PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — You may have seen the advertisements or heard about the controversy, but medications designed to help fight diabetes have become popular weight loss options for many people who are obese but not diabetic.
Worldwide, it is estimated that 650 million people are obese, and with obesity comes an increased risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.
Diet and exercise help fight obesity, but studies have found that receptors in our body, called GLP-1 receptors, can play a role in weight reduction.
Drugs have been developed for diabetics that work on these receptors and help with weight loss. The question is simple: Should these drugs be used by those who want to lose a few pounds?
Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough.
KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.