Experts stress the importance of hydration while on weight loss drugs

RICHLANDS, Va. (WVVA) - GLP-1 usage is soaring across the nation, with the summer season and the first major heatwave for much of the country already upon us, experts are stressing that hydration and proper storage is paramount.

“In general, a diabetic should hydrate and maintain hydration. The GLP-1 can curb the appetite, and they might not remember, but yeah it is recommended that they do that.” said Dr. Jamal Sahyouni of Clinch Valley Health.

When venturing out for an extended time, doctors recommend storing your medication in a cool area.

“It has to be stored at a certain temperature. If you are staying out and about for a long time I would recommend a cold area, you have to, otherwise it can ruin the medication.” Sahyouni added.

Ruining the medication can include decreasing or completely eliminating its efficacy.

“It can deactivate or make the side effects worse, creating more problems. Once you exceed the recommended temperature, it can create a reaction; which we don’t know what direction it can go. When you receive the box it is recommended the temperature it should be preserved at. Freezing it can decrease the value of it. The heat is the problem where it can create reactions that are not warranted and cause problems.” Sahyouni continued.

Understanding that the side effects of a GLP can make hydration difficult; experts advise it to help mitigate the impacts of those side effects.