The Gelesis website reports that its hydrogels are “designed to mimic some of the effects of eating raw vegetables,” which begs the question: Why not just eat more raw vegetables to fill up? More vegetables are generally a great idea, but life isn’t always that simple. Some people don’t have access to fresh produce, and others simply don’t have the bandwidth or ability to change ingrained habits without additional support.
When people are facing significant concerns about their health, their health care providers may determine these treatments are the best way to reduce their risk of serious health complications. What patients do with that information is up to them.
Everyone has the right to decide—without judgment or recrimination from others—what medical treatments they receive and when to refuse that care.
Some people will stay on these medications for a few months while working on their diet and exercise routines. Others will stay on them indefinitely, and many will choose behavior and lifestyle changes without medical support.
Regardless of what you decide, exercise and nutrition are essential components of any healthy life, and small changes can make a big difference. In fact, research shows that walking at a moderate intensity for 15 minutes a day can increase your life expectancy by three years, and that’s just one example.
If you’d like to learn more about how to build healthy habits beyond these medicines, check out my previous Hey, Health Coach column, How Can I Stay on Track with My Goals?
“Hey, Health Coach” is for informational purposes only and should not substitute for professional psychological or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions about your personal situation, health or medical condition.
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Source: https://www.forbes.com/health/body/are-weight-loss-medicines-safe/