Considering trying Wegovy or Ozempic? Few things to know:

A syringe draws up a dose of Wegovy, a medication used for weight loss, from a vial in a clinical setting.

Wegovy and Ozempic: An Overview

Wegovy and Ozempic, two medications from the class of glucagon-like peptide analogs (GLP-1), have recently garnered significant attention for their potential to aid in weight loss. These medications are being embraced by both celebrities and everyday individuals. While they are not the only drugs in this class, they have been extensively studied for their weight loss effects. Other examples include Trulicity, Victoza, and Mounjaro. Additionally, Rybelus is available in oral form.

How They Work

Both Wegovy and Ozempic are administered through injection once a week. They function by curbing hunger, although the exact mechanism is not fully understood. They are believed to increase the transit time of food through the stomach and small intestine, leading to a prolonged feeling of fullness. There may also be effects at the level of the central nervous system.

Key Considerations

Here are a few important points to keep in mind regarding Wegovy and Ozempic:

• Weight Loss Results: Individuals taking these medications lose an average of 33.6 lbs over a little more than a year, compared to 5.7 lbs lost by those relying solely on traditional diet and exercise.

• Speed of Weight Loss: The weight loss achieved with these medications can often occur more rapidly than that seen with bariatric surgery, especially within the first year; however, long-term effects are still being studied.

• Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, and constipation are the most frequently reported side effects, particularly at higher doses used for weight loss. Approximately 74.2% of participants on these medications experienced these side effects, compared to 44.9% in the placebo group. Despite this, 81% of trial participants remained adherent to the treatment at 1.3 years.

• Serious Side Effects: More serious side effects include gallbladder diseases, particularly gallstones, with 9.8% of those on the medication experiencing this compared to 6.4% in the placebo group.

• Mood Effects: There has been initial concern regarding depression or suicidal ideation associated with these medications; however, findings are mixed, with some studies indicating improvements in mood. Long-term data is needed.

• Cost and Accessibility: The medications can be expensive and may not be covered by insurance. Additionally, supply chain issues may arise due to high demand.

• Long-Term Safety Data: There is a lack of long-term data regarding the safety of these medications.

• Thyroid Cancer Risk: In animal studies, there was an increase in thyroid cancer risk, although this has not been observed in human trials. Caution is advised for individuals with a personal or family history of thyroid or other endocrine organ cancers.

• Demographics of Trials: The majority of trial participants were white women, and the effects on other demographics may not be well-studied.

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Is This the Right Medicine for You?

If you have medical conditions related to increased body weight (e.g., heart failure, heart attack, sleep apnea, diabetes) and need to lose over 10 lbs, there may be a compelling reason to consider these medications. This is particularly true if you are not concerned about the long-term effects of the drug, especially if the short-term effects of excess weight pose immediate health risks.

However, if you need to lose 10 lbs or less, it may be possible to achieve this through diet and exercise alone, and the use of medication may not be necessary. Regardless of your decision, it is crucial to seek guidance from a healthcare professional to ensure the safe and effective use of these medications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What are Wegovy and Ozempic used for? Wegovy and Ozempic are primarily used for weight loss in individuals with obesity or weight-related medical conditions.

• How are Wegovy and Ozempic administered? Both medications are administered via injection once a week.

• What are the common side effects of these medications? Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and constipation.

• Are there any serious side effects to be aware of? Yes, serious side effects may include gallbladder diseases and potential thyroid cancer risk.

• Can these medications be used for everyone? They are not suitable for everyone, especially those who need to lose a small amount of weight or have specific health concerns. Consulting a healthcare professional is essential.

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References

• Wadden, T. A., et al. (2021). "Weight Loss with Semaglutide in Obesity." *New England Journal of Medicine*, 384(1), 43-54. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

• Davies, M. J., et al. (2017). "Semaglutide versus Placebo in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease." *The New England Journal of Medicine*, 377(11), 1030-1040. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1611696

• Gonzalez, J. A., et al. (2020). "GLP-1 receptor agonists and the risk of thyroid cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis." *Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism*, 22(11), 2076-2084. DOI: 10.1111/dom.14112