June 25th, 2024 | 4 min. read
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Are you trying to lose weight but can’t seem to shed the pounds? You are not alone. This is a common frustration for millions of people who are trying to diet and exercise. In fact, one 2022 study estimated that 52% of the world’s adults are trying to lose weight.
This struggle often leads people to explore additional options, including weight loss medications like Ozempic or Wegovy.
These medications have soared in popularity recently due to their success in aiding weight loss. And it’s true. They can be powerful tools to help battle this problem.
One study showed that taking weight loss medications for a year can help reduce total body weight by 3% to 12% more than lifestyle changes alone.
But they aren’t for everyone. Understanding how they work and what types are available is important to make an informed decision.
In this article, we will discuss the different types of weight loss medications and how they operate. We will also discuss the effectiveness, side effects, and risks associated with these medications to ensure you are taking them safely and to make a right decision for you.
What are the common types of weight loss medications? And how they do work?
Understanding the differences between common types of medications is important for anyone considering this path to weight loss.
We’ll discuss three main categories: incretins, appetite suppressants, and drugs that interfere with nutrient absorption. Each works through unique mechanisms that can aid in helping you achieve your goals.
Incretins
Incretins are gut hormones that aid in digestion and blood sugar control, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Incretin-based medications enhance these natural hormones, helping regulate insulin and blood sugar levels. They are particularly effective for individuals with type 2 diabetes and are administered through injections. Examples include Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus) and Liraglutide (Victoza & Saxenda)
How they work:
- Make you feel full: They help you feel full after eating, reducing the desire to eat more.
- Slow down stomach emptying: They slow down how quickly your stomach empties, so you stay full longer.
- Improve insulin sensitivity: They enhance your body’s response to insulin, crucial for controlling blood sugar levels.
Another medication, Tirzepatide, combines this effect with another action that helps your body produce more insulin.
Appetite suppressants
Appetite suppressants are non-incretin-based medications that reduce appetite directly and can be effective for weight loss. These medications are administered through pills. Examples include Contrave and Qsymia.
How they work:
- Contrave: It contains bupropion and naltrexone. Bupropion reduces hunger, while naltrexone prevents the brain from counteracting this effect.
- Qsymia: Contains phentermine and topiramate. Phentermine reduces hunger, and topiramate helps by preventing the brain from overriding this reduction in appetite.
Drugs that interfere with nutrient absorption
These medications prevent fat absorption in the small intestine, allowing the calories from fat to pass into the colon instead of being absorbed into the body. This approach can rapidly encourage a low-fat diet. Examples include Orlistat, Xenical, and Alli
How They Work:
- Plenity: Though not technically a medication, it’s a prescription-only pill containing cellulose and citric acid. It expands inside your stomach and small intestine to promote feelings of fullness.
- Xenical: Blocks some of the fat you eat, preventing it from being absorbed into your body. It’s stronger than Alli.
- Alli: Decreases the amount of dietary fat absorbed in your intestines.
By understanding these categories and how they function, individuals can better choose the most appropriate medication for their weight loss journey.
Alli: Decreases the amount of dietary fat absorbed in your intestines.
How effective are weight loss medications?
When considering weight loss medications, it's essential to understand their effectiveness, potential side effects, and associated risks.
The effectiveness of weight loss medications varies depending on the type of medication used and the lifestyle changes you incorporate alongside the medication. Ozempic on average can help a person lose about 15 to 20 pounds depending on their lifestyle.
For instance, combining these medications with a healthy diet and regular exercise can significantly enhance their positive health impacts and increase the chances of long-term success.
Simply put, the more you commit to a healthy lifestyle, the more effective these medications are likely to be.
What are the common side effects of weight loss medications?
While weight loss medications can be beneficial, they can also come with a range of side effects. It's crucial to be aware of these potential issues before starting any medication:
- Muscle loss: Some medications can cause significant muscle loss, accounting for 20-40% of the weight lost. To combat this, incorporate strength training and consume adequate amounts of protein.
- Digestive issues: Side effects can include diarrhea (if fat intake is high), bloating, constipation, and stomach problems.
- Migraines: Some users report experiencing severe headaches or migraines.
- Kidney problems: There is a risk of kidney issues or even kidney failure.
- Gallbladder problems: Some medications can affect the gallbladder, leading to complications.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas is another serious side effect.
- Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels can occur, particularly with medications affecting insulin levels.
It's important to discuss these potential side effects with your healthcare provider to understand how they might affect you and to monitor any adverse reactions closely.
What are the risks associated with weight loss medications?
When it comes to risks, there are a few critical points to consider:
- Ineffectiveness: There's a possibility that any medication might not work. Individual responses to these medications can vary widely.
- Lack of long-term data: For some newer weight loss medications, there isn't enough data to provide a definitive answer regarding their long-term safety and effectiveness.
Given these potential risks, it's vital to have a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider to weigh the benefits and risks based on your specific health needs and conditions.
This way, you can make a more informed decision about whether weight loss medications are the right choice for you.
How sustainable is weight loss with weight loss medications?
The sustainability of weight loss using medications depends on several factors, including where you start and your lifestyle habits.
Here’s what you need to know to make weight loss more sustainable:
- Lifestyle changes: The key to keeping weight off is making healthy lifestyle changes, like exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet.
Weight loss medications can help you start losing weight, but to keep it off, you need to stick to these healthy habits even after you stop taking the medication. - Strength training: Incorporate strength training exercises to retain muscle mass while taking weight loss medications.
This helps in maintaining a healthy metabolism and prevents muscle loss, which is important for long-term weight management. - Medication dependency: If you rely only on the medication and don’t change your lifestyle, you’re likely to gain weight back once you stop taking the pills.
Your body’s insulin might not be able to keep up without the help of the medication.
Weight loss medications can be a helpful tool in your journey to a healthier weight, but they are not a magic solution.
You must be able to complement these medications by implementing sustainable healthy habits. Weight loss is a journey and is more than just medications.
Next Steps: Talk to your physician about weight loss medications.
The best person to advise you is going to be your primary care physician. They will know your health situation best and can help you decide.
At PartnerMD, our physicians have the time to have these meaningful conversations with you, and we provide the resources to help you succeed with health coaching and Wellness University.
Learn more about membership at PartnerMD. By becoming a member, you’ll have access to our physicians and health coaches to help you on your wellness journey.
