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Former FDA Commissioner Dr. David Kessler has disclosed the challenging side effects he experienced while using weight loss drugs, during which he lost 60lbs. These GLP-1 medications offer effective weight management but also present potential drawbacks.
Former FDA Chief Details Weight Loss Drug Experience
The 74-year-old, who previously served as an FDA commissioner from 1990 to 1997 and as a senior COVID-19 science advisor to the Biden administration, turned to GLP-1 medications after struggling with his weight throughout his life.
After using a weight loss injection – the specific medication was not identified – the 5ft 10in scientist saw his weight decrease from just over 200lbs to 137lbs within six months.
Additionally, he successfully reduced his body fat content by half, from 30 percent to 15 percent.
While he acknowledges the potential benefits of GLP-1 medications for fat reduction, Dr. Kessler cautions that the adverse effects may be difficult for some individuals to tolerate.
Estimates suggest that approximately 15 million Americans have tried GLP-1 drugs, with about 7.5 million currently taking these medications.
This number is expected to rise significantly, especially with recent pledges to lower the cost of weight loss drugs.
The typical list price for a month’s supply of GLP-1 medications varies from $936 to $1,349 before accounting for insurance coverage.
Unpleasant Side Effects Experienced
Dr. Kessler reported paying out-of-pocket for his monthly supply of GLP-1 medication.
Following the initiation of injections, he experienced several unpleasant symptoms, including ‘intense chills’ as one of the most severe.
He told The Washington Post that the coldness was so extreme that he needed to wrap himself in an electric blanket.
Experiencing coldness is a known side effect of some GLP-1 medications, such as Mounjaro and Ozempic.
This is often linked to decreased food consumption and reduced thermogenesis (the body’s ability to produce heat).
In addition to feeling cold, Dr. Kessler revealed experiencing malaise and bouts of fatigue.
He explained: ‘I felt sick. There was malaise and occasional sharp abdominal pains.’
Consistent with commonly reported side effects of weight loss medications, Dr. Kessler completely lost his appetite and ‘felt bloated’.
This occurs because the medications function by curbing appetite and slowing the movement of food through the digestive system, potentially leading to prolonged feelings of fullness.
Dr. Kessler further elaborated: ‘The drugs work in significant part by triggering gastrointestinal effects, keeping food in the stomach longer and generating feelings that push us to the edge of nausea – and sometimes outright nausea.
‘They counterbalance the rewarding and addictive properties of food and reduce the food “noise,” or incessant wanting, that plays in our heads.’
Cycling On and Off Medications
Dr. Kessler stated that he has used weight loss drugs ‘in cycles’.
He would typically use them for about seven months before pausing and then resuming use, and he is currently in a period where he is off them.
Despite the noted side effects, the scientist remains a strong advocate for GLP-1 medications for weight loss and further discusses the topic in his new book Diet, Drugs, and Dopamine: The New Science of Achieving a Healthy Weight Hardcover.
Lasting Changes in Eating Habits
He notes the biggest impact has been changing his eating patterns, a benefit echoed by many users.
After stopping the medications, some patients have noted that the drugs helped reduce long-term food cravings, adjusted food preferences, and improved grocery shopping habits.
Dr. Kessler even began consuming vegetables for the first time, while his cravings for fatty, salty, and sugary foods ‘disappeared’.
He said, when commenting on these shifts in his taste preferences: ‘I have conditioned myself to eat less.
‘When I was on these drugs, ultra-processed foods made me feel ill. These are foods that are formulated to trigger the reward system and are the perfect combination of fat, sugar and salt. Also, I no longer want to eat large portions.
‘You have to relearn how to eat, and that’s what these drugs help you do.’
Future Use of GLP-1 Drugs
Looking to the future, when asked if he will do another cycle of the GLP-1 drugs, Dr. Kessler concludes: ‘We need more data on the safety and efficacy of intermittent use. The FDA should require drug companies to provide it.
‘For me, it’s a journey. If I find myself out of balance, I certainly will consider using the drugs again.’