In today’s world, where the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle is a priority for many, weight-loss drugs have gained significant attention. These medications, available in various forms, promise to assist individuals in achieving their weight-loss goals. Understanding the nuances of these drugs is essential for anyone considering their usage.
About Weight-Loss Drugs
Wegovy, Mounjaro, Ozempic… These recently developed medications have captured significant attention, igniting hope among millions worldwide grappling with diabetes or obesity.
Types of Weight-Loss Drugs
Weight-loss drugs can be broadly categorized into prescription medications and over-the-counter supplements. Each category has distinct characteristics and regulations governing its usage.
Wegovy and Ozempic
The Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk, known as a global leader in diabetes treatments, utilizes the drug semaglutide in two of its key treatments: Wegovy for obesity and Ozempic for Type 2 diabetes.
Wegovy obtained approval in the United States in 2021 and is currently available for purchase in Denmark, Norway, Britain, and Switzerland. Novo Nordisk aims to secure certification in France in the coming year.
On the other hand, Ozempic received authorization in the US back in 2017. Recent supply shortages in the US stemmed from a surge in demand, largely driven by individuals seeking weight loss, often influenced by positive endorsements from celebrities or influencers across social media platforms.
Projections indicate substantial sales for Wegovy and Ozempic in the United States alone, estimated at $8.1 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively, by 2031, as per a March report from GlobalData.
Mounjaro and Zepbound from Eli Lilly
Eli Lilly’s medication tirzepatide, known as Mounjaro for individuals dealing with Type 2 diabetes, received approval from US health authorities last year. Additionally, it has been prescribed off-label, indicating its use for purposes not explicitly approved, particularly for aiding in weight loss.
Recently, tirzepatide obtained US approval specifically for the treatment of obesity, to be marketed under the name Zepbound, granted on November 8.
Zepbound is recommended for individuals classified as obese or overweight, especially those with underlying conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, elevated cholesterol levels, or high blood pressure.
Who can take weight-loss drugs
In specific situations, your healthcare provider might recommend a weight-loss medication. This could be if traditional methods like diet and exercise haven’t resulted in weight loss and if:
- Your Body Mass Index (BMI) exceeds 30, indicating obesity.
- Your BMI is over 27, and you face serious obesity-related health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Before prescribing any medication, your healthcare provider considers your medical history and challenges. They discuss the advantages and disadvantages of prescription weight-loss medications with you. However, these drugs aren’t suitable for everyone. For instance, if you’re attempting to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding, prescription weight-loss drugs aren’t recommended.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Work
The mechanisms behind weight-loss drugs vary, influencing appetite, metabolism, or fat absorption. Delving into how these drugs function sheds light on their impact on the body.
Weight Loss Medicine Names
Below are the some weight loss medicine names:
- Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic)
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro)
- Liraglutide (Saxenda)
- Phentermine (Adipex, Suprenza)
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)
- Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave)
- Setmelanotide (Imcivree)
- Orlistat (Xenical and Alli)
- Hydrogel (Plenity)
Weight Loss Medication Injection
Liraglutide Injection (Weight Management)” works by reducing appetite, aiding in weight loss, or assisting in maintaining weight loss. Your healthcare provider might suggest dietary and exercise adjustments while using this medication.
Conclusion
Weight-loss drugs serve as a potential aid in achieving weight-loss goals but require informed decisions and a holistic approach to health for long-term success.
FAQs
Q1. What are the most successful weight loss drugs?
GLP-1 agonists are presently regarded as the most efficient anti-obesity medications and are deemed safe for prolonged use. As of now, only liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy), and tirzepatide (Zepbound) have gained approval for weight loss purposes, although there might be some other GLP-1 drugs prescribed off-label.
Q2. Are weight loss pills safe?
Here’s essential information about weight-loss drugs: Mild side effects like nausea, constipation, and diarrhea are frequent and might diminish over time. However, there’s a rare possibility of experiencing serious side effects.
Q3. Are weight loss injections safe?
Injections for weight loss, such as Semaglutide, Saxenda, Wegovy, and Ozempic, present a promising option in combating obesity and its associated health issues. Yet, similar to any medical treatment, they carry potential risks and side effects.