You probably heard of Ozempic, the supposed “miracle” weight-loss drug popularized by celebrities and influencers. Then there are lots of other names and terms you might have seen: Wegovy, Semaglutide, Mounjaro, Zepbound, Tirzepatide, and more. 

Do these drugs really work? Aren’t they all the same thing? Do you even need any medication to lose weight? 

Let’s dive in and clear up what this all means and whether they could help in your weight-loss journey. 

First, obesity is not your fault or a personal failure. It’s a complex issue that goes far beyond simple choices or actions. Understanding treatment options empowers you to make choices that best align with your lifestyle. 

Wegovy was the first highly effective anti-obesity medication approved by FDA in 2021. You may have heard about how Ozempic (a diabetes medication) helped with weight loss a few years before that. Both medications are based on Semaglutide which is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. These medications work by slowing the movement of food from the stomach, which increases your feeling of fullness, stimulates your insulin secretion, and regulates your appetite promoting weight loss.  

Another type of medication is the Tirzepatide-based Zepbound (approved by FDA for weight loss in 2023) and Mounjaro (a diabetes medication). Tirzepatide is a combination of GLP-1 and GIP. The GIP receptor activation gives additional effects for weight loss.  

Highly effective anti-obesity medications are defined by the Obesity Medicine Association as achieving at least a 15% weight reduction. Currently the only two medications meeting this standard are Semaglutide (Wegovy) and Tirzepatide (Zepbound) weekly injections. Recent research highlights additional benefits of these medications, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular events and death for adults with obesity or overweight who also have cardiovascular disease. 

Of course, there are other oral medications that can lead to moderate weight loss, and even a 5-10% reduction can offer significant health benefits.  

Do you really need medication to lose weight?  

Depending on your unique situation, one of these medications could be beneficial.  Regardless of whether medication is included in your weight management plan, lifestyle modifications are essential for achieving lasting success. 

Professional support that provides personalized nutrition, tailored physical activity, behavioral guidance, and ongoing medical supervision significantly increases your chances of maintaining a healthy weight. 

Obesity is a serious, chronic, progressive, relapsing disease that requires comprehensive long- term treatment. The Obesity Medicine Association recommends that treatment for patients with the disease of obesity utilizes evidence-based processes including anti-obesity medications as standard of care.  

Get in touch today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, more informed approach to weight loss. I’m here to support you, and together, we’ll create a personalized plan that works for you and helps you achieve the results you want.  

Click here to schedule your free visit: https://feelwelltelehealth.com/contact-us/  

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