For decades, commercial weight loss programs have focused on calorie control and exercise as the primary methods for shedding pounds. However, with medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and others becoming widely recognized, many people are now exploring the option of adding these medications to their weight loss strategies.

Common GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications

Ozempic

Ozempic, a medication approved by the FDA to treat type 2 diabetes, contains semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. This ingredient mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which is naturally produced in the digestive system after eating. It helps signal fullness, slows the emptying of the stomach, and lowers blood sugar, explains Dr. Rekha Kumar, chief medical officer at Found, a weight loss program. Ozempic is a prescription drug that comes as a weekly injection, primarily to control blood sugar and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Although it’s not FDA-approved for weight loss on its own, it has shown promising results in supporting weight reduction for those who are overweight or obese.

Wegovy

Wegovy, another semaglutide-based medication, is specifically FDA-approved for managing weight in adults with a BMI of 27 or higher who also have another weight-related condition, or those with a BMI of 30 or greater. Research suggests Wegovy can lead to a weight loss of around 15% after 68 weeks for individuals with a BMI of 30 or more. Like Ozempic, Wegovy is also available by prescription and is administered as a weekly injection.

Saxenda

Saxenda is a GLP-1 receptor agonist like Ozempic and Wegovy, but its active ingredient is liraglutide. This prescription drug is FDA-approved for weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 or higher and children aged 12 or older who weigh at least 132 pounds. While liraglutide may not be as effective as semaglutide, Dr. Raoul Manalac, senior director at RO, notes that it can still result in about an 8% weight reduction. Saxenda works by decreasing appetite and slowing stomach emptying, leading to fewer calories consumed. Unlike Ozempic and Wegovy, Saxenda requires daily injections rather than weekly.

Weight Loss Medications vs. Fat Burners

There is a clear distinction between weight loss medications and fat-burning supplements. Over-the-counter fat burners are often marketed as quick-fix solutions and lack the same regulatory oversight as prescription medications. Weight loss medications, on the other hand, are prescribed by healthcare professionals and undergo rigorous testing for their safety and effectiveness when combined with diet and lifestyle changes.

How to Select the Right Weight Loss Medication

Dr. Millard reminds patients that these medications aren’t a “magic bullet” for weight loss. Sustainable weight management requires attention to nutrition, exercise, stress levels, and sleep. He also warns that if a healthcare provider suggests these medications as a short-term fix, it could be a sign that the complexity of obesity as a chronic condition is being overlooked, and it might be worth seeking a second opinion.

Some individuals use weight loss medications for a few months as they work on improving their diet and exercise habits, while others continue taking them for an extended period. Regardless of the path you choose, maintaining a healthy diet and regular physical activity is essential. Even small adjustments can lead to meaningful progress over time.

If you’re thinking about using weight loss medications, joining a commercial weight loss plan, or combining both approaches, your first step should be to consult your doctor. They can guide you through the options and help determine the best course of action based on your individual needs.

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