The talk of the town lately has been none other than… weight loss medications. Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda, Mounjaro… these names are seen all over social media and on TV, and it causes us to wonder what all the buzz is about and if they really are a safe and effective way to lose weight. Today, we are going to discuss a few of these medications and what they do. 

First, who may benefit from the use of these medications?  

Our board-certified obesity medicine providers use medical history and BMI to help decide whether you could benefit from these medications. Patients who are overweight or obese are ideal patients for these medications. You may benefit from them if you have:  

• a BMI of 30 or greater (obese) 
• a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight), and have comorbidities such as high blood pressure, heart disease, type II diabetes, etc. 

So… what types of weight loss medications are out there?  

There are many different types of medications used for weight loss, which may be used “off-label” in some cases, meaning that health care professionals may use medications in a way that’s different from what the FDA has approved. It is not rare for doctors to prescribe “off-label,” but make sure to speak to your doctor about any risks or side effects involved.  

Semiglutide (Wegovy and Ozempic) 

Ozempic and Wegovy are both injections that contain semaglutide. Semaglutide mimics our natural GLP-1 hormone, making it an effective drug for blood sugar regulation, reduction in A1C levels, and the treatment of overweight and obesity. Ozempic is approved by the FDA to treat Type 2 diabetes, but it can also be prescribed off-label for weight loss treatment. Wegovy is already approved by the FDA for weight loss treatment.   

The biggest difference between the two is that Wegovy and Ozempic have different dosages. Wegovy is a higher-dose version that’s already been FDA approved for weight loss. Keep in mind, however, that both have been shown to be safe and effective for weight loss when used in combination with lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and exercise. 

Liraglutide (Saxenda) 

Liraglutide (Saxenda) is an FDA-approved, daily injection for weight loss. It is also a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that, in addition to stimulating insulin release and inhibiting glucagon secretion, slows gastric emptying and increases satiety after eating. This in turn works by decreasing appetite. A common side effect of using this medication is an upset stomach. Your dose is usually raised slowly over several weeks to help minimize this side effect. 

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) 

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is FDA approved for Type 2 diabetes.  It is also prescribed off label as a weight loss treatment for obese and overweight patients. Tirzepatide is the first of its kind, because it’s the first combination of two classes of medications: a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist and a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist. It works to signal to the brain that you are full, so that you eat less and slows the movement of food through your stomach so you feel full for longer.  

Mounjaro comes as a once-weekly injection. It works by impacting your body’s insulin levels, blood sugar production, and hunger hormones. The FDA has granted this medication a fast-track review for the treatment of obesity and overweight. This means they will review and potentially approve it for weight loss sooner than is typical for medication approval. 

Naltrexone/Bupropion Sustained Release (Contrave) 

CONTRAVE is an FDA-approved weight-loss medication for people who obese or are overweight with at least one comorbidity such as diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. It is designed to reduce hunger and control cravings, to help you lose weight and keep it off when combined with diet and exercise.  

Due to its active ingredients, Bupropion and Naltrexone, this drug may also help to treat depression and/or substance abuse. Although the approval by the FDA is for weight loss, one could make the argument that this combination may also be effective in treating depression, opioid dependence, and alcohol dependence. Speak to your medical provider to learn more about this medication. 

Zepbound – Weight Loss Medication 

Zepbound is an injection-based prescription medication that can assist adults with obesity or to lose weight. This medication is also used for increasing physical activity and reducing diet. 

Specifications of Zepbound that you need to know: 

• It should only be used in conjunction with a medically assisted weight loss program
• It is safe to use when prescribed with other over-the-counter or herbal weight-loss products. 
• Only 18+ years old can take Zepbound for obesity. 
• It contains tirzepatide and must be avoided using other tirzepatide products, GLP-1 receptor medicines

Safety information 

When using Zepbound, make sure you check safety information as follows: 

• In case of feeling a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, shortness of breath, etc., consult your doctor. 

• Do not take Zepbound if anyone in your family has MTC( thyroid carcinoma). 
• Do not take it if you have a condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome type 2. 

Uses of Zepbound 

Zepbound is used for various reasons such as: 

• Prescribed to adults with obesity. 
• Adults with excess weight overnight or have weight-related medical health problems
• Adults wanting to lose weight. 
• Used with a reduced-calorie diet. 
• Zepbound has the same active ingredients as Mounjaro which is indicated for use in type 2 diabetes. 

Phentermine/topiramate, known as Qsymia

Qsynuz is a unique weight-loss medication that combines two distinct components: an energy-enriched liquid formula consisting of two additional active components – namely phentermine (a central appetite-suppressant) and topiramate (an antiepileptic agent) targeted to weight reduction. It was approved by the FDA in 2012 for use in overweight individuals with weight 27 kg/m² or greater, or with BMI equal to or greater than 30 kg/m² and the individuals must have one weight-related health issue.

Qsymia is not just a diet pill. It rather represents a different, unique way of controlling weight issues. Besides treating appetite, it also treats the factors involved in the developing issues of obesity such as metabolic changes. It is suitable for patients who cannot follow diet or physical activity plans. It is advisable to consult a doctor before consuming this drug as it may cause adverse reactions as well.

Many people use the medication process for weight loss journeys due to excessive obesity. This injection-based medication prescribed to reduce weight when followed with other activities like physical activity, managed diet, etc., can accelerate the weight loss journey. 

What should I do if I’m looking to use weight one of with these medications?  

Your best option is to speak to a board-certified obesity medicine provider. Here at Paragon Health Partners, we have two amazing board-certified obesity medicine providers that would be happy to speak with you about your weight loss goals and find what treatment plan will work best for you based on your health, medical history, risk factors, and more. Be sure to give us a call at 972-203-3600 to find out more information about our medically-assisted weight loss program that is covered by most insurance plans.  

Visit our medically assisted weight loss page to learn more about how we can help you to get the most out of your health.