A GP has shared his golden rule for those taking weight-loss jabs, offering advice on how to keep the weight off after treatment ends. Dr Adam Staten works alongside patients who are losing pounds with GLP-1 medications.
Successes and Pitfalls of Weight Loss Jabs
The GP and medical director for One Day Tests has seen numerous success stories from people who have transformed their lives using the drugs, but has also seen cases where patients have piled the weight back on. He found that the jabs have not only helped people lose weight, but also lowered their risk of heart disease, strokes, diabetes and fatty liver disease.
He said one crucial step all users must take before beginning injections is to ensure they are in the correct mindset for when treatment ends and that they can maintain their weight independently. Dr Staten, who is based in Milton Keynes, warned that the jabs fall short when people view them as a 'magic bullet' and fail to consider the longer-term picture.
The Golden Question
He said that before starting the jabs, everyone should ask themselves a single question: 'What lifestyle do you want to end up with?' Dr Staten stressed that people 'need to have a picture of where they want to end up' and must understand what changes they need to make, reports the Mirror.
He said: 'The injections are just a tool, and some people haven't given a huge amount of thought to the aftermath. Keeping the weight off after stopping jabs is definitely doable, but you have to have done other things alongside the medication.'
Implementing a Sustainable Lifestyle
'One of those things is implementing a lifestyle that doesn't feel like a chore to continue,' Dr Staten explained. He noted that many medical professionals were initially doubtful when GLP-1 jabs first came onto the market, believing it was best to carry on encouraging dietary changes and more physical activity.
However, Dr Staten said his attitude changed when he began to see 'remarkable' results from GLP-1s. He said a growing trend is patients committing to remaining on a low dose long term, if not indefinitely, following their initial weight loss to help maintain it.
Cost Considerations and Misconceptions
Yet owing to the considerable expense involved, this won't be a feasible option for everyone. He said: 'The biggest misconception is that it's this wonder drug. You take it and lose weight, and don't need to do anything else. But people should be asking themselves what changes they are going to make in order to maintain their weight loss.'
On dietary changes, Dr Staten said a shift in thinking is needed, moving away from simply counting calories towards focusing on the overall quality of nutrition. As an example, he pointed out that avocado on toast may contain similar calories to a McDonald's meal, yet avocado's nutritional value makes it the obvious 'better choice'.
Protein Intake and Starting Early
He also advised people to boost their protein intake to help them stay on course, stressing that this should begin from the very moment their weight-loss journey starts — rather than waiting until they stop the jabs — if it is to prove sustainable. The NHS website provides more information about Wegovy or Mounjaro, including the criteria for prescribing these medications.
