Losing about five per cent of body weight in middle age may restore heart health to levels similar to people who never became overweight, researchers suggest. University College London scientists found that overweight adults who lost a modest amount of weight in their 40s and 50s had comparable cholesterol, blood pressure and inflammation markers by age 62. The study analysed data from more than 6,000 people born in Britain in 1958. Researchers said it was observational and cannot prove weight loss directly caused the improvements.
Around half a million Australians use GLP-1 medications for diabetes, and many more use them for obesity. The drugs can cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting, and can reduce how much people eat. Large drops in food intake can raise the risk of nutrient deficiencies, including thiamine and magnesium shortfalls. People taking these medicines are encouraged to talk to their doctor about side effects, keep a food diary and consider a referral to a dietitian if eating is erratic.
Health professionals from Surf Coast Women’s Health Group advise women using weight loss injections to focus on nutrition, muscle health and overall wellbeing, not just weight reduction. They warn that appetite suppression from GLP-1 medications can lead to inadequate nutrient intake, including protein, calcium and fibre, potentially causing muscle loss. The experts recommend strength training and balanced meals to maintain long-term health. They emphasise the importance of individualised care and multidisciplinary support, encouraging women to prioritise holistic health over scale numbers. The discussion was featured on the Women Out Loud podcast.
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More than 10,000 people are on a waitlist for an Ozempic-style weight loss pill that is moving closer to approval in Australia. The Therapeutic Goods Administration is working through the approval process. The pill has already been approved in the United States and the United Kingdom. Dr Ginni Mansberg said it could arrive by Christmas, though next year looks more likely. For most Australians the cost is expected to match the injections, up to $600 a month, which she says many people cannot afford.
