Pharmacists report that spending on weight loss medications in the UK has surged by 56% since last October, now exceeding £200 million. This rapid rise has sparked questions about whether more cost-effective weight management methods exist.
Dietitian Dr. Carrie Ruxton, working with General Mills to promote awareness of dietary fiber, warns that these injections are often seen as quick fixes. However, she stresses that patients still need to maintain long-term dietary changes to prevent rapid weight regain. “With appetite suppressed by the medication, it’s important to eat nutrient-rich foods to meet the body’s needs,” she said.
A recent study from the University of Oxford, which analyzed data from over 6,000 people, found that individuals who stopped using weight loss injections regained weight 20 times faster than those who lost weight through diet and behavioral changes.
Dr. Ruxton suggests a simpler, more affordable approach: increasing fiber intake. Fiber, also called roughage, helps curb appetite by making people feel full longer. It also supports gut health by feeding beneficial bacteria.
Despite these benefits, a General Mills survey found that only 40% of people are aware of fiber’s importance, and just 20% actively try to add more fiber to their diets. Many struggle to identify high-fiber foods beyond common options like bran flakes or wholegrain bread.
The survey also revealed confusion about fiber sources; some respondents mistakenly thought eggs contained fiber. Dr. Ruxton advocates for clearer labeling and a national wholegrain target to help consumers make better choices. “An official logo on food packaging could guide people, but this would require government leadership on food regulations,” she said.
As weight loss drugs gain popularity, experts urge a balanced approach combining medication with sustainable dietary habits. Increasing fiber intake is a natural, cost-effective way to support weight management and overall health.
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