Need to Know: Weight Loss Drugs

We're in a new era of medication to support weight loss.  Fortunately, this is a promising new "tool" in our fight against obesity and it's related health problems.  These drugs are also known as anti-obesity drugs.  The currently approved drugs for supporting weight loss for those who have obesity are Ozempic, Wegovey, Mounjaro and Zepbound, all administered through periodic injections.  Ozempic and Mounjaro are also used to treat diabetes.  While these medications have become popular amongst celebrities and influencers to lose weight for aesthetic purposes, it's important to know that obesity is a medical condition. Those with obesity are prone to chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.  These drugs are not for those who are a healthy weight, want a particular body shape or to fit into particular outfit.  Taking these medications require additional guidance to lose the weight in a healthy way.  Nutrition counseling is even more important because of the loss of appetite and to ensure you're getting all the necessary nutrients with less food.  Moreover, with any weight loss there muscle loss so it's important to minimize this loss and maximize fat loss.  Additionally it's important to get these medications from a prescription from your doctor and fill the prescription from a reputable source.  Let's get into more details, here are five important considerations to using these approved anti-obesity medications.

• Is this Right for You? -   First address why you (emphasis on you) want to lose weight.  Is it to gain more energy or mobility, can these issues be addressed via nutrition and exercise, stress management or all of the above?  Consider the costs ( up to $1300 per month, few insurance companies cover the costs), possible long-term or life-long commitment to an anti-obesity medication and potential side effects.  Granted, traditional weight loss methods, and long-term maintenance of weight loss is hard work, requires perseverance, and may not even produce the expected results.  The potential for success isn't guaranteed with an anti-obesity medication either.  Honestly assess if this is the right direction for you.  You can have extra pounds, and be healthy with diet and exercise.


• Consult with Your Doctor -  First and foremost, don't self-diagnose and try to get these medications without a consultation with your doctor.  With a proper consultation, you and your doctor can decide the best path forward to addressing obesity.  These are powerful medications that require careful consideration and a prescription from your doctor.


• Is it Real? -   If you've decided to move forward with anti-obesity medication medication, be forewarned there a many "knock-off" products that sound similar and look similar.  Many sellers are taking advantage the current demand and promoting questionable products to make money.  Don't use these products, they won't work, may be dangerous, and can cause harm.  Get a prescription from your doctor and fill it at a reputable pharmacy, even if you have to wait for it to be restocked.  Availability of these drugs can be inconsistent due to popularity and competition with those who use it for diabetes treatment.


• Nutrition is Important -  Similar to having bariatric surgery, while on anti-obesity medication you will have a limited appetite and consume less food.  As with any limited diet, it becomes more important to eat properly, to ensure there's the right balance of nutrients.  Protein will be a priority.  Additionally, there will be less room for empty calories.  Seek assistance to confirm that you are getting proper nutrition to support energy, maintain muscle mass and overall health.


• Exercise for Muscle Retention -  With any weight loss, there will be muscle loss - it's difficult to just lose fat.  Strength training at least twice a week to gain or retain muscle is especially important during rapid weight loss.  Prevent muscle weakness and tone the body while on anti-obesity medication or any weight loss program.  Moreover, cardiovascular exercise is valuable to improve heart health, enhance mood and relieve stress.  Consider consulting with a personal trainer to provide the best plan for your situation.

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