After a Mounjaro Injection, If You Lose Weight Too Quickly... "Even Your Brain Goes Hungry," Expert Warns [Health Issue]

[Financial News] As GLP-1-class obesity medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy gain popularity, an expert has warned that losing weight too quickly through medication or excessively restricting food intake could deprive the brain of the energy and nutrients it needs.

On the 30th of last month (local time), Fox News reported this, citing an explanation by Dr. Tommy Wood, a professor of pediatrics and neuroscience at UW.
Dr. Wood told Fox News, "The brain is the organ in our body that requires the most energy," explaining that it is important to provide sufficient energy and nutrients even during weight loss. He also stressed the need to avoid extreme calorie restriction.
In other words, eating far too little while losing weight through medication could lead to a shortage of structural nutrients needed by the brain. Dr. Wood explained, "If you do not eat enough, you will not consume enough of the nutrients important to the brain," adding that people could become deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and protein.
Dr. Wood used a marathon as an example to explain how sensitive the brain is to energy levels. The brain's white matter has been observed to temporarily shrink during high-energy-expenditure exercise such as a marathon, then recover after sufficient rest and energy replenishment. Unlike a marathon, which involves extreme energy expenditure over a short period, the chronic calorie deficiency that continues while taking GLP-1 medications may be more difficult to recover from, warranting caution.

Maintaining muscle mass is also important during weight loss. Dr. Wood recommended strength training twice a week and advised people to consume sufficient amounts of nutrients needed for brain health, including B vitamins (B12, folate, and B6), vitamin D, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein.
Dr. Wood emphasized that even when losing weight with medication, people should separately guard against insufficient energy and nutrient intake caused by excessive dietary restriction, saying, "You need to make sure you are getting enough of everything the brain needs."
[email protected] Kim Hee-sun Reporter