Medically reviewed by Holly Lofton, M.D.
Till not too long ago, weight problems was regarded as a way of life alternative, nevertheless it’s really a power, complicated illness. And many individuals residing with obesity want treatment options to assist handle it.
By now, you’ve most likely heard of anti-obesity medications (AOMs) on the information or by following Oprah on social media. These medicines have been round for over a decade, however studies present the newest injectable variations (Wegovy and Zepbound) assist folks lose more weight than with life-style adjustments alone and assist folks handle their weight over time. This helps cut back the chance of significant well being circumstances, together with heart disease — the primary killer of ladies within the U.S. — and Sort 2 diabetes.
You could have heard folks speaking about Ozempic and Mounjaro as AOMs as properly. 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 facet impact, they’re generally prescribed off-label for that goal.
In case you or somebody you understand is fascinated by taking an AOM, right here’s what it’s worthwhile to know.
What are anti-obesity medicines?
AOMs are medication that assist folks with weight reduction and weight administration.
There are a number of AOMs authorized 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)
Brief-term AOMs, like phentermine, might also be prescribed as a part of an weight problems illness administration plan.
How do anti-obesity medicines work?
Every AOM works otherwise to assist promote weight reduction and keep a wholesome weight. Some show you how to really feel full though you’re consuming much less or show you how to really feel much less hungry total. For instance, semaglutide acts like a hormone known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps sluggish digestion and indicators to your mind that you simply’re full. This remedy may be particularly useful for individuals who expertise “food noise,” or obsessive ideas about meals that may result in overeating.
AOMs also can make it tougher in your physique to soak up fats, which might result in weight reduction.
To search out the precise AOM for you, speak to your healthcare supplier (HCP) about your medical historical past and what it’s best 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 remedy?
It’s possible you’ll be a candidate for an AOM in case you’re residing with a physique mass index (BMI) of 27 or above and have a minimum of one health condition related to your weight, like hypertension, Sort 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea.
It’s necessary to notice that BMI will not be an ideal measure of an individual’s well being, and never everybody with a better BMI is correct for an AOM. BMI is a screening software and simply one of many components to think about earlier than taking the remedy.
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 remedy take to work?
Most individuals see weight reduction inside three months of beginning an AOM. Every particular person is totally different, but when you have not misplaced weight after three months, speak to your HCP about attempting a distinct remedy.
Analysis exhibits that some folks taking an AOM lose 10% or extra of their beginning weight through the first three months.And losing just 5% to 10% of your body weight may also 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 remedy?
Analysis is ongoing concerning long-term results of taking an AOM. However you will have unwanted side effects, which might fluctuate from individual to individual.
The commonest unwanted side effects of AOMs embody:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Headache assaults
- Fatigue
How lengthy do you must keep on anti-obesity remedy?
Since weight problems is a lifelong power situation, AOMs are meant to be long-term medicines, and chances are you’ll have to stay on them for life. How lengthy every particular person particular person might want to keep on an AOM is a choice that it’s best to make together with your healthcare supplier. Plenty of folks have been utilizing these medication to prepare for seashore season, however that’s not their meant or authorized use and has been creating shortages for individuals who really want them.
Can you are taking anti-obesity medicines in case you’re pregnant?
In case you’re planning to get pregnant or if you’re pregnant, you shouldn’t take an AOM as a result of some medication could hurt the fetus. Some drug producers recommend stopping an AOM a minimum of two months earlier than getting pregnant.
However there’s a twist: In case you’re taking an AOM, chances are you’ll be extra more likely to get pregnant. This can be occurring for a number of causes together with:
- Some AOMs make contraception capsules much less efficient. In case you’re taking a GLP-1 drug, the delayed digestion could have an effect on your oral contraceptive. You’ll be able to add safety with barrier strategies just like the ring, an IUD and condoms.
- Weight reduction could assist enhance fertility. Research exhibits residing with obese or weight problems can have an effect on ovulation — releasing eggs — and common intervals, which have an effect on your capability to get pregnant.
What else do it’s worthwhile to find out about anti-obesity medicines?
In case you’re prescribed an AOM, your insurance coverage could not cowl the remedy, so it’s necessary to test together with your insurer earlier than transferring ahead. In any other case, you can be taking a look at a really costly out-of-pocket payment per thirty days. Speak to your HCP in regards to the AOM which may be finest for each your well being and your price range total.
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