The skinny on Wegovy

By Carissa M. Bolden and Nar’Cissa Patton

Did you know that in 2021, Mississippi ranked fifth in the nation for obesity? Obesity is a serious condition that involves excessive body fat and is associated with over 60 comorbidities. The condition wasn’t recognized as a disease until 2013, when the American Medical Association realized it was affecting people nationwide.

Two main comorbidities that affect obese men and women more than others are heart attack and stroke. Another comorbidity that is prevalent only to women is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). In our practice, we assess clients’ risk for these conditions, as well as isolating those presenting with a condition called metabolic syndrome.

WHAT IS METABOLIC SYNDROME?

Metabolic syndrome is when a person presents with three or four underlying conditions that, when together, make it hard for the heart to pump adequate blood throughout the body. This condition increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar), hypertension (high blood pressure), hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), and obesity (body mass index of 30 and above — or 27 with one comorbidity) are all factors that make up metabolic syndrome. Over 40 percent of adults in Mississippi have a BMI of 30 or greater.

HOW OZEMPIC AND WEGOVY WORK

After you eat, your body naturally releases glucagon-like-peptides (GLP1s). These shut down the “food noise” of pleasure eating and regulate blood sugars. GLP1s help people eat less and stay fuller longer. Unfortunately, it lasts only minutes after eating.

Medications like Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for obesity management are very similar to these naturally forming peptides. The problem is that these medications work so well in helping the body process sugar that the demand exceeds the ability of the manufacturer to supply those who need it.

The pressures that social media place on the medication for aesthetic reasons is why providers must evaluate each individual’s health and prescribe the medication appropriately. Obesity and type II diabetes patients both benefit greatly from GLP1s.

Like any other medication, we must do our part by introducing new lifestyle modifications and intensive behavior therapy. It is important to see a provider that focuses on educating you on “why” we eat the way we do.

LONG-TERM EFFICACY

There was a 2022 study done in where once people were off the medications, they began to have hunger pains again and started eating for pleasure. Those people regained their weight. That is why it is important to have a provider that educates and guides patients to the proper behavioral modifications needed to change their eating habits. When you know better, you eat better.

Carissa M. Bolden, certified nurse practitioner, is the co-owner and a nurse practitioner at NuCare Medical and Weight Loss Center alongside Nar’Cissa Patton, doctor of nursing practice. Reach them at (601) 283-8999 or learn more at www.nucaremedical.info.