Managing Health: Calorie Needs and Vaccination Insights for Adults

Recent inquiries to health expert Dr. Roach shed light on important health management strategies for adults, focusing on calorie intake while using weight-loss medications and the necessity of vaccinations. Two individuals, a 66-year-old male and a 60-year-old female, raised pertinent questions regarding their health regimens and risk factors.

Caloric Intake and Nutritional Needs with Mounjaro

A 66-year-old man, who began using Mounjaro a month ago for his Type 2 diabetes, expressed concerns about his reduced appetite and whether he is consuming enough nutrients. He aims to lose 40 pounds and maintains an online food log to track his intake.

Dr. Roach emphasized that calorie intake below 800-1,200 calories per day could lead to insufficient protein and essential micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. For individuals consuming fewer calories, it is crucial to consider supplements, particularly for calcium, iron, and vitamin D. He highlighted the importance of focusing on nutrient-dense, low-calorie foods, such as vegetables and fruits.

Online dietary programs can assist with detailed information on macronutrients (fat, protein, carbohydrates) and micronutrients (fiber), helping individuals select the most nourishing foods while using appetite-suppressing medications like tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro. Dr. Roach noted that his patients using similar GLP-1 medications often do not reduce their caloric intake to dangerously low levels, possibly due to his recommendations for lower doses.

The Importance of the Shingles Vaccine

Another question came from a 60-year-old woman weighing the benefits of the shingles vaccine. She has a unique background, having avoided chickenpox during childhood, unlike her sister, who contracted it as an adult. While she received two doses of the chickenpox vaccine at age 40, she is uncertain about her risk for shingles.

Dr. Roach confirmed that it is indeed possible to develop shingles even after vaccination. The chickenpox vaccine administered is a live, weakened strain, which poses a lower risk of leading to shingles compared to the wild type, but does not eliminate the possibility entirely. He recommended that she receive two doses of the recombinant shingles vaccine, Shingrix, which is a subunit vaccine designed to bolster the immune response without using live virus.

Shingles occurs when the dormant virus reactivates, often manifesting along a nerve root in one part of the body, known as a dermatome. The vaccine has shown to be over 90% effective in preventing shingles and significantly reduces the risk of postherpetic neuralgia, a painful condition that can follow shingles.

While the vaccine may lead to temporary soreness and mild flu-like symptoms, its benefits extend beyond shingles prevention. Recent research indicates that it may also help protect against dementia by preventing blood vessel damage linked to shingles.

Dr. Roach encourages adults over 50 or those with compromised immune systems to consider the shingles vaccine, which is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He invites readers to submit further inquiries, although he cannot respond to individual letters directly.

For those interested in exploring more about their health questions, they can reach out to Dr. Roach via email at [email protected] or by mail at 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803.