Medically reviewed by Holly Lofton, M.D.
Till just lately, weight problems was considered a life-style selection, but it surely’s really a persistent, complicated illness. And many individuals residing with weight problems want remedy choices to assist handle it.
By now, you’ve in all probability heard of anti-obesity medicines (AOMs) on the information or by following Oprah on social media. These medicines have been round for over a decade, however research present the newest injectable variations (Wegovy and Zepbound) assist individuals lose extra weight than with way of life adjustments alone and assist individuals 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 ladies within the U.S. — and Sort 2 diabetes.
You’ll have heard individuals speaking about Ozempic and Mounjaro as AOMs as properly. Nonetheless, 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 typical facet impact, they’re generally prescribed off-label for that goal.
For those who or somebody you recognize is taken with taking an AOM, right here’s what it’s essential know.
What are anti-obesity medicines?
AOMs are medicine that assist individuals with weight reduction and weight administration.
There are a number of AOMs authorized by the FDA for long-term weight administration. These embody:
- 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, can also be prescribed as a part of an weight problems illness administration plan.
How do anti-obesity medicines work?
Every AOM works in another way to assist promote weight reduction and preserve a wholesome weight. Some provide help to really feel full though you’re consuming much less or provide help to really feel much less hungry general. For instance, semaglutide acts like a hormone known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps sluggish digestion and indicators to your mind that you just’re full. This treatment might be particularly useful for individuals who expertise “meals noise,” or obsessive ideas about meals that may result in overeating.
AOMs may make it tougher in your physique to soak up fats, which might result in weight reduction.
To seek out the precise AOM for you, speak to your healthcare supplier (HCP) about your medical historical past and what you must know, together with how a lot it prices.
Who can take anti-obesity treatment?
You might be a candidate for an AOM should you’re residing with a physique mass index (BMI) of 27 or above and have a minimum of one well being situation associated to your weight, like hypertension, Sort 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea.
It’s vital to notice that BMI shouldn’t be an ideal measure of an individual’s well being, and never everybody with the next BMI is true for an AOM. BMI is a screening instrument and simply one of many components to think about earlier than taking the treatment.
Your physique mass index is a measure of your physique fats primarily based on peak and weight. Present CDC BMI tips:
|
BMI |
Weight Standing |
|
Beneath 18.5 |
Underweight |
|
18.5 – 24.9 |
Wholesome Weight |
|
25.0 – 29.9 |
Obese |
|
30.0 and Above |
Weight problems |
How lengthy does an anti-obesity treatment take to work?
Most individuals see weight reduction inside three months of beginning an AOM. Every particular person is completely different, but when you have not misplaced weight after three months, speak to your HCP about attempting a special treatment.
Analysis exhibits that some individuals 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 may also help decrease blood strain, blood sugar and enhance well being general when residing with weight problems.
What are the dangers to taking an anti-obesity treatment?
Analysis is ongoing concerning long-term results of taking an AOM. However you will have unintended effects, which might differ from individual to individual.
The commonest unintended effects of AOMs embody:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Headache assaults
- Fatigue
How lengthy do you must keep on anti-obesity treatment?
Since weight problems is a lifelong persistent situation, AOMs are supposed to be long-term medicines, and it’s possible you’ll must keep on them for all times. How lengthy every particular person particular person might want to keep on an AOM is a call that you must make along with your healthcare supplier. A lot of individuals have been utilizing these medicine to prepare for seashore season, however that’s not their supposed or authorized use and has been creating shortages for individuals who actually need them.
Can you are taking anti-obesity medicines should you’re pregnant?
For those who’re planning to get pregnant or if you’re pregnant, you shouldn’t take an AOM as a result of some medicine could hurt the fetus. Some drug producers suggest stopping an AOM a minimum of two months earlier than getting pregnant.
However there’s a twist: For those who’re taking an AOM, it’s possible you’ll be extra prone to get pregnant. This can be taking place for a couple of causes together with:
- Some AOMs make contraception tablets much less efficient. For those who’re taking a GLP-1 drug, the delayed digestion could have an effect on your oral contraceptive. You’ll be able to add safety with barrier strategies just like the ring, an IUD and condoms.
- Weight reduction could assist enhance fertility. Analysis exhibits residing with obese 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 it’s essential find out about anti-obesity medicines?
For those who’re prescribed an AOM, your insurance coverage could not cowl the treatment, so it’s vital to test along with your insurer earlier than transferring ahead. In any other case, you would be a really costly out-of-pocket price per thirty days. Speak to your HCP in regards to the AOM which may be greatest for each your well being and your funds general.
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