Can Medications Replace Healthy Eating and Exercise For Weight Loss?

If you have watched the news or scrolled through social media, surely you are familiar with the relatively new group of drugs that promote weight loss. If you follow Elon Musk and/or Oprah, you know exactly what I am referring to! Is there really a magic shot that promotes weight loss (yes, it is a shot that you give to yourself). Can you take it if you just want to lose a few pounds to look better? Can you take it short term for an event, then stop and take it again when you need a quick fix? It seems like the TikTok'ers advocate for it. If everyone is on it then it must be safe for everyone, right?

Sounds amazing! These drugs are successful so let's take a moment to examine what these drugs are and for whom they are intended. Users of Ozempic, (Semaglutide) a drug used to treat type II diabetes (FDA approved in 2017) noticed it rendered an additional, unintended benefit: weight loss! As a result, the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, introduced a weight management specific version of this once-weekly FDA approved injectable called Wegovy in 2021. How is this possible? Hormones produced in your brain and gut! The medicine mimics the effects of a gut hormone, GLP1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide 1), which is released in response to food by slowing down gastric emptying (the rate at which food leaves your stomach). It also affects your central nervous system in areas of your brain regarding the feeling of fullness, appetite and food cravings. Whom is Wegovy is approved for? Individuals who are considered obese or overweight with at least one weight- related condition (high blood pressure, type II diabetes or high cholesterol) in addition to a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity. Obesity is defined by a BMI (body mass index) greater than or equal to 30 or greater than or equal to 27 with one weight-related medical condition. To calculate your BMI, click this link: https://www.nasm.org/resources/bmi-calculator. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) obesity affects four out of 10 Americans and the percentage is growing. Although the market for these drugs is substantial, the population of non-approved users is large as well.

As with most drugs, Wegovy may present side effects. You won't know how you may be affected until you try it. According to Wegovy's web site, potential side effects are: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, headache, fatigue, dizziness, bloating, belching, feeling gassy, stomach flu, heartburn, runny nose or sore throat. Of course, when considering taking a medication, one must weight the benefits to the risks. Obesity is considered a cause of multiple co-morbid and chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, some forms of cancer and heart disease, according to the CDC. Additionally, the worldwide obesity rate has doubled since 1980. The World Obesity Federation predicts that by 2030, one in five women and one in seven men will have obesity. Therefore, if you have literally tried every diet and exercise routine on the planet and you remain part of the drug's intended population, perhaps the benefits are a win for you. If it is a go, keep in mind that not all insurance plans cover the cost.

While it is certainly an understandable desire to get in on the action to reap the benefits regardless of whether you meet the criteria, consider the fact that all of these benefits continue only while you take the medicine. That could potentially mean a long-term commitment when you consider your age. What happens when/if you stop? Additionally, although Ozempic has been studied for the past 20 years for the treatment of type II diabetes, Wegovy, for weight management, has not. Also, note that the need for a reduced calorie diet and consistent exercise is part of the plan while taking the medication. If you thought you could ditch the gym and food prep days, think again.

Worth a try? Ultimately, only you and your health care provider can determine that. It is prudent for you to do your research first so you are armed with questions, read the medical studies, weigh the benefits, consider the duration of treatment, potential side effects and financial commitment. Lastly, do so without judgement (your's or other's). There are so many social expectations and body related pressures that it is often difficult to see the forest for the trees. Perhaps a good workout will clear your mind!