Obesity has been identified as a chronic disease since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared so in 1997. This was an instrumental milestone in treating and accepting obesity as a chronic condition.
Since then, the research has demonstrated the leading cause of obesity to be multifactorial, including:
- Genetics
- Environment
- Lifestyle
- Behavior
- Activity level
- Psychological (including trauma)
Obesity is associated with other comorbid conditions such as:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypertension
- Cardiovascular disease
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Depression
Obesity and associated comorbid conditions increase an individual’s risk for premature mortality, morbidity, and a lower quality of life.
Treating and managing obesity requires a medically supervised weight loss program run by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers.
CONCI is proud to be one of the leading institutions for medical weight loss programs and research. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a free orientation.
Why are Meal Replacement Products Essential with GLP-1 Medications Like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound?
GLP-1 receptor agonist weight-loss injections, such as Wegovy and Zepbound, have gained more popularity over the last few years, given their effectiveness in reducing adipose tissue (fat mass).
When considering the research studies conducted, patients can lose anywhere from 15% to 25% of their body weight on these medications.
The most crucial aspect to consider when calculating weight loss is the amount of muscle mass lost and whether it is proportionate to the total weight loss.
On average, patients lost around 20% of lean muscle mass while on Wegovy anti-obesity medication; these participants were on a food-based diet (FBD). Let’s take a peek at what that might look like…
Based on these numbers, an individual weighing 290 lbs would lose around 58 lbs of lean muscle mass. Certain meal replacement products (MRPs), such as protein bars and shakes, are designed to meet 100% of each individual’s nutritional needs and protein requirements. Adequate protein intake is essential in preserving as much muscle mass as possible. Below, we will dive deeper into why this is important.
MRPs provide “stimuli narrowing,” which is the process of narrowing food choices. Our brains naturally crave variety and stimulation.
Stimuli narrowing with meal replacement products is an effective way to keep the craving centers in the brain controlled.
As mentioned above, obesity is a multi-factorial disease and should be managed comprehensively.
Why is Lean Muscle Mass Preservation So Important?
Skeletal muscle mass and strength are critical factors supporting frame and metabolism (metabolic health) within the human body.
Skeletal muscle is recognized as an essential marker for metabolic health and energy requirements. Loss of muscle mass is associated with metabolic risks such as later cardiovascular disease and decreased insulin sensitivity.
At Central Ohio Nutrition Center, we recommend that patients taking weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy include high-protein meal replacement shakes in their diet plan.
Given the mechanism of the drugs—slowing gastric emptying and appetite suppression—patients are limited in the amount of protein-enriched foods they can intake due to the effectiveness of these drugs.
Protein needs are based on 1g of protein per kg of body weight for each individual. These requirements are critical in preserving lean muscle mass and metabolic health.
Can Meal Replacement Products and GLP-1/GIP Injections Help Keep Weight Off?
Yes!
When considering the OPTIFAST OPTIWIN study, at years four and five, 53% of patients maintained a weight loss of at least 5%, and 35% of patients maintained a weight loss of at least 10%.
In the most recent Wegovy study, patients maintained 20% of their weight loss at four years.
When combining Wegovy or Zepbound with MRPs, these weight maintenance numbers could increase even more. Meal replacement programs and products have been demonstrated over time to be not only effective but sustainable in long-term weight maintenance. Meal replacement products help patients lose more weight than other interventions and help facilitate weight maintenance by limiting their calorie intake.
Key Takeaways
It is essential to work towards sustainable lifestyle strategies to optimize the effects of weight loss medications. A comprehensive weight loss team of experienced medical providers and registered dietitians is crucial for successfully shedding pounds and maintaining weight loss.
Contact CONCI today to schedule a free orientation.
Sources
- Ard, J. D., Lewis, K. H., Rothberg, A., Auriemma, A., Coburn, S. L., Cohen, S. S., Loper, J., Matarese, L., Pories, W. J., & Periman, S. (2019). Effectiveness of a total meal replacement program (OPTIFAST program) on weight loss: Results from the OPTIWIN study. Obesity, 27(1), 22-29. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.22303
- McCarthy, D., & Berg, A. (2021). Weight loss strategies and the risk of skeletal muscle mass loss. Nutrients, 13(7), 2473. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13072473
- Nuijten M, Dainelli L, Rasouli B, Araujo Torres K, Perugini M, Marczewska A. A Meal Replacement Program for the Treatment of Obesity: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis from the Swiss Payer’s Perspective. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2021;14:3147-3160. https://doi-org.mc.opal-libraries.org/10.2147/DMSO.S284855