Medically reviewed by Holly Lofton, M.D.
Till lately, weight problems was regarded as a way of life selection, however it’s really a continual, advanced illness. And many individuals residing with obesity want treatment options to assist handle it.
By now, you’ve most likely heard of anti-obesity medications (AOMs) on the information or by following Oprah on social media. These drugs have been round for over a decade, however studies present the newest injectable variations (Wegovy and Zepbound) assist folks lose more weight than with life-style modifications alone and assist folks handle their weight over time. This helps scale back the chance of great well being circumstances, together with heart disease — the primary killer of girls within the U.S. — and Sort 2 diabetes.
You will have heard folks speaking about Ozempic and Mounjaro as AOMs as nicely. Nevertheless, 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 function.
Should you or somebody you already know is concerned with taking an AOM, right here’s what you have to know.
What are anti-obesity drugs?
AOMs are medication that assist folks with weight reduction and weight administration.
There are a number of AOMs permitted by the FDA for long-term weight administration. These embody:
- Semaglutide (Model names: Wegovy, Rybelsus)
- Tirzepatide (Model title: Zepbound)
- Orlistat (Model names: Alli, Xenical)
- Phentermine-topiramate (Model title: Qsymia)
- Naltrexone-bupropion (Model title: Contrave)
- Liraglutide (Model names: Victoza and Saxenda)
- Setmelanotide (Model title: Imcivree)
Brief-term AOMs, like phentermine, may additionally be prescribed as a part of an weight problems illness administration plan.
How do anti-obesity drugs work?
Every AOM works in a different way to assist promote weight reduction and keep a wholesome weight. Some aid you really feel full though you’re consuming much less or aid you really feel much less hungry total. For instance, semaglutide acts like a hormone referred to as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps gradual digestion and alerts to your mind that you simply’re full. This medicine might be particularly useful for individuals who expertise “food noise,” or obsessive ideas about meals that may result in overeating.
AOMs may also make it harder on your physique to soak up fats, which might result in weight reduction.
To search out the suitable AOM for you, speak to your healthcare supplier (HCP) about your medical historical past and what it is best to know, together with how a lot it prices.
Read: Health Insurance 101: How to Choose Health Insurance When You’re Living with Obesity >>
Who can take anti-obesity medicine?
It’s possible you’ll be a candidate for an AOM should you’re residing with a physique mass index (BMI) of 27 or above and have at the very least one health condition related to your weight, like hypertension, Sort 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea.
It’s essential to notice that BMI isn’t an ideal measure of an individual’s well being, and never everybody with the next BMI is correct for an AOM. BMI is a screening device and simply one of many components to contemplate earlier than taking the medicine.
Your physique mass index is a measure of your physique fats primarily based on top and weight. Present CDC BMI guidelines:
|
BMI |
Weight Standing |
|
Under 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 medicine take to work?
Most individuals see weight reduction inside three months of beginning an AOM. Every individual is totally different, but when you have not misplaced weight after three months, speak to your HCP about making an attempt a distinct medicine.
Analysis reveals that some folks taking an AOM lose 10% or extra of their beginning weight through the first three months.And losing just 5% to 10% of your body weight might help decrease blood stress, blood sugar and enhance well being total when residing with weight problems.
What are the dangers to taking an anti-obesity medicine?
Analysis is ongoing concerning long-term results of taking an AOM. However you could have unwanted effects, which might range from individual to individual.
The most typical unwanted effects of AOMs embody:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Headache assaults
- Fatigue
How lengthy do it’s important to keep on anti-obesity medicine?
Since weight problems is a lifelong continual situation, AOMs are supposed to be long-term drugs, and you might have to stay on them for life. How lengthy every particular person individual might want to keep on an AOM is a choice that it is best to make together with your healthcare supplier. A number of folks have been utilizing these medication to prepare for seashore season, however that’s not their supposed or permitted use and has been creating shortages for individuals who actually need them.
Can you’re taking anti-obesity drugs should you’re pregnant?
Should you’re planning to get pregnant or if you’re pregnant, you shouldn’t take an AOM as a result of some medication might hurt the fetus. Some drug producers recommend stopping an AOM at the very least two months earlier than getting pregnant.
However there’s a twist: Should you’re taking an AOM, you might be extra prone to get pregnant. This can be occurring for a couple of causes together with:
- Some AOMs make contraception drugs much less efficient. Should you’re taking a GLP-1 drug, the delayed digestion might have an effect on your oral contraceptive. You possibly can add safety with barrier strategies just like the ring, an IUD and condoms.
- Weight reduction might assist enhance fertility. Research reveals residing with obese or weight problems can have an effect on ovulation — releasing eggs — and common durations, which have an effect on your capability to get pregnant.
What else do you have to learn about anti-obesity drugs?
Should you’re prescribed an AOM, your insurance coverage might not cowl the medicine, so it’s essential to verify together with your insurer earlier than shifting ahead. In any other case, you can be a really costly out-of-pocket charge per thirty days. Speak to your HCP concerning the AOM that could be greatest for each your well being and your price range total.
From Your Website Articles
Associated Articles Across the Net
