Has anyone been using them while on hormone therapy? I am 73 , and have been playing squash everyday ( except when on ( lots of ) holidays ) - walking on average about 10000 steps a day , and having sessions with a personal trainer to improve my ‘core’ - but I have still put on weight over the last year - nearly a stone, mainly round the middle - my bmi now is over 28. I googled a question about using weight loss jabs and what it came up with is below - it seems to be saying it can actually assist your treatment. Has anyone tried them , or had any advice or opinions ?
Using GLP-1 receptor agonist weight loss injections (e.g., Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) while on hormone therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer is generally considered feasible and potentially beneficial for managing treatment-related weight gain
. These injections can counteract fat accumulation around the middle, which is a common side effect of ADT, but require close monitoring by an oncologist to manage risks like muscle loss and gastrointestinal side effects.
Key Considerations and Benefits:
- Weight Management: Up to 70% of men on long-term ADT experience weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. GLP-1 drugs, such as Mounjaro, can reduce body weight by ~26% over 72 weeks and improve insulin sensitivity, which helps manage metabolic changes caused by prostate cancer treatment.
- Safety and Efficacy: While studies are ongoing, anecdotal evidence and early research suggest using these medications with ADT is manageable.
- Muscle Loss Mitigation: These drugs cause significant weight loss, which can include muscle mass loss. It is important to combine these injections with resistance training to maintain muscle.
- Potential Benefits: Emerging research suggests these medications could slow the progression of prostate cancer.
Important Precautions:
- Consult Your Team: Always inform your oncology team if you are taking or planning to start a weight loss medication, as they may impact side effects.
- Side Effects: GLP-1 agonists can cause nausea and vomiting, which may be more challenging to manage if already experiencing symptoms from cancer treatment.
- Timing: If you have just started cancer therapy, your care team may be more cautious, but for those on stable, long-term therapy, these medications are generally well-tolerated.