Hello friends, welcome back to my blog. People may consider weight loss medications for several reasons, even though exercise and a healthy diet are generally considered the cornerstones of successful and sustainable weight loss. One of the most common reasons some individuals might seek weight loss medications is the medical conditions. Some individuals have medical conditions that make it difficult to lose weight through exercise alone. Medical conditions such as hormonal imbalances, certain genetic factors, and metabolic disorders can impact weight loss efforts. In such cases, weight loss medications might be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
The top three most common weight loss medications on the market right now is Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro. Today, I am going to talk about the current weight loss medications option in the market and what you should know about the side effect of the three new medications prior to taking them.
Disclaimer: This isn’t medical advice. To obtain any prescription weight loss medication, you should consult a healthcare provider, such as a doctor or a registered dietitian.
Prior to Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro, here are a few weight loss medications that have been on the market for a while now.
Phentermine: Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that is used for short-term weight loss in conjunction with diet and exercise. It’s available by prescription and is usually recommended for individuals with a BMI (body mass index) over 30 or those with a BMI over 27 with obesity-related conditions.
Orlistat: Orlistat is available both over-the-counter and by prescription. It works by inhibiting the absorption of dietary fats in the intestines. It’s typically recommended for people with a BMI over 30 or those with a BMI over 27 with obesity-related conditions.
Liraglutide (Saxenda): Originally developed as a diabetes medication, liraglutide is also approved for weight management. It’s a daily injectable medication that can help with appetite control and glucose regulation. It’s available by prescription.
Buproprion-Naltrexone (Contrave): This medication combines two existing medications, bupropion and naltrexone. It’s designed to control cravings and hunger by affecting the brain’s reward system. It’s available by prescription.
Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia): This is another combination medication, containing phentermine (an appetite suppressant) and topiramate (an antiepileptic drug that also helps with weight loss). It’s available by prescription.
Why is Wegovy different from Ozempic even though it has the same active ingredient Semaglutide?
Both Ozempic (semaglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are medications that contain the active ingredient semaglutide, which is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. However, they are approved for different purposes and have different dosages. Here’s a comparison:
Ozempic (Semaglutide for Diabetes):
- Ozempic is primarily approved as a medication for managing type 2 diabetes.
- It helps regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin secretion, reducing glucagon production, and slowing down gastric emptying.
- During clinical trials for diabetes management, it was observed that Ozempic led to significant weight loss in many participants, which prompted further investigation into its use for weight management.
- Ozempic is available in various doses for diabetes treatment.
- It is usually administered as a subcutaneous injection once a week.
- The weight loss effect of Ozempic is typically seen at lower doses compared to Wegovy.
Wegovy (Semaglutide for Weight Management):
- Wegovy is specifically approved for chronic weight management in adults who have obesity or are overweight and have at least one weight-related medical condition.
- It is a higher-dose formulation of semaglutide than what is typically used for diabetes treatment.
- The weight loss effect of Wegovy is more pronounced due to its higher dosage.
- Wegovy is intended to be used as part of a comprehensive weight management program that includes a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
- It is usually administered as a subcutaneous injection once a week.
Since both Wegovy (high-dose semaglutide) and Ozempic (lower-dose semaglutide) are medications that belong to the same class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, their side effect profiles are similar
Side effects of Wegovy and Ozempic
Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and upset stomach are among the most commonly reported side effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists. These effects are often more pronounced when starting the medication and may improve over time.
Loss of Appetite: Reduced appetite is a desired effect for weight management, but it can also lead to mild feelings of hunger or discomfort, especially when first starting the medication.
Injection Site Reactions: Since both Ozempic and Wegovy are administered as subcutaneous injections, there may be some discomfort or mild reactions at the injection site, such as redness, itching, or swelling.
Headache: Some individuals may experience headaches as a side effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Some people may experience these sensations, particularly when standing up quickly.
Fatigue: Feeling tired or fatigued can be a side effect for some individuals.
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): While hypoglycemia is more common with diabetes medications, including Ozempic, it is less likely to occur with Wegovy since it’s not typically used to treat diabetes.
Since Wegovy is usually given at a higher dosage than Ozempic, side effects may be more likely with Wegovy.
What is Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), and is it approved for weight loss?
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is also belong to the same drug class as Ozempic and Wegovy: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It is currently only approved for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 and is not yet approved for weight loss.
Since it is also a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, it shares the same adverse side effect as Ozempic and Wegovy.
Remember that individual experiences can vary, and your healthcare provider is the best source of information and guidance regarding your specific situation. Additionally, developments or updates may have occurred since my last update, so I recommend checking with a healthcare professional or reliable medical sources for the most current information.
