If you were offered a drug you could take just once a week, that was clinically proven to lead to sustained weight loss, without the nasty side effects, you’d be tempted right?

If you were offered a drug you had to self-inject, that would give you nausea, vomiting and upset stomach for months, that you needed to take forever (that you’ll have to pay for) otherwise weight regain would occur, that might increase your chances of developing cancer or even dying, I’m guessing you wouldn’t be so keen. 

The first paragraph is what the drug company tells you. 

The second paragraph is me Mel, not being paid by Big Pharma to lie, instead critically evaluating the data and telling you the truth. It’s important I do this because there are literally lives at risk. 4 of the last 6 weight loss drugs have been withdrawn, not because they didn’t work, but because they caused harm. And death.

In part 1 of this episode, I start to reveal how harmful weight loss drugs can be. It’s a bit sweary and possibly triggering. I talk about weight loss, ob*s!ty and numbers so no offence taken if you need to skip this. 

I’ll explain how these drugs came about, why no one can get hold of the diabetic drugs they really need, and share some rather nasty side effects.

Part 2 will follow next where I get more into the side effects, dangers and financial persuasion and discuss the recent news of the American Academy of Paediatrics recommending these weight-loss drugs (and bariatric surgery) for kids. Don’t forget to subscribe!

Resources

Saxenda Trial - A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa1411892

Wegovy Trial - Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183