Some experts believe anyone could benefit. GLP-1 therapeuticsas popular drugs became more widespread and available.
However, the decision to treat diabetes weight loss drugs It should be based on your health history and potential risks. So how do you know if you’re a good candidate?
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, author of the new book “Weightless” and an expert in obesity medicine, said body composition testing is the best way to determine GLP-1 eligibility.
Weight loss may be achieved with just one pill, research suggests new drug
Most people associate success with the number on the scale, but this alone doesn’t tell you what’s going on. your healthsays a New York City-based expert.
“You’ve probably lost some muscle, you’ve probably lost some water, you’ve probably lost a little bit of fat,” she says. “Just because you’re losing weight on the scale doesn’t mean you’re healthy. It’s your body composition that matters.”
Body composition monitors are often found in the following locations: clinic And even some gyms. This technology scans your body and measures three health indicators:
Salas Whalen says these measurements can pinpoint what’s in the body that causes disease or maintains health.
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“I measure the body composition of everyone who walks through the door,” she said. “I want to look at visceral fat. Visceral fat is the fat that surrounds your internal organs. This is fat that promotes inflammation and increases insulin resistance.” [and] Hyperinsulinemia (a condition in which there is too much insulin in the blood compared to what the body needs). ”
“We also want to know your body fat percentage, or what percentage of your body weight is fat.”
Salas-Whalen says this should be around 28% or less for women and 20% or less for men.
Skeletal muscle mass is another important marker of health and includes muscle that is built through exercise. diet and exercise.
“Muscles are anti-inflammatory organs,” experts say. “Insulin resistance also decreases… [and] Consumes 80% of glucose. ”
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According to Salas Whalen, the goal of weight loss is not just to lose weight, but to achieve body recomposition. This is why GLP-1 should not be distributed to anyone, and especially should not be purchased online without the guidance of a medical professional, she warned.
“If you have good body composition, rest assured that you will receive all the benefits that someone taking GLP-1 would receive,” she says. “It’s not safe to use drugs you don’t need.”
Salas-Whalen said it was important to “know your numbers” after having your body composition assessed, as the results could be surprising.
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“every patient journey “But what I can say is that most people would rather need GLP-1 than not… In fact, many people would benefit more from taking GLP-1 than not.”
The World Health Organization conditionally recommends the long-term use of GLP-1 and related therapies (such as liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide) in the treatment of obese adults (BMI 30 or higher) as part of obesity treatment. We do not recommend these as general use medications for everyone. health condition.
