In a world where obesity is increasingly impairing health and many daily activities, a lot of people are turning to medical diagnoses seeking solutions to halt overweight consequences.

The introduction of clinical weight loss drugs has seen new indications and concerns. In 2021, (FDA) Food & Drug Administration approved the very first under-the-skin injection, Wegovy (semaglutide), for chronic weight management in patients with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater and to those linked to at least one “weight-related” health condition like high blood pressure diabetes or cholesterol while in 2022,  Zepbound (tirzepatide) injection was also approved by the FDA for the same conditions.

Understanding weight loss medication 

John Sharretts, M.D., deputy director of the Division of Diabetes, Lipid Disorders, and Obesity in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research says the approvals of the drug offer adults with obesity or overweight a beneficial new treatment option to incorporate into a weight management program. 

Both Semaglutide and Tirzapetide are intended for weight management in individuals with obesity or overweight conditions. They both work by targeting hormones involved in regulating appetite and metabolism to promote weight loss. 

Personalizing your approach
While seeing quick changes and results without much sacrifice is something most of us hope and strive for, it is important to recognize medication without calorie restriction and proper plan amounts to nothing. Personalizing your goals and expectations prior to initiating medication is crucial. 

Steps to consider before treatment: 

• Getting clinically tested 
• Discuss any existing medications with your physician
• Monitor factors increasing your weight 
• Check the cost of the medication 

Insights into weight loss medication 

We all know the frustration of sticking to a strict diet only not to see any results. It’s during these moments of disappointment you may wonder if there is an underlying medical issue affecting your progress and whether weight loss medications are for you however in doubt if they truly deliver results.

Although obesity is prevailing, overweight drugs are rarely prescribed by doctors and are even less frequently used compared to medications for other medical conditions. why is that?

There are conflicting opinions on whether obesity is a chronic condition or a disease as a whole. Although America is the first country to classify obesity as a disease, The World Health Organization (WHO) considers obesity only a serious problem. This prepares us to avoid expecting reimbursement for weight loss medications as it is not an available option in many countries. You would need to find out whether your government classifies obesity as a disease or not before your first purchase

Are weight loss medications proven efficient? 

Obesity is life-threatening however using slimming medicine without learning their safety through scientific studies is not recommended.

Here’s what experts have to say about adding weight loss medication to your diet and the associated risks. 

The New England Journal of Medicine reveals a recent study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of once weekly semaglutide (2.4 mg) alongside lifestyle intervention in facilitating weight loss among adults with obesity.

The trial involved one thousand six hundred and one participants without diabetes, randomized to receive either semaglutide or a placebo over 68 weeks.

Results demonstrated a substantial reduction in body weight among those receiving semaglutide compared to the placebo group. Participants on semaglutide exhibited a mean reduction of -14.9% in body weight, contrasting with -2.4% in the placebo group. This difference was statistically significant, indicating the effectiveness of semaglutide in promoting weight loss.

The study also noted improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors and physical functioning among participants receiving semaglutide. The final analysis clinically concluded once weekly semaglutide (2.4 mg) in conjunction with lifestyle intervention demonstrated sustained and clinically relevant weight loss among adults who were overweight or obese. 

The potential side effects of (Semaglutide and Tirzepatide)

Both Semaglutide (Wegovy) and Tirzepatide (Zepbound), medications used for weight management, can have potential side effects. Common side effects of Semaglutide include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fatigue, while Tirzepatide may cause similar side effects along with injection site reactions, decreased appetite, and increased heart rate. Additionally, both medications may lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially in individuals with diabetes, and rare cases of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) have been reported. It’s essential for individuals considering these medications to discuss potential side effects with their healthcare provider.

Interested in learning more about the which medication might help you lose weight?
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