Hey there, welcome to episode 46 of the Nourished with PCOS podcast, where we’re covering a much talked about topic in the PCOS space right now….
What you need to know about GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy when it comes to PCOS management.
Sam is joined by guest Dr. Asher Larmie to tackle the complexities and nuances surrounding these popular medications.
We explore their impact on weight loss, management of type 2 diabetes, and the long-term relationship with our health. Asher brings up concerns over the use of these drugs in nondiabetic individuals, the risks that accompany their benefits, and the importance of informed consent in medical treatment.
Today’s conversation isn’t just about medication—it’s about empowerment, offering personal insights, and the right to autonomy in medical decisions. We’ll discuss the unforeseen consequences of pathologizing weight and how a history of weight stigma has led to delayed diagnoses and a plethora of physical and mental health challenges.
In this episode, we discuss:
- How Asher became a weight-inclusive physician
- When a GLP-1 agonist may be beneficial for PCOS
- The risks and side effects of these medications
- What the research says about Wegovy and weight loss
- Tips for talking to your doctor about semaglutide
Here are a few key takeaways from this conversation:
We do not have research on GLP-1s like Ozempic and Wegovy on PCOS in general. If you are taking these medications for weight loss and not because you have diabetes, we do not know the effects of these medications on a healthy pancreas.
Side effects like nausea, vomiting, and the inability to eat should not be taken lightly. These can impact quality of life and cause malnutrition. It should be a red flag if your healthcare provider dismisses these symptoms or doesn’t support you if you choose to stop taking them because of the side effects.
The current study on Wegovy has only lasted 2 years and found an average of 15% weight loss with weight regain trending upward at the end of the study. Throughout the first year, weight trended down initially. But in the second year, weight trends started to increase. While the study concludes an “average” 15% weight loss, it’s important to note that weight gain was continuing to trend upward at the end of the 2-year data.
Weight regain will occur if you stop the medication. Participants who stopped Wegovy regained back all of their weight, even when they continued nutrition and exercise changes after stopping the medication. An important takeaway here is that this medication should not be seen as a “jump start” to anything and the results likely will not be maintained.
You can read more about the Step 5 Trail here.
Connect with Asher:
Dr Asher Larmie (he/they) is a Transmasculine weight-inclusive GP and leading expert in weight stigma. He is a fat activist and the founder of the #NOWeigh campaign. With over two decades of medical experience and a lifelong journey as a Fat person, Asher is combating weight stigma and promoting weight-inclusive care as the self-styled Fat Doctor.
Asher’s website: https://www.fatdoctor.co.uk/
Connect with Asher on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefatdoctor/
