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1. Weight-loss jabs: What happens when you stop?
2. Concerned About Your Brain Health: Why Energy Matters
3. Holiday Aftermath
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Weight-loss jabs: What happens when you stop? (© BBC)
Ellen and Tanya have both lost weight using GLP-1s but have had very different experiences when it comes to stopping the medication.
"It's like a switch that goes on and you're instantly starving."
Tanya Hall has tried to stop taking weight loss medication multiple times. But every time she stops the injections, the food noise comes back. Loudly.
Weight loss jabs, or GLP-1s, have done for many what diets could never do. That constant background hum, telling them to eat even when they are full, has been turned off.
The drugs have given those who never thought they could lose weight a new body shape, a new outlook and in many cases, a completely different life.
But you can't continue taking them forever, can you? Or can you? Well, that's one of the issues, no-one quite knows.
They are new drugs - which mimic GLP-1, a natural hormone that regulates hunger - and the potential side effects from using them in the long term are only just beginning to emerge.
And with an estimated 1.5 million people in the UK paying for the injections privately, staying on them for a long time is not a cheap endeavour.
So what happens when you try to stop? Two women, with two very different stories but the same goal - to lose weight and keep it off - tell us what it's been like for them.
Tanya says her hair "came out in clumps" when she first started taking the medication© Tanya Hall
"It was like something opened up in my mind and said: 'Eat everything, go on, you deserve it because you haven't eaten anything for so long'."
Tanya, a sales manager for a large fitness company, first started taking Wegovy to prove a point. She was overweight, felt like an "imposter" and thought her opinion was not valued by her industry because of her size.
Would she be taken more seriously if she were slimmer?
Ultimately, she says her suspicions were proved right. After she started using the jabs, people would come up to her and congratulate her on her weight loss. She felt she was treated with more respect.
However, during the first few months of the treatment, Tanya struggled to sleep, felt sick all the time, had headaches and even started to lose her hair, which might not be directly due to the drug but is a potential side effect of rapid weight loss.
"My hair was falling out in clumps," she recalls. But in terms of weight, she was getting the results she'd hoped for. "I'd lost about three and a half stone."
Now, more than 18 months down the line, what started as a bit of an experiment has turned into a complete life change. She's lost six stone (38kg) and she's tried to come off Wegovy several times.
But each time, within just a few days, she says she eats so much food she's left "completely horrified".
Should she stay on the medication, and live with all the side effects that come with it, or jump into the unknown?
Wegovy's manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, said that treatment decisions should be made together with a healthcare provider and that "side effects should be taken into account as part of this".
Stopping weight loss drugs can feel like "jumping off a cliff", observes lifestyle GP Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi.
"I often see patients who will come off it when they're on the highest dose because they've reached their target and then they stop."
According to Dr Al-Zubaidi, that can be like being hit by an "avalanche or a tsunami". The food noise comes back as quickly as the next day.
He says the evidence so far suggests that, between one and three years after stopping the medication, people will see a "significant proportion of weight" go back on.
"Somewhere in the region of 60 to 80% of the weight that you lost will return."
Ellen Ogley is determined not to let that happen. She decided to start taking weight-loss medication because she had reached a "key turning point" in her life. She was so overweight she had to sign a waiver to say she might not make it through a vital operation.
Starting on Mounjaro was her "final shot to get it right", she says.
"I was an emotional binge eater," she says.
"If I was happy, I would binge. If I was sad, I was binging. It didn't really matter, I had no filter whatsoever."
But when she started using the jabs, "all that switched off".
Ellen says she changed her whole relationship with food while she was on weight-loss drugs
Life without food noise gave Ellen the space to redesign her relationship with eating. She started to read up on nutrition and create a healthy diet that helped fuel her body.
She was on the medication for 16 weeks before she began to taper, cutting down over a period of six weeks. She lost 3st 7lb (22kg).
As she lost more weight, she found she could exercise more and when she was feeling "low", instead of "going to to the cupboards and filling my face", she would go for a run.
But when Ellen stopped taking Mounjaro, she began to see her weight creep up, which she says "messed my head up a little bit".
This is why the right support is crucial, Dr Al-Zubaidi says. The UK's medicine watchdog, Nice, has recommended that patients receive at least a year of ongoing advice and tailored action plans after they've stopped treatment, helping them to make practical changes to their lives so they can keep the weight off and most importantly, stay healthy.
But for those who pay for the drugs privately, like Tanya and Ellen, this kind of support is not always guaranteed.
For the past few months, Tanya's weight has stayed the same, and she feels the medication is having little impact. But she's not going to come off it, she says.
She's finally at a weight she feels comfortable with and each time she's tried to stop, the fear of putting the weight back on quickly becomes too great and she finds a reason to go back on the medication.
"For the first 38 years of my life, I was overweight - now I'm six stone (38kg) lighter," says Tanya.
"Therefore, there's part of me that feels like there's an addiction to keep it going because it makes me feel the way that I feel, it makes me feel in control."
She stops for a second. Maybe it's the other way round, she muses, maybe it's the drug that controls her.
Ellen has continuned to lose weight since she stopped taking weight-loss drugs
"It's all about having an exit strategy," Dr Al-Zubaidi explains. "The question is: what are these people's experiences once they come off the injection?"
He is worried that without additional support for people making the transition, society's unhealthy relationship with food means little will change.
"The environment that people live in needs to be one that promotes health, not weight gain.
"Obesity is not a GLP-1 deficiency," he says.
In some respects, many people enter a game of weight-loss roulette when it comes to stopping their weight-loss medication. Factors like lifestyle, support, mindset and timing all play into how futures post-GLP-1s unfold.
Tanya is staying on the medication and is fully aware of the pros and cons of this decision.
Ellen feels that chapter has now closed. She's lost more than eight stone (51kg) now.
"I want people to know that life after Mounjaro can be sustainable as well," she says.
Eli Lilly, the company which makes Mounjaro, says "patient safety is Lilly's top priority", and that it "actively engages" in monitoring, evaluating and reporting information to regulators and prescribers.
Concerned About Your Brain Health: Why Energy Matters
Mitochondria are tiny structures within almost every cell in your body, and their primary role is to produce energy for the cell. Since the brain uses a significant amount of energy, any inefficiency in mitochondrial function can directly impact how the brain operates.
Despite making up only about 2% of your body’s total weight, the brain consumes about 20% of the body's energy. Because of this, brain cells—also known as neurons—are heavily reliant on healthy, efficient mitochondria to function properly.
How Mitochondria Support Brain Function
Mitochondria play a crucial role in the brain’s ability to function by supporting the following processes:
*Sending electrical signals between neurons
*Creating and releasing neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, which are vital for mood and cognition
*Protecting brain cells from damage
If your mitochondria aren’t working properly, neurons can struggle to do their jobs, which may impair brain function.
How Mitochondrial Problems Impact Your Brain and Nervous System
Trouble Focusing ("Brain Fog")
Neurons need constant energy to stay active and communicate with each other. When energy levels are low, signal transmission becomes slower, and you may experience:
* Difficulty focusing
* Slower thinking
* Mental "cloudiness" or brain fog
Memory and Learning Difficulties
Memory formation requires significant energy. Mitochondria also help strengthen the connections between neurons. When mitochondrial energy is low:
* Learning new information can become harder
* Remembering things may take longer or be less reliable
Headaches
Brain cells and blood vessels rely on mitochondria to regulate energy and calcium levels. When mitochondrial function is impaired, it can:
* Increase sensitivity to stress
* Disrupt blood flow in the brain
* Trigger headaches or migraines
Why the Brain Is Particularly Sensitive to Mitochondrial Issues
The brain is an energy-intensive organ that doesn’t store energy efficiently. It is also highly sensitive to oxidative stress, which is when unstable molecules cause cell damage. When mitochondria aren’t functioning optimally:
* Less energy is produced
* Harmful byproducts may build up
* Normal brain signaling can be disrupted, leading to cognitive difficulties
In Summary: Mitochondria and Brain Health
* Mitochondria act as the energy factories of our cells.
* The brain is one of the most energy-hungry organs in the body.
* Inefficient mitochondria can lead to issues such as brain fog, memory problems, and headaches.
How to Support Healthy Mitochondria
The Role of Nutrition in Mitochondrial Health
To keep your mitochondria working well, you need to provide your body with the right nutrients. Without adequate intake of phytonutrients, antioxidants, healthy fats, proteins, and fiber, your mitochondria won’t have the necessary tools to repair themselves and function optimally.
How to Boost Mitochondrial Energy
*Exercise: Regular physical activity improves mitochondrial function. The better your muscle mass and cardiovascular health, the more efficiently your mitochondria will work.
*Diet: A well-balanced, whole-food diet is crucial. Avoid processed foods, refined sugars, trans fats, and gluten. Instead, focus on fresh fruits and vegetables. Green veggies like broccoli and bok choy, colorful vegetables like beets and carrots, and sulfur-rich vegetables like cauliflower and cabbage help your body produce glutathione, a powerful antioxidant.
*Healthy Fats: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in grass-fed meat, wild-caught fish, avocados, nuts, and seeds, are vital for building mitochondrial membranes. Consider adding a fish oil supplement to your diet to support mitochondrial health.
Key Supplements for Mitochondrial Health
Two essential nutrients for mitochondrial energy production are Vitamin B1 and magnesium. These nutrients play a crucial role in the energy production process. Without them, mitochondrial function can slow down significantly.
A supplement that combines B1, magnesium, and other essential nutrients can be particularly beneficial for supporting metabolic and mitochondrial health. Since modern diets often lack these nutrients, taking a supplement may help bridge the gap.
One such supplement is PureLife Care+, a natural product designed to work at the cellular level to improve metabolism and support healthy mitochondria.
For more information and to order PureLife Care+
Holiday Aftermath
Read our article on getting over the overeating, too much celebrating and not eating right.
Recovering After the Holidays: Boosting Your Health
The New Year often brings a surge of resolutions aimed at improving health—losing weight, getting more exercise, and eating better. But is this renewed focus on well-being due to the fresh start of a new year, or is it the aftermath of all those holiday indulgences that sparks the desire to "reset"?
In our previous post, we discussed how to maintain your health while enjoying holiday feasts. But what if you didn’t quite stick to your goals and now find yourself feeling the post-holiday slump?
While holiday meals don’t directly cause nutritional deficiencies, the typical seasonal eating habits can lead to certain nutrient gaps. If you’re feeling less than your best, here's a look at some common nutrient shortfalls and how to bounce back.
Common Nutrient Gaps After the Holidays
1. Fiber Deficiency
Holiday meals often feature refined carbs like white bread, pastries, and stuffing, while fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods take a backseat. This can lead to sluggish digestion, constipation, and blood sugar imbalances.
Solution: Increase your intake of high-fiber foods, such as vegetables, beans, nuts, and fruits, to get things moving and keep your digestive system healthy.
2. Low Magnesium
Magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, legumes, and nuts are often overshadowed by sugary and fatty holiday treats. A magnesium deficiency can lead to muscle cramps, fatigue, headaches, and irritability.
Solution: Include more magnesium-rich foods in your diet, such as spinach, almonds, and avocados, or consider a supplement if needed.
3. Potassium Deficiency
Potassium-rich foods like bananas, potatoes (with skin), beans, and leafy greens are often replaced by salty, processed foods during the holidays. This can lead to increased blood pressure, bloating, and electrolyte imbalances.
Solution: Reintroduce potassium-rich foods to your meals to help maintain fluid balance and keep your energy levels stable.
4. Vitamin D Deficiency (Seasonal, Not Meal-Based)
With shorter days and less sun exposure in winter, vitamin D levels naturally dip. Since holiday meals rarely feature vitamin D-rich foods, it’s easy to fall short on this essential nutrient. Low vitamin D can lead to fatigue, weakened immunity, and even mood changes.
Solution: Consider a vitamin D supplement, especially in the winter months, or consume more vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish, and eggs.
5. Low Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Holiday spreads often focus on meats and creamy dishes rather than nutrient-dense fatty fish or plant-based omega-3 sources like walnuts. Omega-3s are crucial for reducing inflammation, supporting brain health, and stabilizing mood.
Solution: Incorporate omega-3-rich foods like salmon, chia seeds, and walnuts into your diet, or take an omega-3 supplement.
6. Dehydration
The holiday season is often filled with alcohol, sugary drinks, and salty foods, which can leave you dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, digestive issues, and overall sluggishness.
Solution: Make a conscious effort to drink plenty of water throughout the day, alongside any other beverages you enjoy. Staying hydrated can help restore your energy and improve digestion.
How to Restore Your Health Post-Holiday
After indulging during the holidays, it’s important to focus on nourishing your body with whole foods, not processed ones. Prioritize vegetables, beans, nuts, fruits, and lean proteins to replenish essential nutrients.
If you’re experiencing symptoms like fatigue, irritability, or digestive discomfort, consider adding a few supplements to your routine. B vitamins, vitamin D, and a good multivitamin can help fill in nutrient gaps, while magnesium, potassium, and electrolytes can support your body’s balance.
For those looking for an extra nutritional boost, Camel Milk is an excellent supplement to consider. Packed with a range of essential nutrients, it offers a natural way to support overall health and fill any nutritional voids left by holiday indulgence.
Read about Camel Milk and Camel Milk Ingredients
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