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Traditional weight loss programs have long relied on calorie-controlled diets and exercise. However, with the rise of weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, many are now exploring these medications to their weight loss strategies.
Are Weight Loss Medications Effective?
Obesity affects over 40% of our adult population, and when including those with overweight and weight-related conditions, the numbers are even higher, says Anthony Jay Millard, M.D., a board-certified obesity medicine physician at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago. He emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach involving every provider in the healthcare spectrum.
While many providers are knowledgeable about the latest weight-loss medications, Dr. Millard notes that everybody isn’t a candidate for these treatments.
Popular Weight Loss Medications
Wegovy
Wegovy is another injectable medication that contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient as Ozempic. It’s FDA-approved for weight management in individuals with a BMI of 27 who have another weight-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes, or a BMI of 30 or higher. Recent research indicates that semaglutide is more effective for weight loss than older medications, potentially leading to a 15% weight loss after 68 weeks in adults with a BMI of 30 or more.
Like Ozempic, Wegovy requires a prescription and is administered once a week.
Ozempic
Ozempic is an FDA-approved medication for managing type 2 diabetes. Its active ingredient, semaglutide, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that mimics the GLP-1 hormone released in the digestive tract during eating. This hormone “signals fullness to the brain, delays stomach emptying, and lowers blood sugar,” explains Rekha Kumar, chief medical officer at Found and practicing endocrinologist in New York City.
Available by prescription only, Ozempic is used as a weekly injection to help control blood sugar and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke in people with type 2 diabetes. Since semaglutide has proven effective in reducing body weight, Ozempic may also aid in weight loss. However, Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss on its own in patients who do not have type 2 diabetes.
Saxenda
Saxenda, also a GLP-1 receptor agonist, is made with liraglutide instead of semaglutide. This prescription-only medication is FDA-approved for treating obesity in individuals aged 12 and older who weigh more than 132 pounds or adults with a BMI of 30 or higher. Although liraglutide might be slightly less effective than semaglutide, it can still lead to up to an 8% weight loss, according to Raoul Manalac, M.D., senior director of clinical experience at RO.
Liraglutide helps decrease appetite and slows stomach emptying, promoting feelings of fullness and reducing calorie intake.
Unlike the weekly injections of Ozempic and Wegovy, Saxenda is administered daily.
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Weight loss medications and fat-burning pills are significantly different. Fat-burning pills and other “quick-fix” weight loss supplements are typically sold over the counter and lack the regulatory oversight of weight loss medications. Unlike fat-burning pills, weight loss medications require a prescription and have been extensively studied for their efficacy in promoting weight management when combined with diet and lifestyle changes.
How to Choose the Best Weight Loss Medication for You
“It’s crucial for patients to remember that these medications are not a magic solution for weight loss and long-term management,” emphasizes Dr. Millard. He explains that nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and sleep are all critical parts of an optimal weight management plan, along with the larger social environment.
Given the complexity of weight issues, Dr. Millard warns, “if a provider suggests these medications are a quick fix or only needed short-term, it’s a red flag that they aren’t considering the chronic nature of obesity.” In such cases, he advises finding a different provider.
Some people use weight loss medications for a few months while adjusting their diet and exercise routines, while others may continue indefinitely. Regardless of your choice regarding medication, incorporating exercise and nutrition is essential for a healthy life, and even small changes can have a significant impact over time.
Whether you’re considering weight loss medication, a commercial weight loss plan, or a combination of both, your first step should be consulting your doctor. They can discuss the pros and cons of medication and help you choose the best plan for your needs.
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Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2021;384(11):989-1002.
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