Is it the begining of the end for Weight loss injections?

[BeginingoftheendforWLI]

Just watched a report on BBC news, they did an item on a woman who had type 2 diabetes and was prescribed Mounjaro, doctors were impressed she managed to come off insulin within a month. She had some weightloss and now goes to the gym regularly.

Her doctor admitted that there was widespread concern in the medical field that people who were buying it privately for cosmetic reasons not for medical reasons could face some consequences in the future such as muscle growth and bone degeneration and lack of nutrition - they simply don't have this data at present.

Feel like this is going to be big news in the foreseeable future.

Ha! Cross posted @Hereagain2

I'd argue the deep seated, frequently espoused belief that obese humans can simply hard work and good choice their way out of obesity is an example of said behaviour.

Because what we actually know is that human bodies don't work that way, and that obese people are overwhelmingly unlikely to lose weight and keep it off through diet and exercise. However, it takes some work to unlearn this- you have to be willing to actually do the research, question deep seated beliefs and admit that what we thought we knew, we actually don't. To give up on the 'easy solution'. Naturally, some people can't or won't do that.

You absolutely do get people saying that sort of thing about antidepressants! "Happy pills being handed out like sweets" and so on. I agree with your wider point entirely but depression is definitely also an area where people want those affected to suffer their way out of it rather than taking medication.

No problem. I am the parent of a type 1 diabetic - terrible condition to have to live with. The key is understanding type 1 is never preventable and there are, technically, no restrictions on foods that can be eaten. Reality is many are careful with sugar and carbs but can eat a 12 inch pizza followed by a cake as big as your head if they want! Just need to get the insulin right - no mean feat, believe me.

Type 2 can be prevented in many cases but age is a factor and genetics can play a part. It is wrong to pull the lifestyle card for all type 2s but type 2s generally need to make an effort to reduce carb intake and make sure they exercise.

Regardless of type, kidney, liver, eye, heart problems are all a possibility and care needs to be taken to avoid problems. Type 2 is not a lesser problem but it is less immediate in terms of seriousness most of the time. Type 1 is the kind of condition where it feels like you cheat death on a regular basis! Type 1 is not particularly well understood by GPs or practise nurses and within the type 1 community, you will hear horror stories related to poor care, including the removal of insulin from prescriptions. I am aware of multiple cases where adults who are diagnosed with type 1 were initially diagnosed with type 2 leading to life threatening situations and terrible trauma for all concerned. If you are ever diagnosed with type 2, keep your wits about you is all I can say.

I’ve been on anti-depressants for 34 years after a major post natal episode.

I would never offer my opinion on someone else’s healthcare choices.

Why are people so judgemental?

GLP-1 also has nasty effects on the rest of you. Not just fat. It's interesting that for many it's the side affect of anorexia that is making them lose weight — they just have no desire to eat. This means that either they will continue to take the drug to dangerously low weight levels or gain weight when they start eating again. It's great for people who've gained weight through steroid use but those who've gained weight through poor diet without a lifestyle change are going to find it a temporary measure. There are people who've had gastric bypasses or stomach stapling who've regained the weight because they didn't change their lifestyle.

It's great for people who've gained weight through steroid use but those who've gained weight through poor diet without a lifestyle change are going to find it a temporary measure.

Why 'will' when long term maintenance dosing is very much a thing?

@pollymere you say "GLP-1 also has nasty effects on the rest of you" could you expand on what those "nasty effects" are, thanks. Been taking Mounjaro for 18 months and not noticed any nasty effects so it would be really useful to know what to watch out for!

Yeah the effects are so nasty that Mounjaro has cleared up my very severe case of Sebborheic Dermatitis, got my cholesterol under control for the first time in over 20 years and resolved the plantar fasciitis that I suffered with for three years. Really nasty side effects!

And again, if you actually bothered to read the posts of people on it, they virtually all do / have made lifestyle changes which they intend to be permanent. All these posts about "I know Sheila who got it off the hairdresser for £20 and eats kebabs every day but is skeletal and grey" I think are largely supposition, guesswork and fantasy / tabloid bollocks.

I've a friend who can't eat carbs. Usually it's gut upset such as bad gas, diarrhoea, constipation, sulphur burps, gut cramps and nausea. It can also cause palpitations. Long term it causes depletion of muscle and bone mass. It can also cause anorexia as It dulls the desire to eat but also people enjoy the weight loss so become obsessed which also means they don't want to eat. It can also cause light-headness and dizziness and play havoc with your liver and pancreas in how it processes glucose/glucagon and with insulin production. It sounds like you've been okay though! For people with Type 2, the usual obvious effect is "orange oil" poo and fecal incontinence.

I hope this is what you were asking...

So, you've started there with a list of possible side effects that are listed in the Mounjaro patient information. Some of those are very minor, the others unpleasant but not what I would call "nasty". And they are all treatable and manageable, and usually short lived. And not experienced by the majority.

As already discussed, the risk of muscle and bone mass depletion is a potential issue for any diet and is easily countered by exercise and good nutrition. Which is advised when being prescribed. Mounjaro does not cause anorexia, which is a complex mental health issue.

It also doesn't "play havoc" with your liver and pancreas. It has an intended effect on how you process glucagon and on your blood sugar. That's not "playing havoc", what happens is well known and understood and is the intended effect. It is not a "nasty effect" nor does it cause harm.

I have no idea why you think people with T2 diabetes might get '"orange oil" poo and fecal incontinence.' That sounds like someone who cannot digest fat, and is one of the side effects of Orlistat not Mounjaro, and isn't dependent on being T2 diabetic.

Your friend sounds like they are on too high a dose of Mounjaro/Wegovy if they are continually having all those side effects you list, @pollymere

Exactly what @SilenceInside said. I honestly think the critics think they must be so much smarter than anyone using MJ that they know something we don't, or are mindlessly injecting any random substance with no thought or research, or that we're all suffering horrific side effects bit dont care. The vast vast majority on my particular support thread have very few or no side effects. In 8 months I had one day of sulpher burps.

Sounds grim! Personally my previously high blood pressure is lower, which is very debilitating.

You've stated all this as fact, so props to you for having such incredible self confidence.

I’m sorry to say, its just made you look a bit silly though…

@pollymere Strange how you aren't mentioning the many, many nasty and life limiting side effects of being overweight....?

Because they are legion.

I've been on it for 16 months. The only noticeable side effects have been the 3 st weight loss, the reduction in cholesterol and the disappearance of excruciating plantar facilitas.

Should I be concerned that MJ hasn't been working properly? Have I been injecting myself with a dud product???

I've had the unbearable side effect of needing a whole new wardrobe. Thank goodness for Vinted. Oh and I can comfortably tuck my jeans inside my wellies with room to spare. That and I can skip through my daily walk pain free. My blood pressure is right down, my visceral fat levels are excellent as is my bone density. Thoughts and prayers welcomed

I had the awful side effect of immediate reduced inflammation from my autoimmune disease which wasn't due to weightloss as it happened almost immediately within a week of taking my first injection. My rheumatologist agreed it was to do with the WLI and he was really interested in reading more studies on it. I also had the awful side effect of less brain chatter meaning my yet undiagnosed ADHD was manageable, making me more productive at work and at home. Also the side effect of 5 and half stone weightloss. I had none of the unpleasant side effects listed in the patient information leaflet. In fact, it has been a really easy process for me. The reduced pain and inflammation meant I was able to start exercising again after suffering immeasurably for years meaning my lifestyle was becoming more and more sedentary. I'm now in the gym 5 days a week and I love it there, it's really an enjoyable lifestyle choice for me.

Sounds traumatic!

Just remembered another side effect. I no longer need my regular blood tests for cholesterol thus freeing up more appointments at my surgery for other patients. Should I be worried that I'm not getting my money's worth from the NHS?

My son's a GP and has considerable concerns about the long term effects of these medications . . .

Since only time will tell I don’t see the point of this post. People are stating real tangible benefits.

Right...such as and based on what? Being a GP does not actually make him an automatic expert on every kind of medication and if you spend a bit of time on the WLI boards you'll find some scarily intelligent and v v well read mumsnetters who are exceptionally well informed on the latest peer reviewed evidence. Plenty of complaints on here about GPs who dont know anything much about a particular condition..that isn't surprising or a dig at your son but "being a GP" isn't a badge of automatic authoritative opinion.

Have you asked him why? Seems a bit irrational otherwise. What long term effects worry him more than the long term effects of obesity?