Interview in SWR on the topic of “weight loss injections”:

Mainz, 22.09.2023. In the programme ‘Der Vormittag’ on SWR1 Rheinland-Pfalz, Prof. Dr. Dr. Wüster explains the mode of action and possible applications of the so-called ‘weight loss injection’.
In the interview with SWR1 presenter Steffi Stronczyk, the endocrinologist from Mainz describes the circumstances in which this injection can be used.
Endocrinologist Prof Dr Dr Wüster advocates treatment with the active ingredient semaglutide for patients who are unable to lose weight with exercise and diet, but for whom weight loss is indicated for health reasons (type 2 diabetes or severe obesity).
Prof Dr Dr Wüster from Mainz states: ‘In principle, it is not a bad thing that we have such medicines available for patients who need them.’
There are two preparations on the market for appropriate treatment with a ‘slimming injection’: Ozempic is for patients with type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for severely overweight people who are not diabetic. Prof. Wüster points out that weight reductions of 15 per cent are possible ‘within a certain time’, with exercise and diet still flanking this treatment. In fact, the Mainz endocrinologist still recommends an elaborate exercise programme and an adapted diet for patients with a BMI below 30. If these measures do not lead to weight loss, the slimming injection can promote the release of insulin from the pancreas.

Effects of the active ingredient semaglutide

In addition to the release of insulin, these include: slower gastric emptying and an increased feeling of fullness.
The Mainz endocrinologist Prof Dr Dr Wüster points out that treatment with diabetes injections is not without side effects; nausea is a widespread gastrointestinal problem, which is why the endocrinologist doses the respective medication sensitively and only increases the dosage in the course of treatment.
In the endocrinology practice of Prof Dr Dr Wüster in Mainz, regular check-ups are carried out during the treatment period – also because there can also be more severe side effects. The endocrinologist in Mainz also advises his patients on long-term strategies to avoid a so-called ‘yo-yo effect’ (‘rebound weight gain’).

In the rest of the interview, the Mainz-based metabolic specialist addresses the question of what natural ways there are to stimulate the metabolism.

Stimulating the metabolism the natural way

Prof Dr Dr Wüster emphasises that it is precisely this approach that is of great concern to him. He mentions the use of a so-called fitness tracker to monitor your pulse during exercise. The metabolism is effectively stimulated when the pulse is at 120 beats per minute for at least one and a half hours. This type of fitness training should be done three times a week.
According to Prof Dr Dr Wüster, going to the gym does not score so well if the training on fitness equipment is aimed at building muscle strength. However, the muscle strength required for effective weight loss in this context is not present in most people with a health-related need for weight loss; in these cases, heart rate and metabolism cannot be effectively stimulated.
According to Prof Dr Dr Wüster, the second pillar of a promising weight loss strategy is a planned, controlled diet.

The Mainz-based metabolic specialist recommends a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. As a corresponding change in diet can only have a lasting effect over a long period of time, it is important that what is served on the table still tastes good. The hypothalamus as the ‘clock generator for the regulation of body composition’ only recognises the change in metabolism after a period of three months. Real changes only become recognisable after six months.
Conclusion
According to Prof. Dr Dr Wüster at the end of this interview, medication with the active ingredient semaglutide can therefore be a beneficial and motivating addition to a sensible weight loss process for severely overweight patients – precisely because this process is regularly monitored and checked by the attending physician.
The full interview of Prof Dr Dr Wüster with SWR1 presenter Steffi Stronczyk is available here as an audio file:
https://www.prof-wuester.de