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Ozempic and Wegovy linked to brain health risks from caloric cuts
Fox News • • health
Key Points:
- Experts warn that rapid weight loss and severe caloric restriction from GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy may deprive the brain of vital energy and nutrients, potentially harming brain health.
- Dr. Tommy Wood explains that the brain requires continuous energy, and extreme caloric deficits can cause the brain to consume its own tissue, as seen in studies of marathon runners.
- While GLP-1 drugs can improve cognitive function by lowering blood pressure and blood sugar in obese patients, prolonged under-eating risks depriving the brain of essential nutrients like omega-3 fats, iron, and protein.
- To protect brain health during weight loss, Wood recommends resistance training twice a week and ensuring adequate intake of neuro-nutrients including B vitamins, vitamin D, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Muscle size may decrease initially on GLP-1 medications due to fat loss within muscles, but muscle quality and function typically improve rather than weaken.
