Many looking to lose weight have questions about weight-loss drugs and injectables. While weight-loss drugs and injectables can be an effective short-term strategy, the long-term success and safety are still being researched and is unknown. Below are some common misconceptions about weight-loss medications, along with facts you need to know to make informed decisions about your health.
Facts You Need to Know
Myth: I can Stop my Weight-loss Drugs and Injectables and not Regain Weight
Fact: While some patients are able to use exercise and healthy eating habits to keep weight off, studies show that the majority of patients regain weight when they stop taking these medications.These drugs and injectables act on the biological system and the neurons in the brain. Without those chemicals acting on receptors in the brain, it is very easy to slip back into old ways and regain lost weight.
Myth: Your Weight Will Not Plateau on Weight-loss Medication
Fact: No, plateauing while on weight-loss medication can happen. Weight loss causes the body to mount a strong defense against further weight loss due to a person’s set point. Once you lose a certain amount of weight and reach that set point, your body works to maintain that weight. This makes additional pounds that much harder to lose.
When patients have reached a plateau, the team at NYBG’s Medical Weight-Loss Program concentrates on optimizing treatment options such as proper physical activity, behavior modification, and nutrition intake to help patients. Once the basics have been addressed, the next step could include increasing the dose of weight-loss medication, using an additional medication, or stopping the current medication and switching to another medication.
Myth: Injectable Weight-loss Medications are Better Than Weight-loss Pills
Fact: Different weight-loss medications operate through various mechanisms, and individual responses can vary. Factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health can influence how a person responds to medications. It's essential to recognize that what works well for one individual may not yield the same results for another. In general, injectables provide better weight loss compared to oral medications. In certain cases, oral medications can provide equivalent or superior weight loss results. A doctor-supervised medical weight-loss program like NYBG can tailor treatment plans based on individual needs.
It is essential to separate fact from fiction when it comes to weight-loss medications. Remember that a comprehensive approach, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, along with weight-loss drugs and in