A New Age of Weight Loss Medications

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide) agonist drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, (brand names) or Semaglutide (generic name) and GLP-1/GIP (glucagon-like peptide/gastric inhibitory polypeptide) agonists like Mounjaro, Zepbound, (brand names) or Tirzepatide (generic name) are all the rage in weight loss right now and for good reason. These medications have changed the trajectory of medically assisted weight loss and are giving bariatric surgery a run for its money. The Wegovy website boasts that on average patients experienced 15% weight loss, a significant amount considering priorly available medications had weight loss percentages in the single digits. They are not without side effects, however, with gastrointestinal complaints being the most common. Like anything, looking at your individual situation and performing a risk-benefit analysis with a qualified provider is of utmost importance. A few other aspects to consider. First, for these medications to be effective they must be combined with calorie restriction and lifestyle modification. The medications make it easier to decrease calories due to increased satiety but if you are ignoring those cues and eating for reasons other than hunger (e.g., emotional eating) they will likely not be effective and increase your risk of side effects. Next, weight loss does not discriminate between fat and muscle. When people talk about wanting to lose weight what they are typically alluding to is wanting to lose fat. The loss of muscle is an undesirable consequence of an otherwise good solution. This is especially important if you are middle-aged or older as maintaining muscle mass becomes more difficult with advancing age in general. There are ways to mitigate this undesired side effect so be sure to bring up concerns with a qualified practitioner and figure out the best plan for your specific needs before diving in. Lastly, the brand names of these medications are exceptionally expensive with insurance coverage varying considerably both in initial and long-term coverage. There are even some insurance carriers with “obesity exclusions” meaning that if that is the only indication for the medication it will not be covered. The generic forms are much more affordable albeit still an investment. When considering if these medications might be right for you don’t forget the cost as many months or even years of treatment can add up quickly. To sum it up if you have struggled to lose weight these classifications of medications could help you achieve sustainable weight loss, just be sure your provider has considered all the aforementioned aspects before starting treatment.