Weight loss medications have become more popular than ever this year.

Medications

Weight loss and diabetes medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are powerful drugs that can control blood sugar levels and significantly reduce weight – a hot feature that has made them popular in society. This spring, even WeightWatchers joined the ranks of these medications by acquiring a virtual clinic that offers prescriptions for these popular drugs.

Rising Demand

The increasing prevalence of these medications may explain why many people in the United States are having difficulty filling prescriptions. From 2020 to 2022, the number of prescriptions for these drugs quadrupled – reaching around 9 million prescriptions in the final months of 2022, according to one analysis. In 2023, the FDA listed both Ozempic and Wegovy on its drug shortage list.

Benefits and Risks

However, doctors warn that these medications come with side effects. Semaglutide can cause nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and constipation, among other ailments. Rapid weight loss in large amounts can also lead to gallbladder problems, a complication sometimes seen after bariatric surgery. These medications do not just melt away fat. When people lose a lot of weight quickly, they may also lose muscle mass, which is a particular concern for elderly patients.

High Cost

Nevertheless, the price of these medications (Wegovy costs about $1350 per month, and insurance coverage varies) puts even short-term use out of reach for many people. The cost can widen health disparities and drive people to seek altered versions online. While these medications may be cheaper, they are not FDA-approved and may be counterfeit.

Use of Medications

Doctors hope that individuals struggling with obesity, especially those with medical complications, will gain better access to approved medications in settings where they can be monitored by their doctors to ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks.

Conclusion

Overall, those without a genuine need for these medications should avoid them. They are “dangerous drugs for a serious condition,” as doctors say. “I think the hype about these being some magical cure for obesity, or that you should take these drugs just because you want to lose those stubborn 10 pounds, is exaggerated.”

Source: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/ozempic-wegovy-semaglutide-weight-loss-drugs-2023