Summary
In her latest blog, Deborah Collins, M.S., PA-C, discusses the complexity of obesity, addressing factors like genetics and hormonal imbalances contributing to weight struggles. While lifestyle changes like diet and exercise are essential for weight management, some individuals may benefit from additional medical support. Deb highlights new medications, like GLP-1 receptor agonists (Wegovy and Ozempic), which can aid in reducing body mass index. At the Couri Center in Peoria, IL, personalized treatment plans, including lifestyle modifications and medical interventions, offer a comprehensive approach to help patients achieve long-term success in their weight loss journey.
The Myth: “You Are What You Eat”
For almost a generation now, the old adage, “You are what you eat, ” has been preached to millions of overweight Americans. For those who are overweight or obese, they know this is a false statement and by no means should be used as a blanket statement to reflect the habits of all overweight Americans. In general, the causes of Obesity are very complex and multifaceted. From inherited Cardio Metabolic disorders to Polycystic ovarian syndrome or multi-generational obesity genetics, the reasons are varied. Results from many high-quality studies show that approximately 42 % of adults from the general population and 44% from Ethnic minority populations reported trying to lose weight worldwide.
Recent CDC statistics show that 1/3 of our population is overweight or above 30% BMI.
Current Weight Loss Interventions: What Works and What Doesn’t
Obesity interventions have largely focused on a combination of exercise and dietary interventions, combined with personal behavioral changes and calorie reduction intake. Other interventions have included medical management and surgery interventions, which are often associated with inadequate efficacy or complications limiting their use.
Now more than ever, the medical community is starting to recognize the importance and urgency of helping patients achieve a healthy body weight or Body Mass Index(BMI). A healthy BMI is under 25%, and a diagnosis of Obesity is defined as a BMI>30%.
Understanding Obesity Treatment Guidelines
Obesity can have devastating health consequences and lead to a shorter lifespan. We have learned that Obesity cannot always be controlled with better discipline and lifestyle changes. The underlying pathophysiology is a dysregulation of the body’s energy balance system controlled by a complex interplay of neural, hormonal, and metabolic pathways. While lifestyle changes remain the “cornerstone” of treatment, these measures alone are rarely enough to maintain weight loss long-term.
The Rise of GLP-1 Medications: A New Hope in Weight Loss
Over the last few years, the GLP-1 (Glucagon Like Peptide -1 receptor) medications have shown promising results in reducing body mass index by 15-18 %. The weight loss medication most are familiar with is Wegovy or Ozempic. The generic name is semaglutide. In addition, a newer class of GLP-1RA (Glucose-like Peptide receptor agonist) Zep Bound (tripeptide) has also shown promising results. It lowers the body mass index by 15-20%, depending on the dosage.
How GLP-1 Medications Help: The Science Behind the Solution
The GLP-1 and GLP-1RA’s work in a few different ways. They stimulate insulin in hyperglycemic states (elevated blood sugar) and also suppress glucagon secretion. They delay gastric emptying and decrease appetite, thereby reducing body weight. In other words, your stomach empties slower, you feel full longer and your pancreas does not have to secrete as much insulin. Insulin is a polypeptide hormone that coordinates with glucagon to modulate blood glucose levels. When insulin regulates glucose in the bloodstream, it also induces glucose storage in the muscles, liver, and adipose tissue, resulting in overall weight gain. The modulation of this physiological process of insulin makes its synthesis and levels critical in the onset and progression of several chronic diseases.
Personalized Weight Loss Solutions at the Couri Center
Here at the Couri Center, we want to help mitigate chronic health conditions and improve your quality of life. Our approach is multifaceted, including a visit with our healthcare provider to obtain labs and a visit with our dietician. We will determine your BMI and offer multiple modalities based on your medical conditions and lifestyle.
Proactive Health: Why Early Intervention is Key
Early intervention and lifestyle changes can prolong your life, and reduce your risk of developing a chronic health condition. If you want to evaluate your risk and learn more, please schedule below online or call 309-692-6838.
Be well,
Deborah
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References
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/p0912-adult-obesity.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5215364/. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17446651.2021.1991310#abstract
https://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMoa2107519
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