Weight Loss Medications - Are You a Good Candidate?
July 23, 2024
Thirteen percent of U.S. adults have tried GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, like Ozempic and Mounjaro, which are incredibly popular.
For some patients, it’s the jumpstart they need to a healthier way of life.
“In 18 months, I've lost 213 pounds. I went from 378 down to 165,” said Nancy Habicht, who used Mounjaro to lose her first 78 pounds. “Absolutely amazing. So, I can't give you enough adjectives to tell you how great I am.”
Jessica Cutler, M.D., a weight loss surgeon at The Maryland Bariatric Center at Mercy, put Habicht on the medication to lose weight in order for her insurance to cover bariatric surgery. It was the kick-start that led to a whole new life for Habicht.
“These medications are really good at tricking your body into being less upset about losing weight,” Dr. Cutler said. “A lot of people, as they try to diet and exercise more, their body really starts to fight them after a couple pounds, and it’s working by design—the body is designed to hold onto weight.”
Habicht said that Mounjaro made her weight loss easier.
“It's not a miracle drug, per se, because I had to put a lot of work into it—but it was a lot easier work,” Habicht explained.
Once on Mounjaro, Habicht started eating the Mediterranean diet and being more active. Dr. Cutler noted that lifestyle changes are crucial for people to keep the weight off for good.
“Unfortunately, with these medications, what we find is that once you stop taking them, if you stop tricking your body, it realizes what's been going on, and the majority of people end up putting back most or all or even more of that weight,” Dr. Cutler said.
Habicht has no intention of going back; her health is great and she is super active.
“I ride bikes. I ride a motorcycle. We have a boat, I went waterskiing,” Habicht said.
Most importantly, she can keep up with her three grandchildren.
“Totally changed my life for the better,” Habicht said.
About Mercy
Founded in 1874 in Downtown Baltimore by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Medical Center is a 183-licensed bed, acute care, university-affiliated teaching hospital. Mercy has been recognized as a high-performing Maryland hospital (U.S. News & World Report); has achieved an overall 5-Star quality, safety, and patient experience rating (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services); is A-rated for Hospital Safety (Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade); and is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Magnet™ hospital. Mercy Health Services is a not-for-profit health system and the parent company of Mercy Medical Center and Mercy Personal Physicians.
Media Contact
Dan Collins, Senior Director of Media Relations
Office: 410-332-9714
Cell: 410-375-7342
Email: dcollins@mdmercy.com