Agree 100%. If an obese person needs an extreme measure to lose weight (e.g. GLP-1 drug, Bariatric surgery), do it. However, they should view it as a jump-start to a healthy lifestyle afterwards. i.e. they can't go back to their previous ways that got them obese, as you rightly point out. A big weight loss (~30 pounds or more) might be the motivation for some people to switch to a healthy lifestyle.
That was my experience. At the beginning of 2000, I weighed 230 pounds. Over the next ~15 months, I got down to ~175, on an Atkins diet (and no exercise). This was before I learned how unhealthy Atkins/Keto diet was. But this weight-loss motivated me to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Initially, this was exercise. And, that worked for me. But over the years, I had to go back on blood-pressure meds and a statin, even though my weight stayed in the range of 167-175.
Then after reading the peer-reviewed research studies, my wife and I went on a LF-WFPB diet in 2009. I was able to get off all meds, and over a period of ~3 years, got down to 156. And, now weigh ~150 (BMI = 22). Still in the gym 5 days a week: cardio, weights, and stretching. My wife and I are both 76. No meds, BP averages 120/70, non-HDL 90, and A1C 5.0.
One additional peripheral note on BP. In 1970, in my last semester in college, I was ordered for a pre-physical by my draft board. To my surprise, my BP was a little over 150/100, and then had to have it checked 3 times a day for 3 days at the college infirmary. Net result was a 1Y deferment. So avoided the draft and Vietnam. I eventually learned about 15 years ago that I was sensitive to salt intake (as most, but not all people are). So to keep my BP normal, I do need to watch my salt intake.
Correct. The exact same phenomenon as is seen in all weight loss studies using nutrition as the weight loss strategy. The reduction in mass is averted using resistance training and a higher protein dietary strategy. I have discussed the muscle loss issue at length previously. https://paddybarrett.substack.com/p/revolutionary-results-how-modern?utm_source=publication-search . Bottom line is - If you lose weight - No matter how - You are likely to lose some muscle mass unless you work very hard to maintain it. Weight loss medications are no different.
The article is very informative with the right thinking for general people. But they should know that there are other alternatives to these drugs, that together with lifestyle measures, offer similar effectiveness. Not to talk about the natural alternatives: the peptides where these drugs come from.
Thank you - very comprehensive, and right down the middle. Appreciate the info!
Thanks for this very comprehensive and rational exploration of obesity management Paddy.
Agree 100%. If an obese person needs an extreme measure to lose weight (e.g. GLP-1 drug, Bariatric surgery), do it. However, they should view it as a jump-start to a healthy lifestyle afterwards. i.e. they can't go back to their previous ways that got them obese, as you rightly point out. A big weight loss (~30 pounds or more) might be the motivation for some people to switch to a healthy lifestyle.
That was my experience. At the beginning of 2000, I weighed 230 pounds. Over the next ~15 months, I got down to ~175, on an Atkins diet (and no exercise). This was before I learned how unhealthy Atkins/Keto diet was. But this weight-loss motivated me to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Initially, this was exercise. And, that worked for me. But over the years, I had to go back on blood-pressure meds and a statin, even though my weight stayed in the range of 167-175.
Then after reading the peer-reviewed research studies, my wife and I went on a LF-WFPB diet in 2009. I was able to get off all meds, and over a period of ~3 years, got down to 156. And, now weigh ~150 (BMI = 22). Still in the gym 5 days a week: cardio, weights, and stretching. My wife and I are both 76. No meds, BP averages 120/70, non-HDL 90, and A1C 5.0.
One additional peripheral note on BP. In 1970, in my last semester in college, I was ordered for a pre-physical by my draft board. To my surprise, my BP was a little over 150/100, and then had to have it checked 3 times a day for 3 days at the college infirmary. Net result was a 1Y deferment. So avoided the draft and Vietnam. I eventually learned about 15 years ago that I was sensitive to salt intake (as most, but not all people are). So to keep my BP normal, I do need to watch my salt intake.
You omitted to mention that one of side effects is sacropaenia.
Correct. The exact same phenomenon as is seen in all weight loss studies using nutrition as the weight loss strategy. The reduction in mass is averted using resistance training and a higher protein dietary strategy. I have discussed the muscle loss issue at length previously. https://paddybarrett.substack.com/p/revolutionary-results-how-modern?utm_source=publication-search . Bottom line is - If you lose weight - No matter how - You are likely to lose some muscle mass unless you work very hard to maintain it. Weight loss medications are no different.
The article is very informative with the right thinking for general people. But they should know that there are other alternatives to these drugs, that together with lifestyle measures, offer similar effectiveness. Not to talk about the natural alternatives: the peptides where these drugs come from.