Unlocking the Truth: Why ‘Hidden Fat’ Research Reveals Health Goes Beyond Just Weight LossUnlocking the Truth: Why ‘Hidden Fat’ Research Shows True Health Is More Than Just Weight Loss

As drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy gain popularity, some experts in Massachusetts raise concerns about rapid weight loss and its impact on overall health. Their worries focus on a lesser-known type of fat called intramuscular adipose tissue. This fat can exist in both thin and overweight people and is linked to issues like diabetes and inflammation.

A study from Mass General Brigham and Harvard Medical School highlights these risks. It reveals that each 1% increase in this hidden fat raises the chance of serious heart problems, such as heart attacks, by 7%. The research included patients with various weights but shared one common element: they all faced cardiac symptoms.

Dr. Viviany Taqueti, who led the study, emphasizes that losing weight isn’t just about the number on the scale. It’s essential to focus on how and where fat is distributed in the body. “Health is not just about maximum weight loss,” she says. “It’s about safe and intentional weight loss that supports heart health.”

The study does not specifically target the effects of GLP-1 medications. However, Dr. Taqueti notes more research is vital to understand how these drugs affect different types of fat.

Another expert, Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian from Tufts University, points out a significant flaw with GLP-1 drugs: they often lead to the loss of both fat and muscle. This muscle loss can have lasting effects on metabolism and overall health. “The issue is that when people lose weight on these drugs, they’re not just losing fat but also valuable muscle,” he elaborates.

In Massachusetts, over 2,000 residents start GLP-1 medications each month. Yet, Blue Cross Blue Shield Massachusetts recently announced it would not cover these drugs for weight loss alone in most cases, citing a $200 million increase in spending on them last year.

There’s also a concern about how long people stay on these medications. Research shows that about 65% of patients stop taking them after a year. This “yo-yo” effect can be harmful, causing fluctuations in weight that may lead to muscle and bone loss.

Given their cost and potential risks, experts call for a more comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle and dietary changes alongside any medication. “Prescribing GLP-1s without addressing nutrition and lifestyle is not just unethical; it’s a poor economic choice for the nation,” Mozaffarian warns.

In summary, while weight loss drugs can help many, it’s crucial to consider the quality and distribution of fat in the body. Researchers urge further studies to explore these issues, ensuring that health measures focus on more than just weight. Healthy living is a broader picture that involves diet, exercise, and understanding one’s unique body composition.



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