Doctors warn that drugs like Ozempic make you "lean fat"
"It is better to be in good health than being thin. They are not the same," said anesthesiologist Nicole Martin, MD.
There is no shortage of side effects regarding GLP-1 medicines, although some have drawn more attention than others. For example, you've probably heard of it. " Ozempic face , "" Ozempic feet , "And even" Ozempic mouth , "But what about" Skinny Fat? "The term was invented on the inaugural episode of Scrubs to stilettos Podcast, organized by doctors and former Real housewives Tiffany Moon , MD, and Nicole Martin , Md. According to Martin, an anesthesiologist certified by the board of directors, "lean fat" refers to someone who has a weak BMI (body mass index) but who lacks muscle density.
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What is "lean fat?"
"There is this thing that calls lean fat, where you are skinny but that you have no muscle mass, and it's not healthy," said Martin.
This phenomenon has become a recurring theme in ozempic patients, in particular those who use the non -MA medication for weight loss. Unlike Wegovy, which is approved for weight loss, the Ozempic is only approved to treat type 2 diabetes. Likewise, Zepbound is approved for weight loss and mounjaro for diabetes.
"People are mainly, like hungry. They end up being deficient on nutrition," said Martin. "It is this constant fight between eating protein and ensuring that you meet your nutritional needs, then to take this medication that does not allow you to eat."
Or, people use the drug to hide unhealthy eating habits - because the theory is that sticking in calories will always cause weight loss even if you eat a fatty burger and fries. This only makes the trend of "lean fat" alive and wreaking havoc on your internal health.
"When you are there, you are not hungry. So, when you eat, you can mainly eat [explanive] and always quote" be thin "because you eat so little that it is a cheeseburger, you are not going to break the bank," added Moon.
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This can cause unhealthy muscle loss or bone loss.
As Moon explained, "when you limit your calories, and you do not eat well and you do not exercise, now you lose lean muscle mass."
Strong muscles contribute to the prevention of osteoporosis, the protection of articles, bone growth and a better balance. A study in 2024 published in Jama Network Open found that taking GLP-1 medication led to Decrease in muscle mass and an increase in bone mineral density (DMO). As Best life Previously reported: "The AARP estimates that for each weight book you lose, 25% will come from Lost bone or muscle mass . ""
For these reasons (and many others), doctors often urge patients at 65 and over do not use Ozempic, as a spectacular drop in weight can accelerate their risk bone loss.
"Significant weight loss, especially on a short period of time, can also contribute to a decrease in bone density, which can put older adults to an increased risk of bone fractures or exacerbate pre -existing conditions such as osteoporosis", " HAVY NGO-HAMILTON , Pharmd, pharmacist and clinical consultant at Buzzrx , previously explained to Best life .
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There are also other concerns with Ozempic.
Ozempic made his debut on the Hollywood red carpet in 2021 after being highlighted Dr. Oz's show . Since then, it has become available - even if at a high cost - at the masses. Now that it is more accessible than ever, more and more research on Ozempic has been released.
For example, health experts fear that increasing the popularity of Ozempic can trigger the behavior and trends in food disorders.
"You know, people who weigh 115 pounds and just don't want to eat a cheeseburger - we have to be careful because there are side effects," warned Martin.
"Our society has an obsession with meager. To the point where they will compromise their health to be skinny, but they are actually less healthy," added Moon.
At this point, Martin said: "It is better to be healthy than being thin. They are not the same."
When you start new medication, especially the Ozempic, the best thing you can do is be an "enlightened consumer," said Moon. This means consulting a doctor (maybe even get a second opinion!) Who knows your medical history and conduct your own research.
You also familiarize with GLP-1 drugs and their properties, both positive points and potential negatives. For example, did you know that these drugs are not necessarily considered to be drugs?
According to Moon, "these are peptides that occur naturally in your body." They work by "delaying gastro emptying, which means that instead of food that comes out of your stomach over a period of six to eight hours, it slows down at 12 to 6 pm".
"If you are overweight, if you are diabetic, the drugs are excellent. They do what they do. The problem becomes when people get these prescribed drugs and take them without being watched," said Martin.
"In the end - I don't care what someone says - your bodily habitus is a reflection of the contribution and production," said Moon. "So what are you put in your mouth and how much energy you produce. Do you train or sit on your buttocks all day?
"My official opinion is that if you do not need it, which means that you have no indication to be on one of the drugs, then you should probably not be there," concluded Moon.
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