Medically reviewed by Holly Lofton, M.D.
Till not too long ago, weight problems was regarded as a life-style alternative, nevertheless it’s truly a continual, advanced illness. And many individuals residing with obesity want treatment options to assist handle it.
By now, you’ve in all probability 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 way of life adjustments alone and assist folks handle their weight over time. This helps scale back the chance of great well being situations, together with heart disease — the primary killer of girls within the U.S. — and Sort 2 diabetes.
You’ll have heard folks speaking about Ozempic and Mounjaro as AOMs as effectively. Nevertheless, these medicines, which share the identical energetic 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 standard aspect impact, they’re typically prescribed off-label for that objective.
In case you or somebody you recognize is thinking about taking an AOM, right here’s what it’s essential 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 accredited 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)
Quick-term AOMs, like phentermine, can also be prescribed as a part of an weight problems illness administration plan.
How do anti-obesity drugs work?
Every AOM works in another way to assist promote weight reduction and preserve a wholesome weight. Some assist you to really feel full despite the fact that you’re consuming much less or assist you to really feel much less hungry total. For instance, semaglutide acts like a hormone referred to as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps sluggish digestion and indicators to your mind that you simply’re full. This medicine will be particularly useful for individuals who expertise “food noise,” or obsessive ideas about meals that may result in overeating.
AOMs also can make it harder to your physique to soak up fats, which might result in weight reduction.
To search out the proper AOM for you, speak to your healthcare supplier (HCP) about your medical historical past and what you need 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 for those who’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 just 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 software and simply one of many components to contemplate earlier than taking the medicine.
Your physique mass index is a measure of your physique fats based mostly on peak 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 particular person is completely different, but when you have not misplaced weight after three months, speak to your HCP about making an attempt a distinct medicine.
Analysis exhibits that some folks taking an AOM lose 10% or extra of their beginning weight throughout 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 will have negative effects, which might differ from individual to individual.
The most typical negative 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 particular person might want to keep on an AOM is a call that you need to make along with your healthcare supplier. A lot of folks have been utilizing these medication to prepare for seaside season, however that’s not their supposed or accredited use and has been creating shortages for individuals who really want them.
Can you are taking anti-obesity drugs for those who’re pregnant?
In case you’re planning to get pregnant or in case you are pregnant, you shouldn’t take an AOM as a result of some medication could 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: In case you’re taking an AOM, you might be extra more likely to get pregnant. This can be taking place for just a few causes together with:
- Some AOMs make contraception tablets much less efficient. In case you’re taking a GLP-1 drug, the delayed digestion could 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 could assist increase fertility. Research exhibits residing with chubby or weight problems can have an effect on ovulation — releasing eggs — and common intervals, which have an effect on your capacity to get pregnant.
What else do it’s essential to find out about anti-obesity drugs?
In case you’re prescribed an AOM, your insurance coverage could not cowl the medicine, so it’s essential to test along with your insurer earlier than shifting ahead. In any other case, you could possibly be taking a look at a really costly out-of-pocket charge per 30 days. Speak to your HCP in regards to the AOM which may be greatest for each your well being and your finances total.
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