Weight is not always easy. For many people, following a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help. But sometimes, lifestyle changes alone are not enough. This is when weight loss medications might be considered. But are they the right choice for you? Let’s break it down.
Why Weight Matters for Health?
Overweight and obesity have become global health problems. Doctors use body mass index (your weight divided by your height squared) to define them as overweight: BMI between 25 Kg/m2 and 29.9 Kg/m2 and obesity: BMI of 30 Kg/m2 or higher.
Moreover, carrying excess body fat increases the risk of serious conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver problems, sleep apnea, and even some cancers.
The good news is that losing even 5–10% of your body mass can improve health. In fact, this means better blood sugar, lower blood pressure, and reduced cholesterol levels.
What Are Weight Loss Medications?
Prescription weight loss medications are not magic pills. They don’t replace healthy eating or exercise. Instead, they help your body in specific ways:
- Most make you feel less hungry or fuller faster.
- One, called orlistat, reduces how much fat your body absorbs from food.
Currently, six medications are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for long-term use:
- Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave)
- Liraglutide (Saxenda)
- Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)
- Semaglutide (Wegovy)
- Setmelanotide (Imcivree)
Additionally, you might also hear about drugs like Ozempic. While it was originally designed for diabetes, doctors sometimes prescribe it “off-label” for weight loss because it also reduces appetite.
When Is Medication for Weight Recommended?
Guidelines suggest that weight loss medications can be considered if:
- You have a BMI of 30 or higher, or
- You have a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related health issues (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea).
Importantly, medications are meant to support, not replace, lifestyle changes. Indeed, research shows that using them for at least one year can help people lose 3–12% more body mass compared to lifestyle changes alone. Although this might sound small, even modest weight loss can have a big impact on health.
Who Can Prescribe Them?
These medications are available only by prescription. In other words, a healthcare provider must decide if they are safe and appropriate for you. Therefore, they are not the same as over-the-counter “diet pills” you might see in stores or online.
How Effective Are They?
Not all medications work the same way, and not everyone responds the same. Among them, GLP-1 agonists (such as Wegovy, Saxenda, and Zepbound) have shown the best results in helping people lose significant body fat.
Nevertheless, even with medication, weight loss depends on many other factors such as: what and how much you eat, your level of physical activity, your overall health and lifestyle habits.
What About Side Effects
Like all medicines, weight loss drugs can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, such as nausea, constipation, or diarrhea. Fortunately, these usually improve over time. However, some medications may carry specific risks:
- Naltrexone/bupropion can raise blood pressure.
- Phentermine/topiramate may affect mood and should be used with caution.
This is why it’s important to use these drugs under medical supervision.
Lifestyle Still Matters
Even if you take medication, healthy habits are key. Eating nutritious foods, staying active, and practicing moderation will make a big difference.
For example, some simple tips include:
- Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and calcium-rich foods.
- Limit fried foods and high-calorie snacks.
- Enjoy small portions of your favorite treats instead of cutting them out completely. For instance, have a small piece of chocolate rather than a whole bar.
The Bottom Line
Weight loss medications are not a quick fix. Rather, they can be useful tools for people who struggle with obesity and its related health risks, especially when lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough. But remember, they work best when combined with healthy eating, physical activity, and long-term behavior changes. Therefore, think of them as a support system, not a replacement.
Finally, before considering these medications, always talk to your healthcare provider. Together, you can decide if they are the right choice for your health and goals.
References
Mayo Clinic. (2022, October 29). Pros and cons of weight-loss drugs. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/weight-loss-drugs/art-20044832
Safety and effects of anti-obesity medications on weight loss, cardiometabolic, and psychological outcomes in people living with overweight or obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis Liu, Leiling et al. eClinicalMedicine, Volume 79, 103020
UC Davis Health. (2024, August 28). Can weight loss medications really help you lose weight?: Cultivating health. Cultivating health. https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/can-weight-loss-medications-help-you-lose-weight/2024/08
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