Many people with obesity have resorted to medications that have gained great popularity recently for weight loss, and which were originally developed to treat patients with type 2 diabetes.
These drugs belong to a class called GLP-1 agonists and include semaglutide, the main ingredient in drugs such as Ozempic and Wigovi, and terzepatide, which is found in drugs such as Mongaro.
The US Food and Drug Administration has now approved the two drugs to treat patients with obesity, even if they do not have diabetes.
The network spokeCNN“The American emergency physician, Leana Wen, an associate professor at George Washington University, gave important advice before taking these medications to lose weight.
“These medications require a prescription, and a doctor’s advice should be sought before starting to get them,” Wen said, adding, “These medications have tremendous benefits, but they are not suitable for everyone. The negative aspects and potential side effects must be carefully studied.”
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The doctor stated that the US Food and Drug Administration approved the use of the medicine “Wegovi” and “Zipbond” for weight loss, in two specific cases: adults who have a body mass index of no less than 30 kg/m² and people who have a body mass index higher than 27 and have a health condition. At least one is weight-related, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
She explained, “Just because someone is eligible does not mean that these medications are always the right options for them. Some people may be well without medications, and can lose weight sufficiently with changes in diet and exercise.”
Moreover, these medications are supposed to be taken for years, and a person may receive them for life, after recently published studies revealed that individuals who stop taking them regain most of the weight they lost.
These medications also have potential side effects, including digestive problems, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, according to Dr. Wen.
The US Food and Drug Administration said it was reviewing reports of people suffering from hair loss and suicidal thoughts after taking these drugs, although an initial review of the results of clinical trials did not show a link between the use of the drug and suicide.
Dr. Wen advised against buying “medicines from illegal online pharmacies, as doing so is very dangerous, as it is not possible to know what is in the medicines.”
She also noted that in this case the dosage may be wrong, the medication may be contaminated, and you may not even get the medication you thought you bought.
2024-01-18 12:09:07
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