Most people wish that there was a magic button that they could press that would help them lose weight. While this is most likely never going to be the case, at least not in our lifetimes, science has come a long way in helping us understand why some people experience significant weight gain and have a harder time losing weight than others. These advances have brought about a new wave of weight loss medications that have proven to be effective tools for weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.
Most weight loss medications work by regulating your appetite, helping you feel fuller faster, and reducing cravings. Several of these have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for overweight and obese patients and should only be taken under medical supervision and require a prescription from a medical provider.
Who can take weight loss medications?
Weight loss medications are designed to be a long-term, supplementary weight loss tool for people who have been unsuccessful in losing weight by more traditional methods. They are normally recommended for people with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 27 who have a serious medical problem linked with obesity. Weight loss medications can not be used by anyone who is currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
Always remember that weight loss medications can be expensive and that they aren’t always covered by health insurance. It is important to ask your insurance provider if these medications are covered before making a final decision as to whether or not you want to pursue this option.
Which weight loss medication should I take?
This is something that must be decided between you and a medical provider to ensure that you are taking the correct medication for your unique circumstances. When considering the appropriate medication, your medical provider will take note of your medical history and current health challenges and inform you of the pros and cons of different prescription weight-loss drugs.
It is important to keep in mind that weight loss will only occur if you have a calorie deficit so it is still very, very important that you adopt the necessary lifestyle changes that will help you lose weight and maintain a healthy weight long term. Many people regain some of the weight that they lost when they stop taking weight-loss drugs so you must be willing to adopt healthy eating and exercise habits long-term.
At Transition Weight Loss Management, we use several different medications for patients including semaglutide, which is available under the brand names Wegovy and Ozempic, as well as tirzepatide, which is known under the brand name Mounjaro.
Semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic)
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 agonist which means that it mimics the hormone GLP-1. It targets areas of the brain and organs that regulate glucose metabolism, appetite, and food intake, increasing feelings of fullness while slowly emptying the stomach. It is taken weekly by self-injection.
Although the drug’s use in weight loss is relatively new, studies have shown that adults taking 2.4 milligrams of semaglutide per week lost anywhere between 10% to more than 16% of their body weight. Common side effects associated with semaglutide include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, headaches, and vomiting. These should lessen over time.
Trizepatide (Mounjaro)
Like semaglutide, tirzepatide is a GLP-1 agonist that mimics hormones involved in blood sugar control and appetite. It also is a GIP agonist. Initially used as a medication to help control Type 2 diabetes, it has been shown in clinical trials to help patients lose around 22% of their weight.
Need more info about weight loss medications?
If you would like to know if weight loss medications are the right choice for you, give us a call at (603) 685-0462 to speak to one of our specialists or go to our website to schedule a free medical evaluation.
