Fostering Positive Body Image in Weight Management: Insights from a Registered Dietitian
Positive Body Image In a world bombarded with conflicting messages about weight and body image, it is crucial to seek guidance from experts who can provide evidence-based perspectives to give you a Positive Body Image. As a registered dietitian, I have immersed myself in the world of weight management and body image over the past 26 yrs, blending scientific knowledge with a compassionate approach. In this blog, I will be exploring a few different areas of balanced nutrition, mindful practices and enabling self-acceptance. With my expertise in this area, I hope to encourage individuals to believe they can too reach these goals. The Balancing Act of Weight Management: Weight management is a delicate balance between nurturing our bodies and maintaining a healthy weight. Instead of succumbing to fad diets or quick fixes, the focus I believe is on sustainable lifestyle changes that support overall well-being. As a registered dietitian, and a Hashimoto’s sufferer myself (Gillians Story) I promote a comprehensive approach that encompasses fixing the gut, checking bloods, balancing nutrition, portion control, regular physical activity, mindful eating and much more. By embracing this full-body holistic perspective, we can release the handbrakes and build a healthy relationship with food and establish habits that nourish both our bodies and minds. I firmly believe in focusing on internal well-being from the outset and the rest will fall into place. A great analogy: Just as you don’t fix the exhaust when you see blue smoke, but rather fix the engine, the same is true for our bodies. The first step… Is by making contact and believing you are good enough to make the changes with professional help. Nurturing Positive Body Image: Positive body image is not solely defined by societal standards, but rather by our perception of ourselves and how we feel in our own skin. I’m familiar with society’s unrealistic standards of beauty, and the negative effects this has on people. In the 80s, when I was growing up magazines featured skeletal models, sharing harmful advice and contributing to a culture of self-loathing. We’ve been exposed to this kind of advertising while shopping, socialising and browsing online. It has been actively encouraged and continues to be an integral part of the digital experience. By self-compassion, and surrounding ourselves with positive influences, we can begin to redefine body image on our own terms. This journey towards positive body image is not straightforward or easy, but it starts with us all, men and women, acknowledging our worth beyond physical appearance and embracing our unique qualities. I have had the privilege of helping and watching thousands of people move from being stuck fearful, depressed and alone to taking control, finding their inner harmony and sparkle with life again as they emerge from feeling trapped. It is honestly the best feeling ever. Empowering a Positive Body Image through Education: Education plays a pivotal role in transforming our understanding of weight management and body image. With over 25yrs of sifting right from wrong, my role has never been more important as I provide my patients with personalised, accurate, and reliable information about nutrition, debunking myths and misconceptions that often fuel unhealthy behaviours. Understanding the science behind weight management allows for informed choices, and healthier eating patterns, and allows for realistic goals that work with our individual needs and preferences. Education equips us with the tools necessary to navigate the complex landscape of weight management and body image with confidence. Cultivating a Supportive Environment: Creating a supportive environment is vital in the journey towards positive body image and sustainable weight management. Toxic people and toxic messages are hugely influential on all ages, social media driving this every minute of every day. Definitely surrounding ourselves with people who inspire and support us can build resilience and reinforce the importance of self-care. By seeking professional guidance from registered dietitians and engaging in support networks, you can navigate challenges, celebrate achievements, and share experiences in a safe and understanding space. Conclusion: Weight management and body image are multifaceted topics that require a nuanced approach. With my experience and qualifications as a registered dietitian, I know what works. A balance of a healthy gut, optimal nutrition, being active, mindful practices, and self-acceptance is the first level, If required blood testing and genetics (nutrigenomics) may be required to work a little more under the bonnet! Remember, you are not alone in this process. Seek the guidance of registered dietitians and surround yourself with a community that values your well-being beyond societal expectations. Together, we can unlock the handbrakes to assist any concerns you have with your weight and build a strong and positive body for a happier, healthier future. So, what to do next or anything else.. If you are needing help with your weight and body image worried you have a poor diet or ongoing stress and wish to change your eating habits or need help optimising the foods you eat and are not sure what programme to select, please do contact us. We would love to help you or your family and friends with any nutrition-related queries big or small. If you want to book your programme TODAY we would love to help you. You can book a 121 Dietitian Programme today by clicking on the link below If you have enjoyed this blog we would love you to share this with your family and friends on your social media channels. Do visit our YouTube Channel for more on keeping your health optimal. If you are interested in how I overcame my Thyroid Autoimmune Condition do check out the About section below Before you go please check out our 121 Dietitian Shop created specifically for optimising your health. Gillian x
10 Dietary Tips for Fatigue: Energy-Boosting Foods to Help You Feel Refreshed
What is Fatigue? Have you ever felt like no matter how much rest and sleep you get, you still feel very tired and exhausted? This is referred to as ‘fatigue’, which is an extreme lack of energy that doesn’t go away easily. Definitely, at this time of year, when we have all had a long, sunless winter, fatigue can be at its worst. Diet can play a major part in influencing how tired or energized you feel. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the effects of diet on fatigue and ways to boost your energy levels through healthy eating habits. In addition to other factors, fatigue can also be caused by stress, lack of sleep, medications and poor health. All of which should not be overlooked. Importance of a Balanced Diet for Fatigue Macronutrients are the cornerstone of nutrition and an essential part of a healthy diet. They provide energy to the body and form the basis for our physiological functions. Macronutrients include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, which are necessary for growth, development, and maintaining normal bodily functions. Each macronutrient has its own unique role in the body and it is important to get them in the right balance for optimal health. Eating a balanced diet is essential for maintaining good health. The Basics – Carbohydrates are the body’s primary source of energy and fibre. Proteins help repair and build muscle tissue and assist hormones. Fats provide a slow-burning source of energy and are essential for cellular activity. Eating foods from each group in the right proportions can help to ensure that all your nutritional needs are being met alongside essential vitamins and minerals, antioxidants and more. Hydration for Fatigue Water is essential for many of the body’s functions, including maintaining energy levels. Water is essential for the functioning of the human body and plays an important role in keeping energy levels up. It involves many of the body’s processes, such as transporting nutrients and oxygen to cells, regulating temperature, eliminating waste, and lubricating joints. Additionally, water helps to increase alertness and enhances concentration. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to stay well hydrated in order to maintain healthy energy levels throughout their day. Even mild dehydration can cause fatigue, so it’s essential to stay hydrated throughout the day. Aim to drink 250ml x 6 glasses of water per day, and more if you’re exercising or in a hot environment. Energy Boosting Foods Complex Carbohydrates for Fatigue Complex carbohydrates are found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables provide slow-burning energy that can help prevent fatigue throughout the day. These foods are also high in dietary fibre, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels and keep you feeling fuller for longer. Eating complex carbohydrates can also help reduce your risk of certain chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. Protein for Fatigue When consumed, protein helps build and repair muscle tissue, aids in digestion and helps regulate hormones. It also provides the body with energy, as it is broken down into amino acids which can be used to create ATP (energy). Consuming adequate amounts of protein can help boost energy levels by providing your body with the necessary building blocks to produce ATP. Some of the best sources of dietary protein include eggs, lean meats, legumes, dairy products, nuts, seeds and fish. These foods are not only high in protein but also provide essential vitamins and minerals to keep us healthy and energized throughout the day. Healthy Fats for Fatigue Eating the right kinds of fat is essential for overall health and wellness. Healthy fats, such as those found in avocado, nuts, and olive oil provide many essential nutrients that are beneficial for our bodies. They can help to reduce cholesterol levels, improve heart health and even aid in weight loss. In addition to providing important nutrients, incorporating these healthy fats into your daily meals can also help to make them more enjoyable and satisfying. Iron for Fatigue Iron plays an essential role in the body, serving many important functions. It helps with energy production, muscle formation, and oxygen transport throughout the body. Eating a diet rich in iron is essential to maintaining adequate levels of iron in the body. Foods that are particularly high in iron include red meat, leafy greens such as spinach and kale, beans and legumes, fortified cereals and grains, nuts and seeds, and fruits like prunes or raisins. Meals and snacks made from these foods can be a great way to get your daily dose of iron. Vitamin B12 for Fatigue Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin necessary for the production of red blood cells, proper neurological functioning, and healthy metabolism. It is found in a variety of foods such as fish, eggs, dairy products and certain fortified cereals. Consuming a diet rich in vitamin B12 can help prevent deficiencies and ensure that our bodies are receiving the essential nutrients needed to maintain health and well-being. If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, you may need to take a vitamin B12 supplement to ensure you get enough of this essential vitamin. Vitamin D for Fatigue Vitamin D is a key nutrient it is a fat-soluble vitamin and a hormone. It has been found to be beneficial in combating fatigue, as it helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are important for energy production. Vitamin D also helps regulate mood, improve sleep quality, and even reduce the risk of certain diseases. It is made by the skin from the sun or can be found in a small range of foods including oily fish, egg yolks and mushrooms. By making sure we get enough of this essential vitamin through dietary sources or supplements, we can make sure our bodies are functioning at their best and combat fatigue effectively. Fatigue -What to reduce or avoid Fatigue and Caffeine Caffeine and sugar are two of the most popular substances consumed daily around the world. Caffeine is a stimulant that can help improve mental alertness and
Manage Stress to Better Manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrom (IBS) and How Does Stress Impact It? Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that affects an estimated 10-15% of people worldwide. Stress has been identified as a major factor in the onset and exacerbation of IBS symptoms and it is definitely a trigger for the patients I see at my clinic when attending one of our super successful gut health programmes. This month has been awareness month for both IBS and Stress, so I thought I would bring the two together in my final blog for this month. As previously mentioned in my previous blogs IBS and Probiotics Irritable Bowel Syndrome is characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. How does stress affect digestion? Studies have shown that stress can affect the way our bodies process food and how our digestive system functions, leading to an increase in abdominal pain and other IBS symptoms. Additionally, stress can cause changes in hormone levels which can further exacerbate IBS symptoms. It is important for people with IBS to take steps to reduce stress levels in order to manage their condition more effectively. The relationship between our brains and the digestive system is powerful, so it is not uncommon for changes in our emotional or psychological state to affect the way our gut works and could explain why we often feel ‘butterflies in the stomach’ when feeling anxious or stressed. The communication and feedback between the gut and the brain is known as the gut-brain axis. This network consists of two parts: The sympathetic nervous system, which manages fight-or-flight responses; and the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls repair, rest and digestion. It is believed that the enteric system functions as a third part to control the digestive system. This communication between the brain and the gut is referred to as ‘the gut-brain axis’, which helps connect emotional processes in the brain to the physical operations of our digestive system. Recent research has been able to establish the gut-brain axis, which is the connection between the two systems. Emotions can affect how your gut functions and vice versa. It’s important to note that although many digestive problems are related to mental health, not all of them are caused by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Anxiety can manifest in various physical symptoms, such as stomach aches or changes in bowel movements. Gut Bacteria and Stress Did you know that having an imbalance in your gut bacteria is having an impact on your mental health? This is sadly not that well known, but with years of research and practice it is a major area that I have built into our programmes and is an important part of successful treatment. Certain bacteria can affect levels of anxiety or stress through activities in the digestive tract. A healthy balance of the ecosystem is necessary for our mental health and well-being, however when it is not balanced (dysbiosis) organisms like bacteria can lead to negative consequences. A recent large, most comprehensive and best-validated association study to date provides further evidence for an association between gut microbes and blood metabolites (generated by host and by microbes) in patients with Major depressive disorder (MDD). (1) They observed “that the genera Sellimonas, Eggerthella, Hungatella, and Lachnoclostridium were more abundant, while genera Ruminococcaceae…, Coprococcus, Lachnospiraceae…, Eubacterium ventriosum, Subdoligranulum, and family Ruminococcaceae were depleted in the guts of individuals with more symptoms of depression. Of these, genus Eggerthella showed statistical evidence of being involved in the causal pathway.” These microbes are involved in synthesising important neurotransmitters, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid, butyrate, glutamate, and serotonin. It is known that Butyrate can influence depression through several routes — ie, via immune regulation, genomic transcript/translation, and/or affecting energy metabolism. So this is really critical for health to ensure these pathways are optimised. 3 Tips for Identifying & Reducing Sources of Stress in Your Life Stress is a natural part of life and we all deal with it at different times in our day, week or life. It is normal and should not cause us problems. It can however become overwhelming if left unchecked. Identifying and reducing sources of stress in your life is essential for maintaining mental and physical health. There are many levels of stress and many ways to address. Here are 3 simple tips to help you identify and reduce the sources of stress in your life. One way is to take time to reflect on what is causing you stress. This could be anything from work or family pressures to financial concerns or relationship issues. Once you’ve identified the source, think about how you can reduce it. This could involve making lifestyle changes. Such as exercising more or taking up a hobby, or seeking professional help if needed. Second, get into the habit of practising mindful living by being aware of how your thoughts and actions affect your emotions and overall well-being. Taking regular breaks throughout the day to relax and refocus will help keep stress levels low. Third, set realistic goals for yourself that are achievable within a reasonable timeframe. Setting unrealistic expectations will only add more pressure and increase feelings of helplessness. Dietary Changes & Supplements that Can Help with Stress & IBS Symptoms Making changes to your diet can not only help reduce stress levels but also lessen the severity of IBS symptoms. Eating a nutrient-rich diet, and limiting processed fat and sugars is important as well as avoiding specific trigger foods. These can help reduce stress levels and improve digestion. Our 6 week elimination programme combines these all for excellent results. Additionally, certain supplements such as probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, vitamin B12 and zinc may be beneficial for those suffering from stress or IBS. By making key dietary changes and taking the right supplements specifically for you, you can experience improved overall health and well-being. We do a deep dive assessment for each patient that attends our practice. This allows 121 Dietitian programmes to be designed specifically for you, ensuring physical and mental health are addressed. Stress Management
What You Need to Know About Probiotics and Their Health Benefits
What are Probiotics and What Makes them so Beneficial? As we are still in the awareness month of gut health I felt it may be helpful to focus on an area that many people want to know more about for improving their gut; Probiotics. Probiotics have been around since ancient times when cheese and fermented products were popular among the Greeks and Romans. They even encouraged each other to consume these for the potential health benefits. The word “probiotic” comes from the Greek word for “for life.” Jump to 1905, a Bulgarian physician and microbiologist Stamen Grigorov identified the first recorded probiotic, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, in Bulgarian yoghurt. This discovery was groundbreaking and has led to further research into the potential of probiotics for many years. Today, probiotics are widely used in healthcare and nutrition as a natural way to improve digestive health and overall well-being. So what are they? Probiotics are live microorganisms that have been researched and proven to provide health benefits when consumed from suitable sources in adequate amounts. They are commonly found naturally in food sources often fermented such as yoghurt, miso, tempeh, sauerkraut and cheeses. In recent years this can also be taken as a supplement and due to modern manufacturing a mass market of choice has “mushroomed” onto the probiotic shelves. Probiotics work by introducing beneficial bacteria into the gut microbiome which helps to maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms. This balance is important for proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune system functioning. Research has shown that probiotics can help to reduce inflammation, improve digestive health, and boost the immune system. Additionally, probiotics may also help to reduce symptoms of certain diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Exploring the Different Sources of Probiotics and How to Properly Integrate Them Into Your Diet We know probiotics are found naturally in certain foods, such as yoghurt, sauerkraut and miso. But as mentioned they can also be taken as supplements in the form of liquids, pills or powders and even research has been carried out intranasally. I can’t cover them all as you would be really bored still reading in a few hours time! Suffice to say there are so many to choose from I often wonder is this more to do with confusing the consumer and encouraging them to keep buying new ones, and thus clever marketing, more money spent from repeat purchases. I really hope it is that we are just really lucky that the manufacturers are improving therapeutic doses, strains and delivery methods for all ages and stages of life. Most common types of probiotics Lactobacillus (Lactobacillus acidophilus) – This strain helps maintain a healthy balance between good and bad bacteria in your intestines. It’s also thought to help prevent diarrhoea caused by antibiotics.Bifidobacterium (Bifidobacterium lactis) – This strain helps improve lactose intolerance, boost immunity, reduce inflammation throughout the body (including in joints), help regulate blood sugar levels after eating carbohydrates like bread and pastas–and even reduce symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Just because they are common and frequently recommended in health food stores they are not always the best choice for many. Probiotics for Specific Conditions Probiotics are a good choice for anyone who wants to improve their health. They can help with digestion, immune function and even weight loss. But there are some specific conditions where probiotics are useful: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This condition affects the colon or large intestine. It causes abdominal pain and bloating that may be accompanied by diarrhoea or constipation. Many people with IBS also experience gas and other symptoms like nausea or vomiting after eating certain foods. Studies have shown that taking certain probiotics while addressing the diet can help relieve these symptoms because they help balance out the bacteria in your gut–a process called “gut dysbiosis.” Our gut health programmes are uniquely designed for each individual to ensure probiotics are selected based on your specific requirements. Diabetes Type 2 prevention/treatment: Research has shown that taking certain strains of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) over time can reduce blood sugar levels in people who have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). In one study published in Diabetes Care journal found that supplementing with LGG lowered fasting blood glucose levels by almost 10 percent compared to those taking placebo pills over six weeks period. Weight loss: Another study published in Obesity Reviews journal found supplementing with Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis helped reduce body fat percentage while increasing lean muscle mass. A snapshot of thousands of probiotics available. What Are Some Potential Side Effects or Risks Associated With Taking Probiotics? While the potential benefits of probiotics are well-known, there are also potential risks associated with taking them. These risks could include allergic reactions, interactions with medications, and changes in the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut. Certain people may be at higher risk for adverse events due to various conditions. These include people with immunodeficiency, short bowel syndrome, central venous catheters, cardiac valve disease, and premature infants. These individuals may be more vulnerable to certain infections or other medical issues that can result from their medical condition. It is important to understand these risks before taking probiotics so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to take them and discuss any potential risks with your healthcare provider. I think it is important to point out here that if your gut is doing as it should you have no unpleasant GI or health issues then leave it to get on doing what it does best and don’t interfere! Prebiotics and Synbiotics You may have heard of Prebiotics and synbiotics. These are dietary supplements that help to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria by providing food for the probiotic organisms, thus encouraging them to multiply.Prebiotics are non-digestible fibres that pass through your digestive system unchanged, but they act as fertilizer for probiotic bacteria in your intestines. They’re found naturally in foods like bananas, onions and
PCOS -Weight Loss Diet
PCOS – Weight Loss Management (Fertility Programme) PCOS – Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age. It affects about one in 10 women and usually starts from puberty and can continue through to menopause. PCOS can cause multiple problems, including infertility, acne, excess hair growth, period irregularity and excess weight. Why does PCOS make it difficult to lose weight? PCOS has a link to multiple issues. What does the clinical evidence say for PCOS and Fertility? Many large studies across the world have shown that women who were overweight were able to lose weight before getting pregnant significantly improved both their fertility treatments and pregnancy outcomes. This is why international guidelines have recommended that weight loss should be the first line treatment for women living with obesity before undergoing fertility treatment or planning a family. How can a 121 Dietitian weight management programme help you? There is no one size fits all regime for losing weight, nor is there one specific fertility diet. Furthermore, women who are overweight with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome can find weight loss particularly difficult.All of the recent evidence has indicated that crash diet/exercise regimes tend not to work and can even cause harm, in other words, weight management does not mean starving yourself! The best approach is to have a sensible and achievable long-term plan to reduce weight and keep it off for GOOD. Who is this plan for? • Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) experiencing difficulty losing weight• Women who are over or underweight experiencing a delay in achieving a pregnancy• Women who want to achieve weight and lifestyle improvement before trying for a baby• Men who have modifiable risk factors with diet and weight. Weight management for PCOS The aims of the weight management and or fertility programmes we offer are: • To achieve a realistic goal. We, therefore, focus on a 5-10% body weight loss over 4-6 months as this has been shown to improve fertility treatment outcomes.• To achieve sustainable weight loss – not just short-term gain• To provide a personalised dietary and exercise programme with appropriate psychological support – this has been shown to be the most effective way to achieve sustainable weight loss as well as improve quality of life – helping you to feel good about yourself• To empower you to help you feel more in control of everyday life so that you can avoid returning to unhealthy lifestyle behaviours. We haven’t forgotten the men in your lives…. Men can contribute to infertility issues also. Our programmes allow for both or either partner to be treated for infertility. How does our PCOS and Fertility plan work? You will meet a specialist dietitian throughout a period of a minimum of 6 months….Prior to an appointment, you will be asked to complete a 121 Dietitian – 7 Day Food Diary and Diet Plan Questionnaire. These will be assessed by Gillian Killiner RD, specialist Dietitian, and an appointment will be arranged to discuss the findings and begin the best nutritional programme bespoke to you. This can be via our online secure portal or face-to-face at our Holywood clinic. Week 1 – At this initial appointment Gillian will include nutritional information, motivation and lifestyle changes. A nutritional programme, recipes and shopping list will be written up for you to follow with SMART goals. Nutritional optimisation is the goal and this will include assessment of gut health/mental health/bloods and corrected with diet and supplements as required. Week 4 –6 – at this dietetic review Gillian will reassess the recommendations and assist you with setting further achievable goals. If you are wishing for a reduction in weight you will be aiming for 1kg/2lb weight loss as a steady and manageable reduction each week. Week 12-15 – Review with Gillian – you will be asked to forward a new food diary prior to this, the appointment is online/phone call &/or email. Week 22 -28 – Final appointment with Gillian – reassessment of weight and medical and general health parameters in conjunction with your fertility team. Partners together weight management fertility package £800 Either Partner weight management fertility Individual programme £600 Weight Loss for PCOS For women with PCOS who wish to lose weight only, our programmes will be tailored specifically to your requirements. PCOS weight management programme £500
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
