New research is emerging that the real danger behind the global obesity problem is fatty liver disease or NASH (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease), and diet and exercise are insufficient in addressing this growing silent epidemic. Although this trend is undeniable, Western medicine seems blissfully unaware. While there are a plethora of medications available for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, and other medical conditions associated with obesity, there is not a single prescription medication on the market available to address fatty liver disease, earning a name for itself as the new silent killer.
Without an effective medical treatment for this condition, fatty liver disease can quickly develop into cirrhosis — the buildup of scar tissue in the organ itself. This condemns patients to mandatory restrictions on diet and alcohol consumption, increasing the likelihood of liver cancer, and even a liver transplant.
This unfortunate condition exists so prevalently in large part because of the SAD (Standard American Diet) alone. Combine that with even the slightest amount of alcohol consumption and prescription medications, and this disease becomes a serious and often times fatal problem.
More than 1 in 4 people in North America and Europe suffer from fatty liver disease. These statistics are even more alarming since most people who suffer from this condition do not report any symptoms.
While there is no prescription medication to treat this condition, the new scientific research on once weekly semaglutide has proven beneficial for NASH. Semaglutide is a synthetic version of the human GLP-1 (glucagon-like protein), which increases the release of insulin when blood sugar is elevated.
The New England Journal of Medicine reported that once-daily subcutaneous semaglutide injections were effective in treating some patients with NASH, reducing inflammation and improving liver damage. While diet and exercise programs and a shift toward a healthy lifestyle is greatly beneficial, these changes alone are typically insufficient to treat fatty liver disease.
More recently, the GLP-1 system has been shown to play a role in the neurobiology of addictive behaviors, including alcohol cravings and consumption. GLP-1 analogs like semaglutide and liraglutide seem to affect the brain’s reward circuit, so things that were once pleasurable suddenly start feeling boring and bland. This seems to be the case for both burgers and cocktails.
These findings noted that the glucagon-like proteins have the best suppression of alcohol cravings in more of the casual “weekend-warrior” drinkers vs the daily or heavy drinkers. These drugs are not yet prescribed for treating addiction, however, our providers here at Body Tonic are constantly amazed by not only the weight loss results we see from semaglutide but the personal achievement stories and side benefits of this medication that our clients experience.
If you are interested in starting our Semaglutide Optimal Weight Loss program, call us today for a quick screening to see if you are a candidate! Join one of the many that are enjoying their new, energized, slimmer & healthier lifestyle!
