Wegovy is an FDA-approved weight loss medication. While the active ingredient was originally developed for managing insulin levels in type-2 diabetics, it was found to have remarkable weight loss properties. By focusing on these properties and increasing the dosage, Wegovy was created.
Medication
Wegovy is an FDA-approved weight loss medication. The drug was developed by Novo Nordisk, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies with a history of developing treatments for type-2 diabetes. Novo Nordisk specializes in the development of drugs called GLP-1’s, which have been shown to work well in managing insulin levels in type-2 diabetics. Novo Nordisk developed diabetes drugs called Ozempic and Rybelsus, both based on a molecule called “semaglutide.” They discovered that in overweight or obese diabetic patients, these drugs curbed appetites and led to remarkable weight loss properties. As a result, they decided to launch the molecule in a higher dosage under a new brand name specifically for weight-loss, in a drug called Wegovy.
Semaglutide works by simulating the effects of the hormone your body produces when you eat food, called incretin. After you eat a big meal, your body releases incretin which signals the feeling of fullness and tells your brain to stop eating. In addition, it also helps to prevent the effects of insulin resistance which also contributes to a feeling of fullness and reduces cravings for sugary or unhealthy foods. Coupled with diet and exercise, Wegovy has been shown to have remarkable weight loss properties.
Wegovy© is taken as a once-weekly injection. The drug is prepackaged into a pen with a needle. You simply place the pen on your stomach or thigh and press down. You do not need to measure the medicine or handle the needles yourself. Injection is relatively painless and the prepackaged pens make taking the medicine easy. You also only need to inject once a week, with no pills or other required medicines at other times.
Novo Nordisk reported that obese adults lost an average of 35lbs over a 68 week period with diet and exercise. 30% of users lost more than 20% of their body weight on Wegovy.
The majority of individuals who take Wegovy® typically experience minimal side effects. Nevertheless, some side effects are considered normal and not considered to be a serious health risk. The most frequent side effects that occur with Wegovy® are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, headache, fatigue, upset stomach, dizziness, bloating, belching or gas, stomach flu, heartburn, and loss of appetite. If any of these side effects become bothersome or persistent, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional. Your medical team can provide guidance and supportive care for any concerns that arise. In the event of severe side effects, such as anaphylaxis or breathing difficulties, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
WARNING: RISK OF THYROID C−CELL TUMORS. In rodents, semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors at clinically relevant exposures. It is unknown whether WEGOVY® causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans as the human relevance of semaglutide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined. WEGOVY® is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Counsel patients regarding the potential risk of MTC and symptoms of thyroid tumors.
- Stimulates the pancreas to produce extra insulin when your blood glucose levels are elevated
- Regulates liver function, reducing excessive glucose production and release
- Modulates digestive process by slowing down the transit of food in the stomach
- Proven to facilitate weight loss in clinical trials (details – hover to view)
Wegovy is administered via subcutaneous injection, applied once weekly to the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm.
You can find the packaging insert here https://www.novo-pi.com/wegovy.pdf
Ozempic
Ozempic is an FDA-approved medication developed for management of type-2 diabetes with the same active ingredient as Wegovy in a lower-dose form.
Ozempic is an FDA-approved medication developed for management of type-2 diabetes. The drug was developed by Novo Nordisk, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies and released in 2017. Novo Nordisk specializes in the development of drugs called GLP-1’s, which have been shown to work well in managing insulin levels in type-2 diabetics. Novo Nordisk developed drugs called Wegovy and Rybelsus, both based on a molecule called “semaglutide.” They discovered that in overweight or obese diabetic patients, these drugs curbed appetites and led to remarkable weight loss properties. As a result, they decided to launch the molecule in a higher dosage under a new brand name specifically for weight-loss, in a drug called Wegovy. Ozempic has the same active ingredient as Wegovy in a lower-dose form. Due to supply shortages of Wegovy, your doctor may choose to prescribe Ozempic for weight-loss at a potentially higher dosage to almost exactly match the weight-loss properties of Wegovy.
Ozempic’s active ingredient is called semaglutide. Semaglutide works by simulating the effects of the hormone your body produces when you eat food, called incretin. After you eat a big meal, your body releases incretin which signals the feeling of fullness and tells your brain to stop eating. In addition, it also helps to prevent the effects of insulin resistance which also contributes to a feeling of fullness and reduces cravings for sugary or unhealthy foods. Coupled with diet and exercise, Ozempic has been shown to have remarkable weight loss properties.
Ozempic is taken as a once-weekly injection. The drug is prepackaged into a pen with a needle. You simply place the pen on your stomach or thigh and press down. You do not need to measure the medicine or handle the needles yourself. Injection is relatively painless and the prepackaged pens make taking the medicine easy. You also only need to inject once a week, with no pills or other required medicines at other times.
Novo Nordisk reports the average Ozempic user lost ~14lbs in 40 weeks on Ozempic. When coupled with your NextMed diet and exercise program, your weight-loss could be higher. With any weight-loss program, it will still be important to change your lifestyle and exercise will-power. However, the medication will make this process significantly easier.
No, Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss. Independent healthcare professionals have the discretion to prescribe a medication off-label if they believe it is an appropriate course of treatment for a particular patient. In this situation, your provider may choose to prescribe Ozempic for weight-loss at their sole discretion.
The majority of individuals who take Ozempic® typically experience minimal side effects. Nevertheless, some side effects are considered normal and not considered to be a serious health risk. The most frequent side effects that occur with Ozempic® are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, headache, fatigue, upset stomach, dizziness, bloating, belching or gas, stomach flu, heartburn, and loss of appetite. If any of these side effects become bothersome or persistent, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional. Your medical team can provide guidance and supportive care for any concerns that arise. In the event of severe side effects, such as anaphylaxis or breathing difficulties, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
WARNING: RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS. In rodents, semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors. It is unknown whether OZEMPIC causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans as the human relevance of semaglutide-induced rodent thyroid Ccell tumors has not been determined. OZEMPIC is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Counsel patients regarding the potential risk of MTC and symptoms of thyroid tumors.
- Stimulates the pancreas to produce extra insulin when your blood glucose levels are elevated
- Regulates liver function, reducing excessive glucose production and release
- Modulates digestive process by slowing down the transit of food in the stomach
- Proven to facilitate weight loss in clinical trials
Ozempic is administered via subcutaneous injection, applied once weekly to the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm.
You can find the packaging insert here https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/209637lbl.pdf
Mounjaro
Mounjaro is a medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, which also results in significant weight loss.
Mounjaro is an emerging tirzepatide prescription medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It has also resulted in significant weight loss offering a new approach to shedding unwanted pounds. Mounjaro works to suppress your appetite and is typically prescribed to individuals struggling with obesity who have not found success with diet and exercise alone.
Mounjaro helps regulate your appetite and mood. The GLP-1 appetite suppressant stimulates the release of insulin and glucagon to promote fullness and decrease food intake and cravings.
Reduced hunger pangs and improved satiety are the key mechanisms through which this medication aids in weight loss. It yields optimal results when combined with a proper diet and exercise.
Taking Mounjaro as prescribed by your healthcare provider is crucial for its effectiveness and safety. Typically, Mounjaro is taken once a week. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage based on your individual needs and response to the medication. It is essential to follow their instructions closely and not adjust the dose on your own.
Weight loss results on Mounjaro can vary significantly from person to person. On average, individuals may experience a gradual weight loss of around 5-10% of their initial body weight over several months when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
The exact amount of weight you lose will depend on various factors, including your starting weight, adherence to the prescribed regimen, and individual metabolism.
Mounjaro is only FDA-approved as a type 2 diabetes treatment, but the FDA is expected to review and approve the drug for weight loss in late 2023. Clinical trials and research are ongoing to assess its safety and efficacy. It’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider for the most up-to-date information on Mounjaro’s FDA status.
Like many prescription medications, Mounjaro may come with potential side effects. Most common side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, indigestion, vomiting, and decreased appetite. These effects tend to be mild and often diminish over time.
However, it’s essential to be aware of less common, but more severe side effects, such as inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), kidney problems (kidney failure), serious allergic reactions, severe stomach problems, changes in vision, and gallbladder problems. If you experience any unusual or severe symptoms while taking Mounjaro, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
WARNING: RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS. Tirzepatide causes thyroid C-cell tumors in rats. It is unknown whether MOUNJARO causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans as the human relevance of tirzepatide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined. MOUNJARO is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Counsel patients regarding the potential risk of MTC and symptoms of thyroid tumors.
You can find the packaging insert here https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/215866s000lbl.pdf
Zepbound
Zepbound is a cutting-edge weight loss medication made to address the challenges of obesity
Zepbound is a cutting-edge weight loss medication for adults that has been making waves in the health and wellness community. It’s formulated to address the challenges of obesity and overweight conditions helping them to lose weight and keep it off. It belongs to a class of GLP-1 medications known for their effectiveness in promoting sustainable weight loss. Unlock the potential of Zepbound and take a significant step towards a healthier, more vibrant you.
Zepbound operates through a multifaceted approach to weight loss. Tirzepatide, its active ingredient, work synergistically to suppress appetite, boost metabolism, and inhibit the absorption of dietary fats. By targeting these key aspects, Zepbound aids in calorie control, fat utilization, and overall weight management.
The Zepbound is meant to be taken once a week, at any time of day. Depending on individual factors such as weight, medical history, and response to treatment, your health care professional will determine the appropriate dosage to prescribe. It is crucial to follow the prescription guidelines for optimal results.
Individual results may vary, but clinical studies have shown that Zepbound users experienced significant weight loss compared to a control group. Clinical trials have reported an average of 22.5% weight loss for the highest dosage 15mg and an average of 16% and 24% for the lower doses, 5mg and 10 mg respectively. It is essential to combine Zepbound with a balanced diet and regular exercise for the best outcomes.
Zepbound has undergone rigorous clinical trials and has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), attesting to its safety and efficacy in promoting weight loss. This approval underscores the medication’s commitment to meeting stringent quality and safety standards.
While Zepbound is generally well-tolerated, like any medication, it may cause some side effects. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, injection site reactions, fatigue, hypersensitivity reactions, eructation, hair loss, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. It’s crucial to report any unusual or severe side effects to your healthcare provider promptly.
WARNING: RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS. In rats, tirzepatide causes thyroid C-cell tumors. It is unknown whether ZEPBOUND causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans as the human relevance of tirzepatide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined. ZEPBOUND is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Counsel patients regarding the potential risk of MTC and symptoms of thyroid tumors.
You can find the packaging insert here https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/217806s000lbl.pdf