According to the CDC, the prevalence of obesity in the United States continues to increase at an alarming rate. In fact, almost 60% of Americans are considered either overweight or obese. Obesity-related conditions including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer are among the leading causes of preventable, premature death in the U.S. Thankfully, there are new treatment options available to reverse this disease.
What are the injections called?
In 2021, the FDA approved the once-weekly injection WeGovy for chronic weight management. WeGovy is the brand name for semaglutide. The approval of this drug provides patients with an option to help curb appetite without the jittery effects of a stimulant. While it may seem like a brand-new drug, semaglutide has been used for years but at a lower dosage to effectively treat type 2 diabetes. The usage of this drug at the lower dosage, referred to by its brand name, Ozempic, is a once weekly treatment option that led researchers to discover its potential for
weight loss.
In addi:iton to WeGovy, another alternative with typically fewer side effects is Monjuaro, which is the brand name for Tirzepatide. This impressive injection is also administered once weekly and boasts even greater weight loss in studies. According to a recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, participants experienced a 19.5-20.9% reduction in body fat mass compared with 12.4% participants receiving semaglutide.
Are the injections safe?
While it is evident that these injections are effective, it is wise to consider the long-term risk vs. benefit. Many patients are prescribed these medications without being properly evaluated for potential adverse effects. A battery of specific lab tests and a thorough evaluation by a provider specifically trained in Obesity Medicine ensures patients’ safety while receiving treatment for obesity using the injections. Gastrointestinal issues (nausea, diarrhea, and constipation) are the most commonly reported side effects that typically resolve once the body adjusts to the medication.
Are the results permanent?
Long-term results vary based on the level of support a patient receives from their healthcare provider. Patients receiving proper nutritional counseling from their physician or health coach may experience long-term success in maintaining their weight loss. However, if patients are left to make food choices on their own without proper guidance, the weight may return and inevitably result in greater fat mass than the patient reported prior to initiation of weight loss injections. Unfortunately, most physicians and mid-level providers receive little to no nutritional instruction during their training. This fact makes it even more important for patients to seek out a trained professional with expertise in Obesity Medicine.
In addition, it is crucial that a patient is evaluated for other underlying conditions. Many thyroid issues go undiagnosed due to inadequate lab and diagnostic evaluation by a knowledgeable health care provider. Male and female hormonal imbalances also play an important role in both weight loss and long-term weight maintenance. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, inadequate sleep, chronic inflammation, and unmanaged stress may effect weight and must be treated prior to initiation of any effective weight loss program.
