Are you looking to lose weight and improve your overall health? The World Health Organization reports that obesity rates have tripled since 1975, but there are options available to help you on your weight loss journey.
In this blog post, we will explore the different types of weight loss drugs available, both prescription and over-the-counter. Prescription weight loss drugs, such as Orlistat, Phentermine, and Liraglutide, are typically used in combination with diet and exercise and require a prescription from a healthcare provider. Over-the-counter options, such as Alli, Green tea extract, and Garcinia Cambogia, are available without a prescription but are less potent than prescription drugs.
It’s important to remember that weight loss drugs should always be combined with a healthy diet and exercise program, and it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any weight loss drug.
We will also take a closer look at GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic and Saxenda, which have gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok. These synthetic molecules mimic the effects of the hormone GLP-1 to regulate metabolism and appetite and were initially prescribed for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. We’ll discuss their potential benefits and drawbacks, as well as their safety profile and other unknowns.
By the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of the different weight loss drug options available to you and which one may be the right choice for your individual needs and goals.
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Types of Weight Loss Drugs
When it comes to weight loss drugs, there are two main categories: prescription and over-the-counter options. Prescription weight loss drugs require a prescription from a healthcare provider and are typically used in combination with diet and exercise. They are intended for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Examples of prescription weight loss drugs include Orlistat, Phentermine, and Liraglutide, which is a GLP-1 receptor agonist originally prescribed for Type 2 diabetes.
On the other hand, over-the-counter weight loss drugs can be purchased without a prescription and are typically intended for people with a BMI of 25 or higher. These drugs may have different mechanisms of action and are not as potent as prescription drugs. Some examples of over-the-counter weight loss drugs include Alli, Green tea extract, and Garcinia Cambogia. It’s important to note that weight loss drugs, including GLP-1 receptor agonists, should always be combined with a healthy diet and exercise program.
Prescription weight loss drugs
Prescription weight loss drugs, such as Orlistat, Phentermine, and GLP-1 receptor agonists, have been shown to be more effective than over-the-counter options. These drugs are typically prescribed for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, and they work by suppressing appetite, blocking the absorption of fat, or increasing metabolism.
- Orlistat is a weight loss drug that works by inhibiting the activity of pancreatic lipase, an enzyme that breaks down dietary fat in the intestine. By blocking this enzyme, Orlistat prevents the absorption of about 30% of the fat consumed in a meal. The undigested fat is then excreted in the stool. Orlistat is usually taken with meals containing fat, up to three times a day. Studies have shown that Orlistat can lead to modest weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise.
- Phentermine is a weight loss drug that works by suppressing appetite. It is a type of sympathomimetic amine, which stimulates the release of norepinephrine in the brain. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that signals the body’s “fight or flight” response and can reduce appetite. Phentermine is usually taken once a day, in the morning before breakfast or 1-2 hours after breakfast. Studies have shown that Phentermine can lead to modest weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise.
These and other similar ones also come with potential side effects and are not appropriate for everyone. It’s essential to discuss the risks and benefits of these medications with your healthcare provider to determine if they are the right option for you. In the next section, we will deep dive into the GLP-1 receptor agonists, their effectiveness, and their alternatives.
What is GLP-1?
Have you ever heard of the hormone GLP-1? It’s a vital player in your body’s metabolism, helping to regulate your appetite and digestion, as well as stimulating insulin production in your pancreas. This critical step allows your body to use fuel sources, like glucose, from the food you eat.
GLP-1 is released within minutes of starting a meal and helps your body use the sugar you consume while limiting harmful glucose spikes. It does this by triggering the release of insulin, suppressing your pancreatic secretion of glucagon, and supporting the health of insulin-secreting cells in your pancreas.
GLP-1 also slows down the muscular contractions in your stomach, decreasing your gastric emptying rate, so that nutrients, including glucose, enter your bloodstream more slowly, reducing post-meal blood sugar spikes. It also acts directly on your nervous system, suppressing your appetite and helping regulate your total food intake.
To mimic the actions of GLP-1, synthetic chemicals called GLP-1 receptor agonists were created. These medications work by binding to and activating GLP-1 receptors throughout the body, which helps lower blood sugar and improve insulin response in people with diabetes. However, to maintain these benefits, you may need to continue taking GLP-1 receptor agonists indefinitely. There are some concerns about unpleasant side effects and limited long-term efficacy, so it’s important to talk to your doctor if you have any questions.
GLP-1 Medications, safety, effectiveness, and side-effects
GLP-1 medications, initially designed to treat diabetes, have an extra metabolic benefit: weight loss. As obesity is a significant risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, shedding weight can help reverse the condition and decrease the likelihood of associated conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. The use of medication to aid in weight loss could potentially lead to significant improvements in overall metabolic health.
The GLP-1 receptor agonists liraglutide (also known as Saxenda) and semaglutide (also known as Wegovy) have been approved for chronic weight management. These medications work by delaying gastric emptying, leading to a feeling of fullness, and increasing satiety by acting on appetite circuits in the brain. This can lead to a decrease in food intake and weight loss over time.
Research has shown that GLP-1 receptor agonists consistently trigger weight loss. A meta-analysis of 25 randomized controlled trials found that people without diabetes lost an average of 7 pounds, while those with diabetes lost an average of 6.2 pounds over study periods ranging from 20 to 52 weeks. Similarly, a review of 13 studies in 2021 found that GLP-1 receptor agonists caused between 11.2 to 13.6 pounds of weight loss over periods ranging from 12 to 68 weeks. Another meta-analysis in 2016 concluded that liraglutide was among the most effective pharmacological treatments for weight loss.
Overall, GLP-1 receptor agonists show promise as a safe and effective tool for weight management and could potentially improve metabolic health in individuals with obesity.
However, GLP-1 medications can have some side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, and allergic reactions. There are also concerns about the long-term efficacy of these drugs, as people who discontinue GLP-1 medications often regain weight within several months, and 70% of diabetes patients discontinue GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment within two years.
It’s essential to talk to your doctor about the potential benefits and risks of GLP-1 medications to determine if they are the right choice for you. Your doctor can help you decide whether this medication is suitable for your specific health needs and can monitor your progress and side effects.
Over-The-Counter
There are many over-the-counter (OTC) treatments marketed for weight loss, but their efficacy and safety can vary widely. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Orlistat: This drug works by blocking the absorption of fat in the gut. It is available over-the-counter in a lower dose than prescription orlistat (Xenical). Orlistat can cause side effects such as diarrhea, oily stools, and flatulence.
- Caffeine: Caffeine can increase metabolism and suppress appetite. It is often found in weight loss supplements and energy drinks.
- Garcinia cambogia: This is a plant extract that is often included in weight loss supplements. Some studies suggest it may help reduce body weight and fat mass, but more research is needed.
- Green tea extract: Green tea contains compounds called catechins, which may help increase metabolism and fat burning. Green tea extract is often included in weight loss supplements.
- Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA): This is a type of fat found in dairy products and meat. CLA supplements are marketed for weight loss, but their effectiveness is uncertain.
It’s important to note that OTC weight loss treatments are not regulated by the FDA, and some can have serious side effects or interact with other medications. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any weight loss regimen, including OTC treatments.
5 Surprising facts about weight loss medications and conclusion
1. According to the CDC, over 42% of American adults are classified as obese, and this number has been steadily increasing in recent years.
2. Obesity and diabetes disproportionately affect certain populations, including Black and Hispanic communities and those living in poverty.
3. In addition to improving blood sugar control and promoting weight loss, GLP-1RAs have been shown to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health.
4. Some common side effects of GLP-1RAs include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but these tend to improve over time.
5. Clinical trials have shown that GLP-1 medications can lower HbA1c levels by 1-1.5%, reduce body weight by 2-6%, and lower systolic blood pressure by 2-4 mmHg.\
In conclusion, weight loss medications can be a valuable tool for individuals struggling with obesity, but it’s essential to understand that they’re not a quick-fix solution. Sustainable weight loss necessitates a comprehensive approach that includes healthy eating, regular exercise, and behavioral changes. If you’re considering weight loss medications, consult with your healthcare provider to assess their potential risks and benefits, and to ensure that they are used safely and effectively. At Base, we’re here to help you on your weight loss journey and offer various options for weight loss treatment, including measuring key biomarkers for diagnosing pre-Diabetes and Diabetes. Remember, with commitment and the right support, achieving your weight loss goals is possible.
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