Losing weight is a common goal for many individuals seeking to improve their overall health and well-being. While diet and exercise are essential components of any successful weight loss journey, some people may find it challenging to shed those extra pounds through these methods alone. This is where weight loss medications come into play, offering a helping hand to those in need.
Before considering any medication, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if it’s the right choice for you. Let’s dive into the world of weight loss medications and discover which ones could potentially assist you on your journey to a healthier you.
Wegovy
Wegovy is a medication that contains semaglutide, a type of medication known as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It is used to treat obesity and is designed to help individuals lose weight when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, works by mimicking the actions of a naturally occurring hormone in the body called GLP-1. GLP-1 helps regulate blood sugar levels and plays a role in appetite control. When semaglutide is administered, it can help reduce appetite, increase feelings of fullness, and slow down the emptying of the stomach, ultimately leading to reduced calorie intake.
Wegovy is typically prescribed for individuals who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or for those with a BMI of 27 or higher who also have at least one weight-related medical condition, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
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Ozempic
Ozempic is a brand name for a medication called semaglutide, which is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It is primarily used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes but is also extremely effective for weight loss. Ozempic is administered as an injection, typically once a week, and it is intended to be used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise to manage weight.
Here’s how Ozempic works:
Blood Sugar Control: Ozempic helps lower blood sugar levels by increasing the release of insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. It also reduces the production of glucagon, another hormone that raises blood sugar levels. These actions together result in better blood sugar control.
Appetite Control: Like other GLP-1 receptor agonists, Ozempic can also help with weight management. It slows down the emptying of the stomach, which can lead to reduced appetite and a feeling of fullness, making it easier for some individuals to make healthier food choices and lose weight.
Cardiovascular Benefits: Ozempic has shown cardiovascular benefits in clinical trials, reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (such as heart attack or stroke) in certain populations of people with type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic is typically prescribed by healthcare professionals for individuals with type 2 diabetes who have not achieved adequate blood sugar control through lifestyle changes alone or who require additional medication to manage their condition. It’s important to use Ozempic as directed by your healthcare provider and to discuss any potential side effects or concerns with them. Additionally, it should not be used to treat type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Read More: How does Ozempic work for weight loss?
Mounjaro
Mounjaro, branded under the drug name tirzepatide, represents a groundbreaking approach in the realm of weight loss interventions. Unlike its single-receptor agonist counterparts such as semaglutide in medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, Mounjaro operates as a ‘dual-agonist,’ simultaneously activating two receptors. This distinctive mechanism yields exceptional weight loss outcomes, surpassing the effects of single-agonist treatments.
The clinical trial results for Mounjaro have been nothing short of remarkable. Participants administered the highest dosage, 15 milligrams, witnessed astonishing outcomes, experiencing weight reduction of up to an impressive 21% of their body weight. This underscores the unparalleled effectiveness of Mounjaro’s dual-agonist approach in fostering substantial weight loss.
The amount of time required to achieve a weight loss of at least 5% was found to vary across different treatments. Specifically, individuals taking Mounjaro 5 mg experienced a median time of 16 weeks to reach this weight loss milestone. On the other hand, those using Mounjaro 10 mg and 15 mg observed a slightly shorter median duration of 12 weeks. In comparison, participants who received injectable semaglutide 1 mg as a treatment had a comparatively longer median period of 24 weeks to attain the same level of weight loss.
In short: Top 3 Brand Name Weight Loss Medications
Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are 3 notable weight loss medications, with semaglutide as their active ingredient, offering effective options for individuals looking to achieve weight loss goals while emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to weight management.
You can take a look at the Health-X Weight Loss Program, which offers an insurance concierge service to help you get the coverage you need for brand name weight loss medication.
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References
Davies M, Færch L, Jeppesen OK, Pakseresht A, Pedersen SD, Perreault L, Rosenstock J, Shimomura I, Viljoen A, Wadden TA, Lingvay I; STEP 2 Study Group. Semaglutide 2·4 mg once a week in adults with overweight or obesity, and type 2 diabetes (STEP 2): a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2021 Mar 13;397(10278):971-984. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00213-0. Epub 2021 Mar 2. PMID: 33667417. Referenced from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33667417
Franz MJ. Weight Management: Obesity to Diabetes. Diabetes Spectr. 2017 Aug;30(3):149-153. doi: 10.2337/ds17-0011. PMID: 28848305; PMCID: PMC5556579. Referenced from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5556579
Mounjaro™ (tirzepatide) injection Prescribing Information. Eli Lilly & Company; May 2022. https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/new-analyses-mounjarotm-tirzepatide-injection-treatment-adults
FDA approves Lilly's Mounjaro™ (tirzepatide) injection, the first and only GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/fda-approves-lillys-mounjarotm-tirzepatide-injection-first-and
Novo Nordisk. (2022). Ozempic. Referenced from https://www.novo-pi.com/ozempic.pdf
Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity - Referenced from: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
