Obesity is a disease that affects millions of people globally. It is a risk factor for many chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer — weight loss for individuals who have been diagnosed with obesity is a critical and necessary intervention.
In recent years, there have been significant advancements in weight loss therapeutics. These advancements have led to the development of new medications and other therapies that can help people lose weight and keep it off. Particularly, we are seeing success with a new range of medications that target the appetite and metabolism. These medications can help people feel fuller longer and burn more calories.
GLP-1 agonists are a promising drug class originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes but recently shown to be effective for weight loss in non-diabetic patients with obesity or overweight BMI when given as adjunctive therapy to diet and exercise. The mechanisms of action as they relate to weight loss are understood to stem from paracrine and endocrine signaling pathways within the GI tract, pancreas, and central nervous system that delay gastric emptying, decrease appetite, augment pancreatic beta-cell insulin secretion, and suppress pancreatic glucagon release.
It is important to understand that weight loss medication is not a cure for obesity. It is a tool that can help you lose weight, but it is not a substitute for healthy lifestyle changes.
The following lifestyle changes are recommended with the course of therapeutic treatment:
- Eating a healthy diet. This means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It also means limiting your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.
- Exercising regularly. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Get enough sleep. Most adults need around 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
- Managing stress. Stress can lead to unhealthy eating habits and weight gain. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.
Below is a list of medications that most people are at least familiar with relative to weight loss.
Wegovy
Active ingredient: Semaglutide
Dosage: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 once weekly
Approval: FDA approved for weight loss in adults with obesity or overweight who have at least one weight-related medical condition (based on BMI calculation)
Potential side effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, fatigue, abdominal pain, dizziness, indigestion, and gallstones
Ozempic
Active ingredient: Semaglutide
Dosage: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, or 1 mg once weekly
Approval: FDA approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults
Potential side effects: Similar to Wegovy
Phentermine
Active ingredient: Phentermine
Dosage: 30 mg to 37.5 mg once daily
Approval: FDA approved for short-term (up to 12 weeks) use in adults for weight loss when used as part of a comprehensive program that includes diet and exercise
Potential side effects: Dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, headache, insomnia, nervousness, and rapid heart rate
Mounjaro
Active ingredient: Tirzepatide
Dosage: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 7.5mg, or 15 mg once weekly
Approval: FDA approved for type 2 diabetes in adults (seeking fast-track FDA approval for weight loss)
Potential side effects: Similar to Wegovy and Ozempic, but may also include pancreatitis and thyroid problems