Health trends are not a new phenomenon. Various diets, activities and potions have been promoted as the next greatest beak through in personal health for probably 200 years. Among the current craze in healthcare trends are the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications. I don’t think that any commercial break is complete today without an ad for one of these medications. These are so popular that even an organization like Weight Watchers is now promoting them. I get it that the US and much of the planet is considered overweight or obese, but does this need to be so medicalized that everyone needs to be on a medication for it? So what is it about these medications that make them so attractive and more importantly, are they safe enough to be promoted like your favorite car brand?
The medication family in question is called the GLP-1 agonists. These medications are hormone mimickers that help the pancreas make more insulin to help control blood sugar. This hormone also helps to control appetite and even influences the types of foods one eats. They have positive effects on the heart, muscles, liver, brain and likely other organs and tissues.
With this being said, is there any downside to these medications that should make anyone hesitant to use them?
The first of these medications came into use nearly 20 years ago. The ...
