Discover how weight loss injections like Ozempic help combat obesity and transform your health for better.
Many people struggle with obesity, and here is “the skinny,” on weight loss injectables like Ozempic. Per the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), over 40 % of adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese with areas in the South and Midwest states reporting even higher numbers.
Americans are turning to injectables like Semaglutide (ex. Ozempic), and Tirzepatide (ex. Mounjaro) with sustained weight loss when done in partnership with a healthy diet and exercise. Obesity places you at risk for heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea (difficulty breathing with sleep), high cholesterol, joint pain, and even death.
In fact, a poll says that most adults in the U.S. are familiar with-Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjara-for weight loss and nearly half of the people who are overweight or obese would be interested in trying one. Interest was higher among women, and those whose doctors recommended weight loss. Challenges to trying the injectables are availability, safety concerns, costs, and not wanting to self-inject.
Ozempic or Wegovy? What’s the Truth?
Semaglutide is a class of medications made to treat diabetes but was found helpful for weight loss even if you do not have diabetes. It works by creating a “fasting,” state with normal blood sugar levels, boosts metabolism, and decreases stomach emptying making your feel full sooner. This leads to eating smaller meals, less snacking in between meals, and weight loss. Ozempic is approved for people with diabetes in 2017 and Wegovy for weight loss in people with obesity or overweight with an obesity related health condition like high blood pressure or diabetes in 2021.
Semaglutides are prescribed under different names (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) and different doses but the drug product itself is about the same. Your doctor may also prescribe Ozempic instead of Wegovy for weight loss or another Semaglutide even if not approved specifically for weight loss as is considered an “off label,” use.
Semagutide injections are once a week with weight loss starting in the first 3 months of use. The injection is done in the arm, thigh or stomach. Ozempic and Rybelsus are also available in an oral form. The expected weight loss from any of these medications depends on a number of factors with an average expected weight loss of 2-15 %. People may regain the weight once the medication is stopped.
Semaglutide 2.4 mg injection once a week in a 2021 study at 68 weeks showed up to a 15 % weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and exercise compared to only a 2.4 % weight loss using diet and exercise alone. Most common side effects of the injectable was nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation that improved over time.
Mounjaro or Zepbound better for weight loss?
The answer is probably, yes. These newer medications have a “double weight loss effect,” by acting on the same receptor as Ozempic and a second weight loss receptor site found in the body. A study in New England Journal of Medicine showed a 21 % weight loss from baseline with 1/3 of the people loosing 25 % with a 33 % reduction in total body fat. This is similar to the weight loss with surgical treatment for obesity with up to a 25-30 % weight loss at 1-2 years.
In July of 2024, an article in JAMA was the first ever published with head-to-head comparison between Simaglutide (Ozempic) and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for weight loss. At 3, 6 and 12 months there was a 5 %, 10 %, and 15% better reduction in weight with the Tirzepatide. The extra weight loss can improve your sense of wellbeing, physical abilities, and lead to vital health changes in your body including better blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and improved sugar metabolism.
Are weight loss injections for me?
Qualifications for weight loss injectables depends on your body mass index or weight and how it is impacting your health. It is important for maximal weight loss that the medication (Ozempic, Zepbound, Wegovy) is done in tandem with a good lifestyle that includes a healthy diet, exercise, management of stress, and a plenty of sleep.
You need to ask your provider which medication is best for you and discuss the risks and benefits. The most common side effects of the newer medications are nausea, vomiting, constipation, and less common may include gallbladder disease, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), and should be avoided if you have certain thyroid cancers. There is also a warning of possible suicidal thoughts or actions that is currently under review by the FDA. If you are experiencing any severe side effects seek medical help immediately.
In terms of payment for the medications, it depends on your insurance and coverage guidelines and may be limited to patients with obesity and diabetes.
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