1 Refer to your insurance contract to see if this drug is covered.
This article is for information purposes only and is not intended to replace professional advice. This is not our position on weight-loss drugs.
Can you lose weight by taking a drug?
Many people would like to lose weight, but struggle to do so. That’s why drugs, starting with Ozempic®, are gaining interest for weight loss.
Are you familiar with these treatments, how they’re used and the side effects? Continue reading to learn more.
The list of obesity drugs is growing
Some medications are gaining attention for their unexpected effects. This is the case with semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic®, originally introduced to treat type 2 diabetes in adults.
The drug’s appetite-suppressing effect quickly drew attention, as it was seen as a potential solution for weight loss.
Formulations of these molecules were then studied and marketed by the pharmaceutical industry, specifically for weight loss. That’s how Wegovy™, Saxenda®, Xenical®, Contrave®, Zepbound™, and their generic versions entered the market.
Most of these treatments are administered via subcutaneous injection. As research continues to evolve rapidly, we can expect pill-based options to become increasingly available.
What about side effects?
As with any medication, treatments for obesity can have potential side effects, including:
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea or constipation
- stomach pains
- hypoglycemia when there is a drug interaction with other diabetes treatments
Other, more serious side effects may also occur. For Ozempic®, for example, the following have been reported:
- acute kidney problems
- gallbladder disorders
- allergic reactions
- pancreatitis
Based on a 2022 study, another major side effect is that non-diabetics who took semaglutide regained most of their weight the year after ceasing the drug. So you should follow up with your healthcare professionals.
How effective are they?
A prescription for one of the approved obesity drugs is required, especially when obesity becomes a risk factor for developing other illnesses.
Such treatment can be effective if...
- Healthcare professionals (doctors, pharmacists) provide a clear framework for its use.
- You combine it with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
- You turn to more specialized support, as needed (nutritionist, psychologist, kinesiologist).
To prevent errors or undesirable interactions, managing your medication properly is also key.
Working towards a balanced approach to weight loss
It’s best to proceed with caution with new weight-loss drugs. If you’re considering such treatment, be sure to discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor.
After all, health isn’t just about the numbers you see on a scale, it’s about your overall well-being. That’s why a healthy lifestyle goes a long way to simply feeling better about your body.