Prescription weight loss medicines work by either reducing your appetite or changing the way your body digests food, in addition to maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in physical activity. You may be a candidate for these medicines if you have not been successful in losing weight through other methods and if you meet the following criteria (UpToDate, 2024):
- Have a BMI of 30 or greater, or
- Have a BMI between 27 and 29.9 and have weight-related medical problems such as diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure.
Incretin mimetics are gut hormones that help with digestion and control blood glucose levels, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). They assist with weight loss by reducing appetite and suppressing glucagon secretion. Some incretin-based medications that can help with weight loss are:
- Tirzepatide (sample brand names: Zepbound, Mounjaro)
- Semaglutide (sample brand names: Wegovy, Ozempic)
- Liraglutide (sample brand name: Saxenda)
It's also important to understand that these medicines require a long-term commitment and are currently available in the form of shots that are administered under the skin. They work by increasing the amount of insulin your body releases after eating, which helps control your blood sugar level. Additionally, they slow down digestion and make people feel full more quickly.
While these medicines can be effective for weight loss, they may also lead to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Moreover, they can be costly, and most individuals need to continue taking these medicines in the long term. Discontinuing the medicine often leads to regaining the lost weight.
Please Note that Be Healthy & Well offers medical weight loss services, including evaluations for Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic), Tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro), and Liraglutide (Saxenda). Our weight loss approach considers our clients' holistic well-being, addressing medical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, and environmental aspects of care. Contact us at 804-533-7444 or info@bhealthynwell.com for further details.
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