The Global Wellness Summit's "Future of Wellness" report has identified weight-loss drugs as a "key trend" for 2024. Their writeup reinforces that weight loss is more a matter of biology than willpower, that the new drugs are often effective, and that more drugs are coming.

However, the report also rightly says that these drugs "cannot deliver holistic health: healthy food, exercise and mental wellness [that] are still crucial. The 'wellness' part of weight loss (and a larger goal of holistic health) has been quickly forgotten in all the sudden hope and hype." Indeed, prescribing information for all the new drugs state that to be effective, they should be used as an accompaniment to a diet and exercise program.

Not surprisingly, the report highlights emerging "wellness companion" programs for  weight-loss drug takers. And there is some evidence that the message is getting across, and that people taking the drugs are exercising more and eating more healthfully. More will be revealed...

For details, published in “Trend: A Wellness Check for Weight Loss Drugs in 2024,” click here

Also stay tuned for a “Hot Topic” column on the new weight-loss drugs in an upcoming issue of the Journal on Active Aging.®