New Obesity Medications Making Weight Loss More Effortless
Medications Quieting the “Food Noise”
These new drugs often quiet the ‘food noise,’ or brain chatter about food.
Promising Treatments
Wegovy and Zepbound are approved to treat people with obesity.
Ozempic and Mounjaro are for people with type 2 diabetes.
Tackling the American Obesity Epidemic
Being on a diet sometimes feels like an American pastime. According to government statistics, more than 30% of Americans are overweight and over 42% have obesity.
A related government survey found that almost half of US adults have tried to lose weight in the last 12 months. The most common methods include exercise, eating less food, and consuming more fruits, vegetables, and salads.
People want to lose weight to look a certain way “now,” and they also want to live longer and healthier lives, with a lower risk of developing serious health conditions in the future.
A New Class of Medications Making a Difference
A new class of medications, known as glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists or GLP-1s, has made weight loss more effortless for many individuals. These medications effectively quiet the “food noise” in the brain that makes it difficult to stick to crucial lifestyle changes.
Familiar Brand Names
The household names for GLP-1 agonists include Ozempic and Wegovy, which contain semaglutide as the active ingredient. Mounjaro and Zepbound contain tirzepatide. These medications have gained popularity due to their effectiveness in weight loss.
A Peek Into the Mechanism
GLP-1 receptor agonists, originally developed for type 2 diabetes, mimic the hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 that is released in the gut after eating. They activate the hypothalamus in the brain, generating a sense of fullness, reducing appetite, and promoting weight loss.
Expanding Effects
GLP-1 medications trigger other actions in addition to reducing appetite, such as slowing down the movement of food through the gut and stimulating the release of insulin. Tirzepatide can also attach to the receptors of another hormone called GIP, making it even more powerful.
Important Considerations
These Meds Are Not for Everybody
Wegovy and Zepbound, the weight loss versions of semaglutide and tirzepatide, are only approved to treat individuals diagnosed with obesity or those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and above. They are also indicated for people with a BMI of 27 and above who have weight-related medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. (Ozempic and Mounjaro are indicated only for people with type 2 diabetes.)
Seeking Professional Guidance
Obesity management using these medications requires a partnership with a healthcare professional and a long-term treatment approach. Close follow-up and regular communication with the doctor are key to successful treatment.
Efficacy and Safety
GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide, tirzepatide, and their weight loss versions, have shown notable effectiveness in helping individuals lose weight. Semaglutide averages close to a 15% weight loss, while tirzepatide reaches weight loss levels similar to that of bariatric surgery, approximately 21% weight loss.
Regarding safety, these medications have a long track record as they have been used to treat diabetes since 2005. While there are side effects like nausea, constipation, acid reflux, and rare events, such as inflammations that are extremely rare (< 1% of the time), these medications are considered safe overall.
Complementary Lifestyle Adjustments
Although GLP-1 agonists have proved their efficacy, they should be one component of a comprehensive treatment plan for obesity. Lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise and adopting beneficial eating patterns, are essential for effective weight loss and overall health.
Conclusion
These new weight loss medications provide hope for individuals struggling with obesity and related health conditions. While they offer an effective and safe solution, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional, be knowledgeable about eligibility, and integrate necessary lifestyle changes to embark on a successful weight loss journey.