new research suggests a notable reduction in body fat, not just weight loss, may be key to unlocking the anti-inflammatory benefits of GLP-1 drugs, according to insights from a medical weight loss expert.
Dr. Sue Decotiis, an NYC-based medical weight loss doctor not involved in the latest study, highlighted the potential impact of fat reduction. “Even a modest reduction of fat could have an importent anti-inflammatory effect,” she told The Post. Decotiis further explained that excess abdominal fat can contribute to elevated estrogen levels, a hormonal imbalance that can promote breast cancer advancement.Additionally, obesity is frequently enough linked to higher insulin levels, which can stimulate estrogen production in fat tissue.
In her clinical practice, Decotiis observed that the secondary benefits of GLP-1 drugs were most pronounced in patients who experienced a considerable decrease in body fat, rather than just overall weight loss. Obesity is recognized as a significant risk factor for breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women.
While GLP-1 medications are frequently enough lauded for their effectiveness, they are not without potential risks. Common side effects can include gastrointestinal distress, and less frequently, hair loss and skin pain. In very rare instances, more serious issues like blindness and behavioral changes have been reported.
Decotiis noted that tirzepatide, a specific GLP-1 medication, is often better tolerated than others, potentially causing less nausea and vomiting while also facilitating greater fat loss.
Ongoing research is exploring the broader therapeutic potential of these drugs, with studies investigating their role in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, improving obstructive sleep apnea, reducing alcohol cravings, and treating liver disease, among other conditions.”Hold on to your hats and buckle up as this category of drug grows and we see more of their wide range of positive effects and learn more about their mechanisms,” Decotiis commented on the evolving landscape of these medications.
