Wegovy – New Diet Drug
Wegovy – New Diet Drug 121 Dietitian is excited by the launch of the New Diet Drug Wegovy for weight loss and obesity. A game changer for weight loss, but not without consequences. If you decide this is for you, you need to ensure you get the maximum results possible. As weight loss experts 121 Dietitian wants the best for you, we are seeing a massive push on online prescribing. What support do you get with this????? In most cases, it is lip service and not personalised. These drugs are not a quick fix, they are expensive, require 18 months of time commitment and stop working when you don’t inject. So what can you do? How to get maximum results with Wegovy- new diet drug If you decide Wegovy is for you. You may be surprised to read that the only way to get maximum results is by working with a Specialist. Dietitians like us here at 121 being the gold standard! Wegovy is not the golden ticket to weight loss. We know and have many years of experience assisting thousands of people with optimising their diet and health for life. Wegovy what you need to know As a Dietitian for nearly 30 years, I have watched many drugs come and go regarding weight loss. Wegovy is one of the newer kids on the block. Big breakthroughs have been the headlines over the years and many people eager to get their hands on the latest launch, pay big bucks for something they know nothing about. Creating drugs to allow for a substantial amount of weight loss without serious side effects is the dream for many pharmaceutical companies and many attempts have been made. In this blog, I hope to provide you with all you need to know about these medications the positives and negatives of taking these drugs and what alternative may work better for you long term. How Do These Anti-Obesity Drugs Work? In normal digestion, the gut secretes hormones after food intake, stimulating insulin secretion. These pharmaceutically created peptides (Wegovy) mimic these same gut hormones and provide more GLP-1 to flood the system and allow for additional weight loss. Wegovy and Mounjaro work differently in the body but both keep you fuller for longer by delaying gastric emptying, increasing insulin sensitivity, decreasing glucagon, and reducing high glucose levels. Both drugs reduce triglycerides, LDL and raise HDL cholesterol, along with reducing blood pressure. Who is eligible for Wegovy? Wegovy is intended for use by adults aged 18-75 who have a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27 or above AND a weight-related health condition such as (asthma, cardiovascular disease, depression, diabetes, fatty liver disease, gallbladder disease, high blood pressure, a history of certain cancers, osteoarthritis or gout, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Side effects of Wegovy – New Diet Drug Something that is often overlooked or underplayed is the side effects of drugs. For Wegovy and Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) include nausea vomiting abdominal pain constipation diarrhoea There is a concern of 4.5 x higher intestinal obstruction in 25,000 people studied. Fatigue and headache are also very common, mainly as doses increase. Other common side effects include: feeling lightheaded excess passing wind gastroesophageal reflux injection site reactions hair loss hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes Less common side effects have been noted with these drugs including allergic reactions gallstones (which can occur with a large amount of weight loss) the potential of medullary thyroid cancer You are also at risk of acute kidney injury. In rare cases, there can be serious side effects, such as pancreatitis or anaphylaxis. A list NOT to be ignored. How is Wegovy Given and Practical Considerations Wegovy (Semaglutide), is in a prefilled self-injection delivered under the skin in the arm, abdomen or thigh. 0.25 mg for a month, increasing monthly to a maximum dose of 2.4 mg in the 5th month. It takes a year to 18 months to have full effect. As with any medication, there are positives and negatives and I have spent most of the last 15 years in my clinics trying to reduce my patient’s medication lists where possible! I am aware however that some medications are beneficial, and it is a major hope that these drugs will genuinely assist in weight loss for the select individual. One thing for sure is that they do seem to be a better option than bariatric surgery which is a blog for another day! Currently, the hype is big and no doubt we will find out more as time goes by, but for now, I prefer to recommend you don’t get swept up too soon and spend extortionate amounts of money without doing the following first. Wegovy -Work with a Dietitian Obesity is a complex, chronic disease with multifactorial causes, and taking a drug and expecting life-changing weight loss is too simplistic. For those seeking to improve their health and lose weight and really stuck these drugs may be a short sharp kickstart but no more. It is clear from the research that when people stop taking Wegovy/Ozempic, they rapidly regain the weight. It is very expensive and there are important issues that need to be highlighted regarding everyday considerations like how alcohol impacts blood sugar control, fasting, health risks and other medication interactions. Verdict on Wegovy – New Diet Drug As a Dietitian, I have been asked repeatedly about weight loss drugs. I always consider all options and for the greater good of all who may be thinking about using these and believe in working on lifestyle, diet and fitness interventions first or alongside any targeted medication. I am concerned that vulnerable people who are really in need of significant weight loss may need to stay on Wegovy indefinitely in order to maintain any weight loss achieved, and this definitely raises concerns about long-term use. As 121 Dietitian offer weight loss services it is something for you to consider. You can invest in a 121 Dietitian programme, the
Intuitive Eating – myth busting
Myth Busting Intuitive Eating One of the biggest misconceptions is about intuitive eating. People fear that if they are not following a strict diet then they can’t lose weight, which is thankfully far from the truth… Intuitive eating = eating perfectly all the time This is not the case. So if this is you, don’t fear, read on and I explain this in more detail. There are so many different factors involved in intuitive eating it is not about eating perfectly 100% of the time, this is just not required. What is intuitive eating? In a nutshell -Intuitive eating is making food choices at each meal and snack that are not from a controlling plan but are focused on natural unprocessed sources that suit: your body composition your background your cooking skills your time limits your wallet your health and much more How is intuitive eating different from a diet? Intuitive eating is thankfully very different from traditional dieting. In traditional dieting, rules and numbers are created based on crude figures like your weight and height which are frequently inaccurate. These numbers are to be met each day strictly. The type, quality of food and lifestyle are not factored in and these are important. For example, you can eat a ton of sugar-free and fat-free foods and drinks to meet low kcals or eat a packet of processed nitrate-full meats to meet your protein. These pro-inflammatory options impact negatively on gut bacteria, hormones, insulin release and appetite signalling and keep you stuck in a vicious circle. Intuitive eating is, fortunately, the opposite where you learn to enjoy food and understand what your body needs micronutrients included. No number crunching is involved. Fortunately, there are no foods off-limits but it requires a different mindset and an understanding of how your diet fuels you long-term and keeps you happy. SO -NO QUICK NASTY FIXES! YAH! Can you eat intuitively and lose weight? Yes, Yes, Yes and most importantly intuitive eating is adaptable for life and all the variety that comes with it. Intuitive eating allows you to go on holiday, go out with friends, enjoy parties and BBQs, with no guilt attached selecting the right foods and moving on. How do people lose weight through intuitive eating? Instead of weighing your food, counting calories, stressing you are not meeting macros, and feeling miserable in the process, you eat according to your day and what makes you feel fueled and happy. That doesn’t mean junk, takeaways, cookies and buns. It is finding the foods that will assist your health both physically and mentally that you will enjoy. Feeding and fueling the correct gut bacteria reduces inflammation and most importantly fixes the stress and guilt around food. What does intuitive eating look like? A popular question and one again that needs to be suited to you as an individual taking into account: Your age, your health status, your sex, your weight, your height, your ethnicity, your cooking skills, your time, your activity, your stress, your sleep, your fluids and possibly more. The bottom line all needs to be factored into this. Simple options include regular meals made from suitable: natural good quality proteins varied and colourful vegetables regular fruits in suitable amounts – not made into smoothies healthy natural fats high fibre carbohydrates Get these in at each meal and you are on the right path. Is intuitive eating healthy? Studies have found that intuitive eating has positive nutritional outcomes compared to restrictive dieting plans. With letting go of strict control there is instantly less stress, better sleep, and an understanding of real hunger and appetite. Since intuitive eating does not come with specific diet plans, intuitive eaters learn to consume a wide variety of foods, are more likely to get the benefits of well-balanced nutrition and most importantly stick with it long term no yo-yo dieting. Is Intuitive eating dangerous? NO intuitive eating is not dangerous but you must trust your ability to eat the best choices when you feel hungry and stop when you have had sufficient. Undereating or overeating in any diet will be dangerous. Intuitive eating benefits There are many benefits: insulin sensitivity, happy mood, weight loss, not feeling you are on a diet, and consuming not only macros but micronutrients too! My intuitive programmes keeps it real as here at 121 Dietitian we prefer the 80-20 rule where you have a little bit of what you like at a time in the day that works for you. This allows you to feel less isolated and keeps you on track for life. A WIN-WIN! Hunger is Affected by What You Eat Definitely, if you get the balance wrong and eat what you like from the wrong choices then hunger will not be addressed. Refined carbs and processed foods with lots of sugar messes up hunger cues so you will remain tempted by the foods that derail you and keeps you feeling miserable. I can’t count the number of times that I have patients call to tell me they no longer crave the rubbish they were addicted to. Honestly it’s the best feeling ever. How do I know if I’m hungry with intuitive eating? Headaches, tiredness, feeling short-tempered, thinking about food, lightheadedness, or feeling sick could all be signs of hunger – these should not be your ques to eat, it is far too late and a concern if these are your triggers to eat. You are more likely to reach for the wrong stuff. Keeping good blood sugar control from slow and low energy-releasing foods is the only way to assist this. Can you count calories and eat intuitively? Yes, you can and many people do. I am not against this option at the beginning if you need this to get it right and you are coming from strict counting. It can be daunting to chuck this all in so best to ease out while intuitive eating takes control! Kcal counting does take time and dedication and is
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Vitamin D Benefits – 9 awesome reasons
Vitamin D Benefits everyone’s health young and old. Vitamin D has multiple benefits and I have been a massive advocate of Vitamin D for many years due to my autoimmune family. Further strengthened when asked to write for the New Scientist on the tragic case of a murder trial.… So lets dive in to why you and your family need Vitamin D today….. It has been known for many years that Vitamin D is important for the following reasons: Vitamin D helps our body absorb calcium and phosphate, lowering the risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease as well as ensuring our bones are flexible and strong. Vitamin D support the immune system which allows our body to fight off harmful bacteria and viruses. Vitamin D helps to strengthen muscles. Excitingly there is more to vitamin D than it was originally believed…..but before we get into that lets cover the basics…. Low levels of Vitamin D It is important to be aware that nearly half of the population have low blood levels of Vitamin D during winter months. This is especially low from January through to April/May when any summer sunshine stores you may have gained the previous summer are truly depleted. Those living in latitudes above ∼35° are significantly affected. In addition to depleted stores, many more people than ever have low levels of vitamin D due to changes in our lifestyles, less time outdoors, and the use of sunscreens. The elderly or those who are housebound are at very high risk all year round. Dark skinned people are also at risk. Further risk has been found in people who are obese, pregnant or a child due to either a lack of availability as Vitamin D is locked away in high fat stores or due to an increased need for development and growth in childhood and pregnancy. What are the Symptoms of a low vitamin D? The following symptoms can be common in those with Vitamin D deficiency: Fatigue Not sleeping well Bone pain or achiness Depression or feelings of sadness Hair loss Muscle weakness Loss of appetite Getting sick more easily What does vitamin D do for you? Tonnes!!! Interestingly Vitamin D is actually a steroid hormone but also known as a fat-soluble vitamin. This helps the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus; essential for building bone. How does Vitamin D work as a hormone? The body synthesizes Vitamin D after you have been exposed to the sun. It is then activated by the liver and kidneys. This activated form acts like a hormone to regulate calcium metabolism around the body. Vitamin D Benefits Cancer Exciting studies are now showing that vitamin D can reduce cancer cell growth, help control infections and reduce inflammation by stimulating the production of T-cells. These T cells help our bodies respond correctly to fight infections, including viruses, bacteria and fungus. These infections are responsible for various types of illnesses, including the common cold, and flu, Strep A and similar community-wide diseases. Vitamin D also aids in the repair and regeneration of cells, stimulate the death of cells that have been damaged by cancer, and lower the formation of blood vessels in tumours. Mood Vitamin D boosts your mood. Studies suggest that the decreased levels of Vitamin D3 may impact the levels of serotonin in the brain, this is a hormone that regulates the mood. By enjoining some safe sun each summer and, if in the Northern hemispheres taking a Vitamin D3 supplement in the winter, you could see a significant boost in your mood. Weight Loss Vitamin D can aid in weight loss. The chemical influence of Vitamin D is on serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone. This is known to assist appetite, sleep, mood, and stress levels. The connection to weight loss is believed that with sufficient levels of Vitamin D you are more likely to be motivated and have the energy to make the changes both mentally and physically to stay fit and healthy at a safe weight. Rheumatoid Arhtritis Vitamin D can lower the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. One of Vitamin D benefits is to help maintain the immune system and ensure that it is working correctly. A deficiency in Vitamin D could therefore increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis as your immune system is more susceptible to attack. Type 2 Diabetes Vitamin D lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes. Not getting enough sunlight can reduce the secretion of insulin from the pancreas, which can create resistance to insulin and affect how the body responds to glucose. Sufficient vitamin D can help lower levels of cortisol. This is a stress hormone produced in the adrenal glands. Cortisol assists in the body’s response to stress. Prolonged high levels of cortisol can lead to increased abdominal fat. This is linked to several health conditions including diabetes type 2. Blood Pressure Vitamin D can help lower blood pressure. a large genetic study that involved more than 150,000 people revealed that low levels of Vitamin D can cause hypertension. In this study, those who had the highest levels of Vitamin D had lower blood pressure. It was found that a 10% increase in Vitamin D led to a 10 % reduction in high blood pressure. Heart Disease Vitamin D might reduce the risk of heart disease. Several studies have indicated that a deficiency in Vitamin D is a risk factor for developing high blood pressure, heart disease, congestive heart failure, peripheral arterial disease, strokes, and heart attack. What causes vitamin D to drop other than sunshine? Vitamin D deficiency as mention is most commonly caused by a lack of exposure to sunlight. However some medical disorders can also cause Vitamin D deficiency. The most common causes after sunlight is a poor diet, medications and certain disorders. Cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease and Coeliac disease are conditions that can prevent your intestines from adequately absorbing enough vitamin D through diet and even supplements, especially if
Hangover cures put to the test
Hangover Cures Put To The Test In a culture where celebrations are often fuelled by alcohol, many of us will be searching for a hangover cure to erase the negative effects of the previous night. Here, at 121 Dietitian, we firmly believe prevention is better than the cure. So we have done some research on hangover cures. With so many so-called hangover cures circulating the web. We’ve looked at the studies on each one in order to determine which one is actually the best. Here are our findings… Coffee and paracetamol for hangover Caffeine is thought to raise energy levels while paracetamol relieves aches and pains. However, researchers at Temple University in Philadelphia have revealed that black coffee can worsen a hangover. While scientists at the University of Washington believe that taking paracetamol as well can be deadly, as caffeine triples the amount of a toxic by-product created when paracetamol is broken down. This toxicity is the same substance responsible for liver damage when alcohol and paracetamol react together. You may be up against your genes on these too! As a nutrigenomics practitioner I see many patients with genetic issues. The CYP1A2 gene codes for the CYP1A2 enzyme, which is responsible for caffeine metabolism in the liver. Paracetamol is degraded via a minor pathway by CYP2E1 to the liver-toxic metabolite NAPQI. This is toxic even at therapeutic doses, causing hepatotoxicity. Milk thistle for hangovers Available as a tablet or in liquid form. This is an abstract from the milk thistle plant. It is believed its properties aid the body in metabolising alcohol more quickly. Some studies have shown that silybin and silymarin, found in the plant, protect the liver from toxins. They also boast the benefits of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, most of the studies surrounding this were carried out on alcoholics so there is really no proof of its effect in preventing or curing a hangover. Water for hangover One our favourites by far, and one of the most widely recognised hangover prevent/cure techniques, drinking water with alcohol. One pint before bed is believed to reduce the effects of a hangover by diluting some of the nasty by-products of alcohol. Bacon sandwich for a hangover The hangover choice for many. This tradition dictates that bread soaks up alcohol from the night before, alleviating the effects of a hangover. In fact, a study at Newcastle University’s Centre for Life has indeed confirmed that a bacon sandwich can offer relief. Rather than bread ‘soaking up’ the alcohol, it’s the carbohydrate laden effects which boost blood sugar levels, speeding up the body’s metabolism and the process at which the body gets rid of alcohol. Furthermore, rich in protein and amino acids, bacon reverses the effects of alcohol in depleting brain neurotransmitters. But be careful, and stay hydrated as the saltiness may get you later. Isotonic sports drink for a hangover The theory here is that the products contain tiny, easily digestible particles of carbohydrates which help the body to rehydrate faster than by drinking water. Leeds Metropolitan University have revealed that sports drinks are one of the best remedies for restoring blood sugar levels, and their calories can rehydrate the body up to 40% more effectively than water. But remember to monitor both your alcohol and isotonic sports drink intake as anything in excess is damaging. Exercise for a hangover Probably the last thing a lot of people would turn to in a hungover laden state, sweating off a hangover is thought to be a myth. Findings from a government survey revealed that exercise will simply compound your body’s fluid debt and increase your symptoms further. Hair of the dog Many believe that having a drink the next day will ease the recovery process by diminishing the effects of alcohol withdrawal. However, rather than alleviating symptoms, another drink is just elongating the recovery process, lengthening the point at which you feel better. This is a dangerous option and can damage your liver and organs if habitual. Eggs for a hangover While often eaten as part of a hangover fry, eggs are also consumed raw as they contain a substance called cysteine, which is believed the fight free radical damage to the body. However, if feeling queasy, eggs can be hard to stomach and watch for any bacterial contamination. You may find it easier and more helpful to consume a supplement L-Cysteine. This was a small study so not convinced its a miricle cure! Prickly pear cactus for a hangover Taken before a night out in either tablet or pill form. Prickly pear cactus is believed the reduce the likelihood of a hangover. Research at Tulane University, New Orleans tested 64 healthy medical students and indicated that the extracts reduced three out of nine hangover symptoms – nausea, dry mouth and loss of appetite. Halving the risk of a severe hangover. Again a small study and not one to be jumping up and down about for a true cure. This does however highlight the importance of a rich polyphenol diet. Many fruits are a fantastic sources of antioxidants and fluids. Ensuring you consume these daily will support your body if needing to eliminate excess alcohol. Alka-Seltzer for a hangover One of our least favourites, containing a concoction of aspirin, paracetamol and caffeine. It is believed that Alka-Seltzer before heading to bed will leave you feeling revived and hangover-free in the morning. Research at Leeds Metropolitan University revealed that while they can help a headache and neutralise excess stomach acid, the main benefits are probably from the effect of drinking the water that they are dissolved in. They aren’t recommended for sensitive stomachs. Artichoke extract for a hangover Believed to help the liver process alcohol, there is conflicting findings on the effect of Artichoke extract. The journal Phytomedicine showed that a supplement of 400mg extract of artichoke leaf extract helped stomach problems, and there is anecdotal evidence that it reduces indigestion, an upset stomach and nausea. Experts however at King’s College London