Understanding the Limitations and Risks of Semaglutide for Weight Loss
Semaglutide is effective for weight loss but has notable limitations and safety concerns. Alternative dietary approaches, especially plant-based diets, offer a safe and proven way to improve health and manage weight sustainably.
Recent insights published in JAMA Cardiology shed light on the significant limitations and potential risks associated with semaglutide, a medication often prescribed for weight management. Despite its popularity and ability to induce weight loss, several concerns have been raised regarding its long-term effectiveness and safety.
A key issue is the moderate effectiveness of semaglutide, with many users experiencing weight loss plateaus. Studies such as the SELECT trial reveal that after four years of treatment, only about 12% of participants achieved a normal BMI. The majority remained in the overweight or obese categories, and weight regain was common once the medication was discontinued, as shown by the STEP-1 extension study.
Furthermore, adverse events are prevalent among users, and the long-term safety profile of semaglutide remains uncertain. An observational study linked the drug to an increased risk—more than fourfold to sevenfold—for nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, a serious vision problem.
In contrast, plant-based diets have demonstrated substantial benefits for weight loss and cardiometabolic health. The BROAD study, for example, showed that participants on a low-fat plant-based diet lost an average of 12.1 kg over six months, with greater improvements in cholesterol levels compared to standard care.
Dr. Vanita Rahman emphasizes that while semaglutide offers some weight loss benefits, its limitations and potential risks highlight the importance of exploring safer, sustainable alternatives such as dietary interventions. Public awareness of plant-based diets’ benefits is growing, with many adults recognizing its positive health impacts. However, few healthcare providers actively discuss this option with patients.
In light of these findings, health professionals should consider endorsing nutritious, low-cost, risk-free strategies like plant-based diets to combat obesity and reduce associated health risks effectively.
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Online Kids' Videos Flooded with Unhealthy Food Promotions
Children frequently encounter misleading junk food promotions embedded in YouTube and YouTube Kids videos, raising concerns about digital marketing impacts on young health. Read more about the hidden marketing tactics targeting kids and the need for stricter regulations.
Vegetarian Diet with Dairy Outperforms Vegan Diet in Managing Blood Sugar for Diabetes Prevention
A groundbreaking study reveals that a lacto-vegetarian diet including dairy may better regulate blood sugar than a vegan diet, offering new insights into diabetes prevention strategies.
Intermittent Fasting Shows Similar Benefits to Traditional Diets for Weight Loss
Intermittent fasting diets demonstrate similar effectiveness to traditional calorie restrictions for weight loss and metabolic risk reduction, according to a recent comprehensive review in The BMJ.
Dietary Factors Influencing Survival in Stage 3 Colon Cancer: The Role of Inflammatory Foods
New research reveals that consuming proinflammatory foods after stage 3 colon cancer diagnosis can significantly increase the risk of death. Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet may improve survival outcomes.