According to the CDC, nearly one in four seniors are obese. And even more are overweight. Being obese raises a senior’s risk for serious health problems like diabetes, heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. But it’s often difficult for seniors to lose weight because being active can be challenging for them. Senior home care can help seniors who struggle with their weight by making them healthy meals and encouraging seniors to exercise.

Over the last few years, a lot of new weight loss drugs have hit the market that have the potential to help seniors lose a lot of weight in a short time. But seniors need to be careful when it comes to these prescription weight loss drugs. Seniors who are fighting obesity should talk to their doctors about whether or not these new weight loss drugs are appropriate for them. But seniors and their families should also know these facts about weight loss drugs listed below.

What They Are

Most of these new and popular weight loss drugs are different forms of semaglutide. They are a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. They work by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and appetite. These drugs were originally developed to help people who have Type II diabetes, but it was soon discovered they could lead to significant weight loss in a short period.

They’re Not a Total Solution

There is no “miracle” drug for weight loss. Medications like Ozempic for weight loss need to be part of a comprehensive approach to weight loss that includes exercise and diet as well as medication. There’s no magic pill. Seniors will still have to make lifestyle changes to lose weight. Senior home care is strongly recommended for seniors who want to change their habits and live a healthier lifestyle.

Potential Side Effects

As with any medication, there can be potential side effects. The most common side effects associated with these weight loss drugs are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. The side effects may be severe, so talk to your doctor first about the side effects before trying weight loss medication.

Interaction with Other Medications

Weight loss drugs have been known to have bad interactions with other common drugs that seniors take. Seniors must tell their doctors about any other medications they are taking and any over-the-counter supplements they take to make sure they don’t have any interactions.

They Don’t Work for Everyone

Medications don’t always work for everyone. It’s possible that these weight loss drugs won’t work for your senior parent. Seniors who are overweight should focus on making healthy lifestyle changes to lose weight and keep it off.

Rapid Weight Loss can be Unhealthy

Losing weight very quickly can be damaging to the body. Even though losing the extra weight will lower the risk of some health problems if the weight is lost too quickly it can cause other problems. Gradual weight loss of a pound or two per week is the best way for seniors to lose weight.

Healthy and sustainable weight loss is generally gradual. While Ozempic may aid in weight reduction, seniors need to set realistic goals and not expect rapid, extreme weight loss. Slow and steady progress is more likely to lead to lasting results.

You Have to Keep Taking It

If weight loss medications do work for seniors, those seniors will need to stay on that medication for life to avoid regaining the weight they lost. Insurance often doesn’t cover the cost of these medications, and they can cost thousands of dollars per month.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Senior Home Care in Greer, SC, contact Heart of the Carolinas Home Care at 864-991-3116.

Providing Home Care Services in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Anderson, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Seneca, Laurens, Charleston, Columbia, and the surrounding areas.

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Edward Harrison

Founder at Heart of the Carolinas

Edward Harrison founded the Heart of the Carolinas Homecare in 2007 when he saw there was a need for caregivers that provide non-medical home care services, at a price that most people could afford. It was standard in the industry to require hourly minimums and it was common to be assigned a caregiver, not matched with one based on your individual personal needs. Edward understood that to make a successful relationship between caregiver and client, skills were not enough, personality and compatibility plays as much a role as do skills.

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