Ozempic and Mounjaro are drugs that can be used to treat pop in 2 diabetes.
But youve likely heard of them because theyre all over the news for weight loss.
But only Wegovy, Zepbound, and Saxenda are approved specifically for weight loss.
Research shows that some of these drugs also lower the risk of heart and kidney disease.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
GLP-1 agonists are not without side effects.
Because of how they work, common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
The demand for these drugs increased after celebrities on social media described taking them and losing weight rapidly.
Initially, this led to a shortage of Wegovy.
Supply chain issues still exist today for these medications.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
It’s important to remember that the hype is warranted.
Heres what you’re gonna wanna know.
Overweight: A person has a body mass index (BMI) of 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m2.
(Normal BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9.)
Obesity:A person has a BMI of 30.0 or greater.
A BMI of 40.0 or greater is often referred to as severe obesity.
Many experts are now lookingbeyond the BMI for insights into defining obesityand how to treat it.
To date, the FDA has approved eight medications for weight management.
Insurance companies are no longer covering Ozempic for weight loss.
Patients who do not have diabetes are getting compounded semaglutide from various health or weight loss clinics.
This may have different active ingredients than the approved version of the drug.
Patients should be aware that the safety and efficacy of these unregulated sources have not been tested.
What’s Next For Weight Loss Drugs?
They are very effective in lowering blood sugar.
As a byproduct, they lead to significant weight loss.
Weight loss varies depending on which GLP-1 drug is used, as well as the dosage.
These medications have been game-changers for many of my patients who are now able to manage their diabetes.
Many of them are even getting off insulin.
Have drug shortages or drug costs been a challenge for your diabetes patients?
As a result, patient blood sugars which were once well-managed became out of control.
My office now has a pharmacy team dedicated to doing prior authorizations for these meds.
Do you think Ozempic will ever be FDA-approved for weight loss?
Dr. Wood:I think Ozempic (semaglutide) will remain approved only for bang out 2 diabetes.
Semaglutide at even higher doses is already approved for weight loss under the name of Wegovy.
Risks & Side Effects
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Defining adult overweight and obesity.
