks and Effects
In individuals with a genetic or psychological predisposition, these drugs can cause anorexia nervosa. This is a serious illness that causes an intensse fear of gaining weight and distorts body image (leading individuals to believe they are obese when they are not). Anorexia nervosa can have a significant impact on health, and it is known that the risk of death among these patients is five times higher than in the rest of the population. Therefore, individuals with a history of eating disorders or a genetic predisposition to anorexia nervosa may potentially develop this illness. All of these observations were recently published in The New England Journal of Medicine.
Both Dr. Carreño and the physicians at the foundation take this information very seriously, and before starting treatment with GLP-1 drugs, we conduct a thorough interview with patients to try to prevent the onset of anorexia nervosa.
