Weight Loss Medication Debate
When is enough knowledge about weight loss medication ever enough?
That is the question I ask myself every time I look to go on a new course, buy a new book, listen to a presentation/podcast or attend a conference. I am someone who loves learning, I love absorbing new information or getting the information I already know verified by ‘experts.’ But as I am about to turn 65 at the end of 2025 I keep thinking when will I ever stop learning? The simple answer is when I’m gone!
How many of us love to absorb as much information as possible around a subject we are passionate about? I recently read two excellent books about weight loss medication. One by a GP and another by a journalist who tried the drugs to lose the weight. I recommend both books as a great starting point, especially if like me you are a Health Coach. (see details below)
I also attended an online presentation recently again by a practicing GP and someone who had used the drugs to help with her weight loss. They shared the positives and negatives concisely. There was a lot of talk around ‘Food Noise’ the constant overthinking of what to eat and when is quietened – which can be very freeing for those who really struggle to drown out this noise. They talked about the benefits of not feeling hungry and how freeing this was for the patients on the weight loss drugs. For some it gave them a whole new lease of life, they were able to start walking more than a few steps, a lot of the pain associated with obesity started to subside as they lost excess weight and started to move around more freely. Many also talked about improved energy, and uplift in mood and the ability to control their appetite.
However, they did also discuss the challenges and concerns too, this included side effects like reflux, low mood, fatigue, bowel issues, bad breath, the loss of their attachment to emotional eating. What was interesting was the number who feel like they are ‘cheating’ with the associated shame and guilt attached to these drugs plus the genuine concerns around what happens when you stop taking the drugs do you just regain all the weight or even more?
As a Health Coach I look at the ‘Why’ behind everything. What motivates you to lose weight, what support do you have around you to help you on the journey? Do you have a short term or a long-term goal in mind. What is the motivating factor, is it health related or a combination of other factors that will keep you motivated? The ability to ask questions and really listen to the answers is crucial to support your clients on their journey. Health Coaches also offer accountability alongside achievable plans to reach their goal.
Make sure your ‘why’ is big enough, work with a health coach to support you on your journey – after all it is about ‘who you are becoming’ and not just about what you are doing to get there. Our job as a health coach is not to judge, we offer safe spaces for honest exploration and to help you uncover your why whilst making empowered decisions.
If you would like to find out more about how Golden Years Coaching can support, you on your weight loss journey – please visit our website at www.gyc.org.uk for further information. We have a variety of packages that can support you whether you are considering medication or looking at alternatives to help you lose or sustain your weight once you come off this type of medication.
Always discuss any changes to medication direct with your GP or prior to considering taking any weight loss medication - health coaches are unable to offer advice around any medication - our role is to support you after discussing your needs with your own GP or medical support team.
Book recommendations:
Magic Pill – How the new weight loss drugs will change your life and the world – Johann Hari
Food Noise – How weight loss medications & smart nutrition can silence your cravings – Dr Jack Mosley
