Opinions have been quietly changing about two possible treatments for childhood obesity that, up until recently, have pretty much been viewed as undesirable, and even dreaded. The most volatile reputation belongs to medication, specifically to the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, also known as GLP-1 RAs. With this particular type of drug, it seems that the biggest percentage of conversation centers on two demographics: menopausal women and teens of either sex.
So far, the risks for teens seem mostly financial, promising to lock them into a lifelong “deal with the devil” whose hefty price will no doubt become increasingly unaffordable. Pharmaceutical products are not famous for any tendency to become less costly over time. Federal aid for medical expenses is drying up fast. Still, more parents will choose to spring for the GLP-1 subscriptions, even if it means raiding the college fund.
Inevitably, additional cases will go on record showing that these drugs can cause problems that are presently unclear or unsuspected. Even someone who is not the wagering sort can confidently bet on that.
And then, the knife
At some point, this will probably lead to an increase in the other dreaded outcome, bariatric surgery for teens, and even for children. Following that, history is expected to repeat itself and reveal still more reasons why the surgical option can also cause regrettable yet unfixable lifelong difficulties. We already know enough about that subject to be quite wary. Still, some doctors and parents will inevitably choose surgery as a prospect less odious than other possible grim outcomes.
What sort of problem could occur?
As previously discussed, harmful eating habits might result from our own past emotional upsets and psychological traumas. Registered dietitian and nutritionist Carly Zimmer reminds parents that good eating habits need support from the environment, and alerts us to some of the signs that this area has developed problems.
She teaches that weight loss medication is only a partial answer, because it either must continue throughout life, or else the subject needs to develop an entire brand new repertoire of habits around food and eating. Sadly, the most elemental fact about life is that it can change. A person may not always have the means to procure the GLP-1 meds.
An audacious proposal
In any case, the probability is strong that some day, the consumer will need to learn to live without the drug… so why not start now? If it is just a matter of developing new habits, why do people have such a hard time with the concept and the execution? The mind might recognize that change needs to take place, but how does this translate into action? If it is a mental/emotional health issue, how do we address that?
(To be continued…)
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