Q. As my husband has gotten older (he just turned 65) he’s struggled with his weight, and it has kept him from doing things he used to enjoy. I keep hearing about a new miracle drug that everyone’s taking to lose weight, but my husband thinks he’s too old to try it. What do you think?

A. It does seem as if everyone is talking about – if not taking – the new GLP-1 weight loss drugs. You and your husband are not alone in wondering if they might be right for you. We’ve been getting questions about them from many of the older adults we work with here at AgeSpan. It’s always best to talk with your doctor if you have any questions about medications, but your husband is not too old to consider GLP-1s. Research has found that these drugs have pros and cons. GLP-1s can support weight loss, help control blood sugar, lower blood pressure (in some people), and improve cholesterol levels. The first GLP-1s were originally approved for Type 2 Diabetes treatment and researchers discovered that they aid weight loss by helping the body feel full more quickly and stay full longer.

Researchers do caution against treating these drugs like a miracle cure. They point out that any weight loss plan should include healthy lifestyle habits.

Nutrition: Eating less does not always mean eating better! GLP-1s can make it easier for you to miss the key nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. It’s especially important to preserve muscle mass during weight loss by eating enough protein.

Physical activity: Activities like walking, stretching, and resistance training are important for maintaining muscle mass during weight loss. Exercise also helps improve your metabolism, supports heart health, and improves mood and energy, which can make it easier to keep the weight off.

In the short term, GLP-1s can cause nausea and digestive issues. Since they are relatively new, the long-term effects of taking these medications are not truly known. But possible long-term considerations include changes in eating patterns, muscle loss, and the risk of weight gain if the medications are stopped. The cost of these drugs and whether they are covered by your insurance company are also big concerns.

With GLP-1s, or any weight loss plan, the key thing to remember is that medication can lead to health improvements and weight reductions, but no medication replaces the lifestyle changes that keep you healthy for the long haul. Your husband’s age shouldn’t hold him back from exploring his options. What matters most is finding a plan, with his doctor’s guidance, that helps him get back to doing the things he loves.

 

Are you caring for an older adult or need help finding healthy aging resources? Our experienced staff is available to help. Visit us online at www.agespan.org. You can also call 800-892-0890 or email info@agespan.org. 

Joan Hatem-Roy is the chief executive officer of AgeSpan, which serves the following cities and towns: Amesbury, Andover, Billerica, Boxford, Chelmsford, Danvers, Dracut, Dunstable, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Marblehead, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Peabody, Rowley, Salisbury, Salem, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, Westford, and West Newbury.