Prescription Weight Loss Aids: Available Choices and Purchase Locations
In the pursuit of weight loss, it's essential to approach the journey with caution and guidance. Here, we delve into the world of weight loss medications, focusing on their common side effects, potential risks, and the popular GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro.
If you're considering weight loss medication, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional first. They can assess your health status, discuss your weight loss goals, and determine if you meet the criteria for a prescription. Generally, this includes having a BMI of 30 or over, or a BMI of 27 or more with a weight-related health condition [1].
Once prescribed, these medications should be used alongside diet management and exercise. However, it's important to note that recurrent shortages of many GLP-1 drugs have occurred due to an increase in demand [7].
Common side effects of these medications primarily involve gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation [1][3][4][5]. For instance, Wegovy users report higher rates of gastrointestinal side effects compared to Mounjaro users, with nausea affecting up to 44% of Wegovy users, compared to 12% of Mounjaro users [1]. Similarly, Ozempic and Wegovy (both semaglutide-based) commonly cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea [5].
Other common side effects include belching, fatigue, dizziness, and headaches [1]. Additionally, patients should be aware of the potential for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially when taken with other diabetes medications [1][4].
Less common but serious risks include gallbladder disease and pancreatitis, as well as gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying) and intestinal blockage, which have been reported with semaglutide drugs [5].
There are also more serious but less established concerns, such as a potential increased risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. This risk has been observed in animal studies, prompting boxed warnings for semaglutide drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic. While the risk has not been definitively proven in humans, caution is advised, especially for those with personal or family histories of medullary thyroid cancer or specific genetic conditions like MEN 2 syndrome [1][3][5].
Other emerging but less certain risks include potential links to eye disease, depression-related brain changes, and reduced libido, though evidence is still limited and under investigation [3].
Patients are generally advised to avoid these medications if pregnant or trying to become pregnant, or if they have histories of pancreatitis, Type 1 diabetes, or related thyroid cancer risk factors [1].
In summary, gastrointestinal symptoms are the most common side effects of these GLP-1 receptor agonist weight loss drugs, with additional potential risks requiring medical supervision during treatment [1][3][4][5].
While no researchers have directly compared Ozempic and Wegovy, a 2022 review of 23 studies suggests that Wegovy may result in greater weight loss than Ozempic [6]. If a GLP-1 drug is not available, a healthcare professional may prescribe a different medication.
Remember, the journey to weight loss is a personal one, and it's crucial to discuss your options with a healthcare professional. You can also try to lose weight without medication by following a balanced eating plan, reducing calorie intake, getting regular physical activity, setting weight goals, asking for support, and enrolling in a weight loss program [2].
References: 1. Mayo Clinic. (2021). Semaglutide oral (Rybelsus). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/semaglutide-oral-rybelsus/description/drg-20073459 2. NHS. (2021). How to lose weight. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/how-to-lose-weight/ 3. NIDDK. (2021). GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/drugs/glp-1-receptor-agonists 4. FDA. (2021). Wegovy (semaglutide injection) for chronic weight management. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/wegovy-semaglutide-injection-chronic-weight-management 5. FDA. (2021). Ozempic (semaglutide injection) for type 2 diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/ozempic-semaglutide-injection-type-2-diabetes 6. Obesity Action Coalition. (2022). Wegovy vs. Ozempic: What's the difference? Retrieved from https://www.obesityaction.org/resources/wegovy-vs-ozempic-whats-the-difference/
- For individuals suffering from weight-related health issues, a prescription for weight loss medication, such as a GLP-1 receptor agonist like Wegovy or Mounjaro, could be an option, but potential side effects like depression-related brain changes should be considered.
- Depression and other psychiatric issues have been noted as less common but possible side effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists, not just in animal studies but also in some human cases, albeit with limited evidence.
- This is a concern not only for people taking Wegovy or Mounjaro but also for those on other GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic.
- Anxiety, mood changes, and even suicidal thoughts have been reported as potential side effects, though they are less common.
- It's essential to inform healthcare providers about any symptoms of depression or anxiety to ensure proper treatment, whether that involves switching to a different medication or adjusting current therapies and treatments.
- Seekers of weight loss solutions should be mindful of the risk of such side effects, especially as they may be more common among switchers or those already dealing with depression or anxiety.
- Another prevalent concern for those using GLP-1 receptor agonists is colitis, which can manifest as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
- This inflammatory bowel disorder can be a side effect of these types of weight loss medications and has been associated with psoriasis, an autoimmune disease like spondylitis and ankylosing spondylitis.
- Furthermore, certain medications, such as Ostrive, might cause copd, a lung condition characterized by inflammation, narrowing of airways, and mucus production.
- Ulcerative colitis and psoriasis patients could potentially benefit from telehealth, as it enables them to discuss their concerns about medication side effects and potential risks with their healthcare providers remotely.
- CBD, a compound found in cannabis, is being researched for its potential to help manage symptoms of colitis, with some early evidence suggesting it may be beneficial in reducing inflammation.
- In managing weight, health-and-wellness enthusiasts and Medicare recipients should consider not only weight loss medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists but also lifestyle changes, weight-management programs, and predictive science to help ensure long-term success.
