Weight loss jabs might have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, but one nuritionist says three common foods can mirror their slimming effects.
The jabs, which contain a compound known as semaglutide, surpress appetite.
Marketed under names like Wegovy and Ozempic, these drugs are not only used to manage type 2 diabetes but have also gained traction as a speedy solution for shedding pounds.
Semaglutide works by simulating the sensation of fullness typically triggered by the GLP-1 hormone.
However, Dr Emma Beckett, a renowned nutritionist, suggests that consuming foods rich in “good fats” such as avocados, nuts, and eggs can naturally boost the body’s production of GLP-1.
This makes them an equally potent alternative to semaglutide jabs for weight reduction, minus any adverse effects.
Although these injections can be beneficial for individuals grappling with obesity, they’re not without drawbacks. As per the official websites of Wegovy and Ozempic, common side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, and vomiting, reports the Daily Record.
Those opting for Wegovy might also experience additional discomforts like headaches, fatigue, and dizziness.
Dr Beckett, in a discussion with Diabetes.co.uk last year, stated: “The nutrients that trigger GLP-1 secretion are macronutrients. There is evidence that by choosing foods high in these nutrients, GLP-1 levels can be increased.”
“This means a healthy diet, high in GLP-1 stimulating nutrients can increase GLP-1 levels. This could be foods with good fats, like avocado or nuts, or lean protein sources like eggs.”
Wegovy has been given the green light for use on the NHS, available via prescription to those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 and above. However, patients must have a serious weight-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes, to qualify.
While primarily designed to combat obesity, some well-known figures including Jeremy Clarkson, billionaire tycoon Elon Musk and American TV host Chelsea Handler have openly confessed to using the drug for weight loss.
Talk show legend Oprah Winfrey has also admitted to resorting to semaglutide to shed the pounds.
A study released earlier this month provided evidence that semaglutide injections may offer benefits to those who struggle to lose weight. The findings revealed that obese individuals who underwent a course of this treatment had a reduced risk of heart attack, stroke and heart failure, compared to those who were given a placebo.
Clinical trials carried out by Wegovy discovered that participants with an average starting weight of 232 pounds lost 15 per cent of their body weight while using the injection – approximately 35 pounds or 2.5 stone over a 68 week period.
However, Dr Beckett warns that using weight loss injections does not provide a free pass to overindulge, emphasising that users still need to implement long-term changes to their diet “for true health improvements”.
