Dr Amir Khan tells weight loss jab users 'don't panic'

Dr Amir Khan tells weight loss jab users 'don't panic' It might feel as if your weight loss has come to a complete halt A doctor has explained why your weight loss might seem to have “plateaued” when taking GLP-1 injections. According to the expert, this is the “most common” question he gets asked as a doctor and he said "don't panic". GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a naturally occurring gut hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and appetite. The use of GLP-1 inhibitors, or receptor agonists, has surged in popularity in recent years owing to their proven effectiveness in managing blood sugar levels in diabetic patients and supporting weight loss. Available in injectable form, some of these medications can be prescribed through the NHS to eligible patients, working by suppressing hunger so that people consume less food. However, a doctor revealed that some people who use these jabs might feel like their weight loss starts to slow down. In a video uploaded to his Instagram account, Dr Amir Khan explained more. Dr Amir, who is best known for his appearances on ITV, said: “One of the most common questions I get asked is this, ‘Dr Amir, I started Mounjaro or a GLP-1 injection and the weight fell off initially, but now I've hit a plateau, has it stopped working? “Well, the answer is probably not. When you first start these weight loss medications, they work in a few really clever ways. “They slow down how quickly food leaves your stomach, they reduce appetite, they can help you feel fuller for longer, and can dampen down some of those food cravings that can be really difficult to control. So initially, many people eat less without feeling like they're dieting or restricting their food and the weight comes off.” However, your metabolism might then start to slow down. He continued: “But your body is incredibly smart, your body doesn't particularly like losing weight. “From an evolutionary perspective, weight loss can look or feel to the body a bit like starvation, so as you lose weight, your body starts fighting back. Your metabolism can slow down slightly, you burn fewer calories because you're carrying less body mass. “Hunger hormones start to creep up again and the body becomes more efficient with the calories it does receive so even though the medication is still working and it is, the gap between the calories you're eating and the calories you're burning, become smaller and smaller still, so it can feel like your weight is plateauing.” Some people might therefore need a higher dose. Dr Amir said: “The higher dose can provide a stronger appetite-suppressing effect and help overcome some of those biological resistance mechanisms. But even then, weight loss often slows or plateaus, and I have to say that's completely normal. “Think of it this way, you've moved from the rapid weight loss phase into the weight maintenance phase. In fact, for many people, staying the same weight after losing a significant amount is actually a really good success. “The medication may still be preventing that weight regain even if your scales are not moving. “ If this happens to you, he said “don’t panic”. “So if you've hit a plateau, don't panic,” Dr Amir said. “It doesn’t necessarily mean the drug has stopped working. “It often means your body has adapted to a new weight. And the battle has shifted from losing weight to keeping it off.” If you are concerned about your weight, you should speak to your GP.