Pros, cons of weight loss drugs

ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team WLS logo
Monday, January 13, 2025
Dr. Catherine H. Toomer is founder of the Total Weight Care Institute.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- We have made this January "wellness month" here on the ABC7 and we are tackling a hot topic - weight loss drugs. The pros, cons and who can benefit.

Dr. Catherine H. Toomer is founder of the Total Weight Care Institute.

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Toomer talked about different kinds of weight loss drugs, what people should know before starting, who is a good candidate for weight loss drugs and how someone gets started.

Dr. Catherine H. Toomer is founder of the Total Weight Care Institute.

Myths provided by Dr. Toomer

1. Glucagon-like Peptide Receptor Agonists (GLP1-RA) are weight loss medications. They actually treat and reverse the metabolic reason for weight gain mainly in the brain.

2. Anyone taking a GLP1 medication for weight management is cheating and taking the "easy way out". These medications only work for significant weight loss, if there is a metabolic disease being treated.

3. GLP1 medications make you lose muscle. Muscle loss is a nutritional issue, not a medication one and can be easily countered.

4. GLP1s cause thyroid cancer, stomach paralysis, and pancreatitis. The most common complications were only seen when tested in rats (thyroid cancer) or are complications of the diseases the medication treats (Type 2 Diabetes).

Dr. Catherine H. Toomer is founder of the Total Weight Care Institute.

Facts provided by Dr. Toomer

1. GLP1 medications benefit users in more ways than for weight management. They reduce: addictions, inflammation & pain, depression & anxiety, risk of dementia, risk of heart & kidney disease, infertility...we are just beginning to understand all the benefits.

2. GLP1 medications are designed to be used lifelong. We have been using GLP1 medications for 20 years to treat chronic metabolic diseases that are well controlled, but do not go away.

3. GLP1s make lifestyle changes for health, much easier to make and maintain. They work on the brain to reduce: fat rather than fuel production, food noise, cravings/addictions, mood instability, hunger mis-signaling.

4. The most dangerous complications are extremely rare especially when prescribed and monitored appropriately by a knowledgeable professional. In the 15 years I've been prescribing these medications, I've only seen the mild (common and expected) side effects and no complications.

Real dangers of the medications outlined by Dr. Toomer

1. Misuse or abuse of the medication

a. Can trigger disordered eating (food aversions) or eating disorders (anorexia)

b. Using medication prescribed for someone else

c. Taking doses not FDA approved

d. Taking medication without knowing the source

2. Can cause underlying heart rhythm problems to get worse

3. Gastroparesis (paralysis) when there is pre-existing gut motility issues

4. Dehydration leading to kidney failure

5. Blindness: Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) - very rare

6. Pancreatitis - still no known direct link, but indirect link due to gallstones from weight loss.

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