Medically reviewed by Holly Lofton, M.D.
Till not too long ago, weight problems was considered a life-style selection, however it’s really a power, complicated illness. And many individuals dwelling with weight problems want remedy choices to assist handle it.
By now, you’ve in all probability heard of anti-obesity drugs (AOMs) on the information or by following Oprah on social media. These drugs have been round for over a decade, however research present the most recent injectable variations (Wegovy and Zepbound) assist folks lose extra weight than with way of life adjustments alone and assist folks handle their weight over time. This helps cut back the chance of significant well being situations, together with coronary heart illness — the primary killer of girls within the U.S. — and Sort 2 diabetes.
You’ll have heard folks speaking about Ozempic and Mounjaro as AOMs as effectively. Nevertheless, these medicines, which share the identical lively ingredient as Wegovy and Zepbound respectively, are technically not AOMs. They’ve been FDA-approved to deal with diabetes, however since weight reduction is a standard aspect impact, they’re generally prescribed off-label for that function.
If you happen to or somebody you realize is focused on taking an AOM, right here’s what you might want to know.
What are anti-obesity drugs?
AOMs are medicine that assist folks with weight reduction and weight administration.
There are a number of AOMs accredited by the FDA for long-term weight administration. These embrace:
- Semaglutide (Model names: Wegovy, Rybelsus)
- Tirzepatide (Model identify: Zepbound)
- Orlistat (Model names: Alli, Xenical)
- Phentermine-topiramate (Model identify: Qsymia)
- Naltrexone-bupropion (Model identify: Contrave)
- Liraglutide (Model names: Victoza and Saxenda)
- Setmelanotide (Model identify: Imcivree)
Quick-term AOMs, like phentermine, may be prescribed as a part of an weight problems illness administration plan.
How do anti-obesity drugs work?
Every AOM works in a different way to assist promote weight reduction and keep a wholesome weight. Some assist you to really feel full regardless that you’re consuming much less or assist you to really feel much less hungry total. For instance, semaglutide acts like a hormone referred to as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps gradual digestion and indicators to your mind that you simply’re full. This remedy might be particularly useful for individuals who expertise “meals noise,” or obsessive ideas about meals that may result in overeating.
AOMs also can make it tougher to your physique to soak up fats, which might result in weight reduction.
To seek out the precise AOM for you, discuss to your healthcare supplier (HCP) about your medical historical past and what you need to know, together with how a lot it prices.
Who can take anti-obesity remedy?
You might be a candidate for an AOM for those who’re dwelling with a physique mass index (BMI) of 27 or above and have not less than one well being situation associated to your weight, like hypertension, Sort 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea.
It’s essential to notice that BMI will not be an ideal measure of an individual’s well being, and never everybody with a better BMI is correct for an AOM. BMI is a screening software and simply one of many components to contemplate earlier than taking the remedy.
Your physique mass index is a measure of your physique fats based mostly on peak and weight. Present CDC BMI pointers:
|
BMI |
Weight Standing |
|
Under 18.5 |
Underweight |
|
18.5 – 24.9 |
Wholesome Weight |
|
25.0 – 29.9 |
Chubby |
|
30.0 and Above |
Weight problems |
How lengthy does an anti-obesity remedy take to work?
Most individuals see weight reduction inside three months of beginning an AOM. Every particular person is totally different, but when you have not misplaced weight after three months, discuss to your HCP about making an attempt a special remedy.
Analysis exhibits that some folks taking an AOM lose 10% or extra of their beginning weight throughout the first three months.And dropping simply 5% to 10% of your physique weight might help decrease blood stress, blood sugar and enhance well being total when dwelling with weight problems.
What are the dangers to taking an anti-obesity remedy?
Analysis is ongoing concerning long-term results of taking an AOM. However you might have unintended effects, which might range from individual to individual.
The most typical unintended effects of AOMs embrace:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Headache assaults
- Fatigue
How lengthy do it’s a must to keep on anti-obesity remedy?
Since weight problems is a lifelong power situation, AOMs are supposed to be long-term drugs, and chances are you’ll have to keep on them for all times. How lengthy every particular person particular person might want to keep on an AOM is a choice that you need to make together with your healthcare supplier. Plenty of folks have been utilizing these medicine to prepare for seaside season, however that’s not their supposed or accredited use and has been creating shortages for individuals who really want them.
Can you’re taking anti-obesity drugs for those who’re pregnant?
If you happen to’re planning to get pregnant or in case you are pregnant, you shouldn’t take an AOM as a result of some medicine could hurt the fetus. Some drug producers suggest stopping an AOM not less than two months earlier than getting pregnant.
However there’s a twist: If you happen to’re taking an AOM, chances are you’ll be extra more likely to get pregnant. This can be occurring for a couple of causes together with:
- Some AOMs make contraception capsules much less efficient. If you happen to’re taking a GLP-1 drug, the delayed digestion could have an effect on your oral contraceptive. You possibly can add safety with barrier strategies just like the ring, an IUD and condoms.
- Weight reduction could assist enhance fertility. Analysis exhibits dwelling with chubby or weight problems can have an effect on ovulation — releasing eggs — and common durations, which have an effect on your capacity to get pregnant.
What else do you might want to find out about anti-obesity drugs?
If you happen to’re prescribed an AOM, your insurance coverage could not cowl the remedy, so it’s essential to test together with your insurer earlier than shifting ahead. In any other case, you can be taking a look at a really costly out-of-pocket charge per 30 days. Discuss to your HCP in regards to the AOM that could be greatest for each your well being and your finances total.
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