I get asked all the time why I love my job so much. It is addictive. Being able to help people to live better, live stronger is something I feel very lucky to be able to do. I have been doing it for 26 years now, and love it more than ever.

Throughout that time, I have seen so many new trends and innovations come and go, some great and some not.

Over the last two years, GLP-1s have become mainstream for the treatment of obesity. Obesity is now classified as a disease, just like any other, and treated in several ways. No longer just exercise and diet prescription, weight loss surgery and medication are very common to help people with this disease.

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Am I a fan? Absolutely. For those who need help, it can make such a dramatic difference to their quality of life, health and wellness and pretty much everything. But just like any medication, it can be abused. If you qualify for the medicine, it can be life changing, but it’s not without side effects, it has to be said.

The side effects can include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain and losing interest in food. They don’t work for everyone and they are lifelong medications for most people.

On a very basic level, the medication works on the brain and the stomach, turning off the food noise or addiction and reducing your food consumption by 30-40%.

GLP-1s can help you achieve great goals like taking on the Camino, Karl Henry pictured front.

So, if you meet the criteria and your GP recommends it, then I think go for it. I work with lots of clients who are taking the medication, and used properly and with medical supervision, it can be life changing.

But buying it online, using it to lose weight for a wedding, holiday, party or just to shift one to two stone, is where we are seeing the abuse of the medication. Utilising GLP-1s in this short-term way is another quick fix, like any diet.

A portion plate is a great way to ensure a balanced meal.

For most people, the weight will go back on after the medication stops, and you are back to square one, if not heavier.

As a society living in an obesogenic environment, where it is becoming harder and harder to stay at a healthy weight, society wants a quick fix, and that isn’t what GLP-1s are designed for. If you are thinking of taking it, go to your GP and discuss it with them first.

Remember to do weight training as well as taking the medication.

If you are taking the medication, here are some simple reminders for how to ensure you are getting the most from the experience:

  • Don’t buy it online, go to your GP or a dietician, who can go on this journey with you.
  • Buy a body composition scales and monitor your muscle and fat mass along the way as you lose weight. You want to maintain your muscle mass and aim for fat loss.
  • Do weight training as well as taking the medication. This helps to keep you and your bones strong and maintain your muscle mass.
  • Ensure you are eating a balanced diet with adequate protein. Using the portion plate idea is a great tool here – half the plate should be salad or veg, a quarter carbs and a quarter protein.

    • Life is too short for side effects. If it doesn’t work for you don’t suffer on, chat with your GP.

    There is no stigma attached to taking GLP-1s; if you need the medication, like any disease, take it.

    Next week: Why being flexible as you age is a game changer.

    Scan the QR code below: What you need to know about GLP-1s