Weight loss medications continue to be a hot topic — from television ads promoting various brands to celebrities discussing their experience taking them. But what do people need to know before deciding whether these medications are right for them?
I want to share six important things to consider about these increasingly popular medications.
1. Weight loss medications help regulate appetite and fullness.
One type of weight loss medication is GLP-1. These medications mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which releases insulin after you eat.
The medications affect your appetite hormones and send signals to your brain to decrease hunger, slow the stomach-emptying process, and help you feel full for longer.
GLP-1 medications can also improve medical conditions, such as sleep apnea and diabetes. Additionally, they can lower the risk of heart disease and fatty liver disease.
2. People on GLP-1s often have a high BMI or other health conditions.
Weight loss medications are not for everyone. The ideal candidate is someone with a body mass index of 27 or higher and at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure or sleep apnea. Patients with a BMI of 30 or higher may qualify without other health conditions.
GLP-1 medications are also an excellent tool for patients who have tried traditional weight loss programs and cannot lose weight from exercise and healthy eating alone or people who have regained weight.
3. GLP-1s work best when combined with lifestyle changes.
People taking these weight loss medications can lose 15% to 20% of their body weight. However, the medications alone can only do so much.
There are four pillars of medical weight loss: nutrition, physical activity, behavior changes and medical interventions. They all need to be combined for long-term success.
I advise my patients to reduce their calorie intake by 500 calories daily and exercise at least 150 minutes weekly. Making and maintaining these lifestyle changes is essential to ensuring the weight stays off.
4. GLP-1s have side effects.
Side effects of weight loss medications can include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headaches and constipation or diarrhea. Some studies have found that approximately 40% to 70% of people taking GLP-1s experience one or more of these adverse effects.
People on GLP-1 medications should talk with their doctors to learn ways to manage side effects. Their recommendations may include eating smaller portions of healthy foods more frequently, eating slowly, exercising regularly and maintaining hydration.
Additionally, because these medications can cause loss of muscle mass in addition to fat loss, patients must be closely monitored while taking them.
5. Different GLP-1 medications help with different things.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved Ozempic and Mounjaro to treat diabetes. Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management and to treat people with obesity and cardiovascular disease. Zepbound is approved for chronic weight management and to treat obesity and obstructive sleep apnea.
Your doctor can help you to find the right medication based on your health conditions, insurance and other needs.
6. There are many types of weight loss medications.
Aside from GLP-1s, there are other weight loss medications that offer different benefits. These include fat absorption inhibitors and appetite suppressants. Talk with your doctor about what medication is right for you.
Trying to lose weight can be overwhelming. You should not have to navigate the process alone, which is why choosing the right doctor and weight loss program, such as Sharp HealthCare’s comprehensive weight loss services, is essential.
Dr. Pegah Mashayekhi, a board-certified doctor specializing in obesity medicine, is affiliated with Sharp Coronado Hospital.
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