Last updated on December 1st, 2024 at 07:30 pm
The weight loss injections: Obesity has become a global epidemic, affecting millions of people worldwide. In 2016 alone, over 2 million deaths were attributed to being an overweight or higher-weight person. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that by 2030, obesity will affect almost every country worldwide.
Obesity is a significant public health issue. It is linked to multiple diseases, like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, among others. Obesity is also associated with other conditions, like depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. What is the Obesity Help That Will Change Your Life Forever?
What Obesity Is? - The Game Changers In Weight Loss Treatments
Many health experts are heralding a new treatment for weight loss as a “game changer” and a potential “game-breaker” in the growing epidemic of overweight and obesity.
The FDA has approved semaglutide, an injection made by the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, for patients struggling with chronic weight gain. Semaglutide may help patients lose weight and keep it off.
“Obesity is a disease that affects millions of Americans,” said Dr. Robert F. Kusher, a professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “It is associated with many other diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and arthritis. We don’t use these terms lightly.”
According to the CDC, currently, 42.4% of all adults in the United States suffer from obesity, which is defined as having a BMI of or above 30.
“Today’s approval offers adults with obesity or overweight a beneficial new treatment option to incorporate into a weight management program,” John Sharretts, deputy director of the Division of Diabetes, Lipid Disorders, and Obesity in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said.
The FDA approved semaglutide in 2019 to treat type 2 diabetes and sold it under the brand name Ozempic. Semaglutide reduces hunger and increases satiety, leading to potential weight loss when combined with exercise and counseling sessions with nutritionists to maintain a low-calorie diet.
Are Weight Loss Injections (Medications) Effective?
Yes, weight loss injections can be effective when used appropriately. However, their success often depends on individual factors, adherence to prescribed guidelines, and their combination with lifestyle changes.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Individual Variation: The effectiveness of weight loss medications can vary significantly from person to person. Genetics, metabolism, and overall health can influence their efficacy.
- Lifestyle Changes: Medications are typically more effective when combined with healthy lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet and regular exercise.
- Medical Supervision: It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any weight loss medication. They can assess your needs, monitor progress, and address potential side effects.
- Short-Term vs. Long-Term Effects: While some medications can lead to significant weight loss in the short term, long-term weight management often requires a combination of medication and lifestyle changes.
- Potential Side Effects: All medications have the potential for side effects. Discussing these with your healthcare provider and weighing the benefits against the risks is essential.
Remember: Weight loss medications are not a magic bullet. They can be a valuable tool when used with a healthy lifestyle, but they should not be viewed as a substitute for making positive changes to one’s habits.
| Medication | Generic Name | Minimum Age | Drug class | Approved usage(s) | Prescribed usage(s) |
| Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | 18 | GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist | Type 2 diabetes | Type 2 diabetes/ overweight/obesity |
| Ozempic | Semaglutide | 18 | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Type 2 diabetes/ heart disease prevention* | Type 2 diabetes/ heart disease prevention*/ overweight/obesity |
| Wegovy | Semaglutide | 12 | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Overweight/obesity/ heart disease prevention** | Overweight/obesity/ heart disease prevention** |
| Zepbound | Tirzepatide | 18 | GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist | Overweight/obesity** | Overweight/obesity |
Ozempic® is an injectable, noninsulin medicine used:
- Along with staying active and eating healthy to improve blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.
- To reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease.
- A once-weekly medicine for adults with type 2 diabetes is used to improve blood sugar, along with diet and exercise, and reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease.
While Ozempic® Is Not for Weight Loss, You May Also Lose Some Weight
Ozempic® is not a weight-loss drug. It is a medicine for adults with type 2 diabetes that, along with staying active and eating healthy, may improve blood sugar.
- People who weigh an average of 198 pounds, and take the 0.5 mg dosage of Ozempicsemglutide or a placebo. Over half of those who receive the drug themselves lost nearly 15% of body weight, and over three-quarters achieved a weight loss of 20% or more.
Mounjaro vs. Ozempic — Weight Loss Injections
While they are approved for diabetes, Mounjaro and Ozempic also help people lose weight by helping them feel full longer. Ozempic acts like a hormone your body makes. Mounjaro works similarly, but it acts like two hormones instead of one.
Compared to Ozempic, Mounjaro might work even better for weight loss. One study showed that a 15-milligram dose of this drug taken every week led people to lose more than 20% of their body weight. Ozempic can help you lose 15%-20% of your weight on average. But many people might lose closer to 10% of their body weight.
You’ll likely have to keep taking them to keep the weight off. If you need to lose a lot of weight, you might need to consider other options, including weight loss surgery. Experts recommend being cautious about taking Ozempic or Mounjaro for weight loss so you can make an informed decision, given their side effects, costs, and other factors.
Which Weight Loss Injection (Drug) Is Best?
Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound work similarly for weight loss. Ozempic and Wegovy are both semaglutide. Mounjaro and Zepbound are other drugs called tripeptide. Clinical trials have shown that taking either semaglutide or tirzepatide can make you lose weight. However, the first studies didn’t compare the two.
To look at this one recent study looked at weight loss and side effects in adults who were overweight or obese. Some of them got tirzepatide, while others got semaglutide.
It turned out that people taking tirzepatide lost more weight than those taking semaglutide. This was true after 3 months and a year. The side effects of both drugs also were similar. However, we need more research to understand the differences over the long term and how taking either one of these drugs affects your health.
I’m diabetic and take 1g of metformin twice a day. I started on Ozempic in late November or early December last year and have lost 2.5 stone – so nice n steady. My HBA1C was 79, and is now 29!!! I’m taking random blood sugars during the day after meals and I’m now between 5 and 6 mmol/l.
Nicole
For the first 5 months on Ozempic, I’ve lost 14 kg but for the past few weeks I have not noticed any weight loss… maybe because I am not active as I should or not comply with the diet as much. It does defo work and bring results but some people suffer from side effects
Patrycja
I’m just on my second injection today, so the first week was completed, had a bit of a sickie feeling the first couple of days, and some constipation, but Dulcolax has helped me with that issue, 6lbs loss, delighted, roll on week 2, good luck
Jesse
I started Ozempic just under a year ago, having been on Saxenda, losing only 10 pounds on Sax before the effects wore off and I regained weight, plus more, going up to my heaviest 15st 1 lb. It’s been slow. In the first 6 months on Ozempic I lost about 16 pounds and then weight loss stopped. I kept on it and have found my appetite and mental relationship with food have changed and I gradually lost more. I’m now 12th 11lbs. I have around another stone at least to lose. Keep with it, for some of us, the process is slower. I’ve had no side effects.
Monica
Living with diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t live fully! Try the new injection pens for weight loss
Discover the power of #Ozempic! This FDA-approved medication helps you shed pounds by reducing appetite, curbing cravings, and promoting fullness. It’s time to take control of your weight and reclaim your confidence!
This is an interesting discussion about Ozempic as a potential obesity solution. It’s important to remember that medication should be part of a holistic approach that includes lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. Has anyone combined Ozempic with lifestyle modifications? I’d love to hear about how this integrated approach worked for you. Let’s keep inspiring each other on our health journeys!
This post on Wegovy / Ozempic is a great reminder of the advancements in healthcare solutions for obesity and diabetes! It’s important to remember that medication is just one piece of the puzzle. Combining it with lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and mental health support can really make a difference
Tired of yo-yo dieting? Explore the benefits of weight loss injections.