These days, there are many people using weight loss medications to help them reduce their appetite, block cravings, and make their metabolism run more efficiently. Some people are seeing major weight loss results and better health, but these medications do not work the same for everyone. There are both pros and cons to using these prescription medications, and how well they work for you can depend on your current health, medical history, and lifestyle habits.
This guide to the pros and cons of weight loss medications may help you understand if they might be a safe and effective choice for you.
Are Weight Loss Medications Worth It?
Yes. Weight loss medications can be worth the cost and even some of the side effects if they help improve metabolic conditions that are related to obesity.
Prescription weight loss medications can help create the calorie deficit that triggers weight loss when diet and exercise alone is not working. Some people have underlying conditions that make it harder for them to lose weight. Weight loss medications can often help neutralize these issues and break through the challenges that make losing weight difficult.
Pros
- They can help curb your appetite and block food cravings.
- They often reduce or eliminate conditions like type 2 diabetes or hypertension.
- Most of these weight loss medications have undergone extensive clinical research and have a known track record.
Cons
- They often cause common side effects like nausea, constipation, diarrhea, etc., which can be difficult to deal with.
- The cost of the medication and lack of insurance coverage can make it hard for everyone to access.
- Some people begin to gain weight after they stop using the medication.
Your doctor will review your medical history, lifestyle, and work with you to determine if weight loss medication is a good choice for you.
What Weight Loss Medications Can and Cannot Do
Weight loss medications are tools and are not magic or quick fixes. They work best when they are used along with changes to your diet, an adequate amount of exercise, enough sleep, and ongoing guidance from a qualified doctor.
What Results To Expect
Some people lose a small amount of weight, and others continue to slowly and gradually lose weight until they reach their goal. Results usually depend on:
- The medication that is used.
- Any existing health conditions.
- The lifestyle habits you practice.
- How consistently you follow your medication schedule.
Your Lifestyle Matters
Weight loss medications can help to reduce your appetite and cravings, but they do not automatically make changes to your eating habits. If you want to get the most from your medication, you will need to proactively make changes to your lifestyle. Some of the things you will need to consider include:
- Eat a healthy low-calorie diet full of foods that are rich in nutrition and avoid foods that are high in empty calories that do not keep you satisfied.
- Make sure you include enough protein in your diet and strength training in your exercise routine so you will not lose muscle mass.
- Attend all your check-in appointments with your doctor so they can monitor your progress, dosing, and side effects.
- Get enough sleep, manage your stress levels, and get enough exercise because these all affect your ability to lose weight.
Pros And Cons of Medication Class
Different types of weight loss drugs work in different ways. Some help to reduce your appetite and cravings, some slow down digestion, and some influence the signals in your brain that indicate hunger or fullness.
GLP-1 Injections
Zepbound, Wegovy, and Saxenda.
Pros
- They can make you feel full faster and stay feeling full longer.
- The injections are normally administered once a week, which is a convenient schedule for many people.
- The medications can improve your blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and insulin resistance.
Cons
- Many experience side effects of nausea and other digestive issues.
- Some people may not feel comfortable with needles or taking injections.
- These medications can be cost-prohibitive for some people, and insurance coverage may not be available.
Oral Options
Qsymia, Contrave, and Rybelsus.
Pros
- Pills may be easier for some people to use vs. injections.
- Some oral medications can block cravings and curb your appetite at the same time.
- Taking a daily pill once or twice a day may be an easy schedule for some people.
Cons
- The side effects of these medications can be very different.
- Some medications are only safe to use for a short time.
- These might not be suitable for individuals with certain health problems.
| Brand Name | Medication | Approved By The FDA For | How Taken | Pros | Cons / Risks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zepbound | Tirzepatide | Weight Management Sleep Apnea | Weekly injection | Helps many people feel less hungry. Often keeps you full longer between meals. Average weight loss is 15% to 21% of starting weight. Helps regulate blood sugar. Reduces appetite | Nausea, constipation, or diarrhea are common side effects. Can be expensive without insurance. |
| Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | Blood sugar control for people with Type 2 diabetes. | Weekly injection | If used “off label” for weight loss Insurance coverage is not usually available The same digestive side effects of Zepbound are common | |
| Wegovy | Semaglutide | Weight Management | Weekly injection | Designed for long-term use Helps regulate blood sugar Many people notice reduced cravings. Curbs hunger Average weight loss is 10% to 15% of starting weight. | Stomach side effects can happen Shortages have affected availability. |
| Ozempic | Semaglutide | Blood sugar control for people with Type 2 diabetes | Weekly injection | Often not covered for weight loss alone. Nausea and diarrhea are common during dose increases. | |
| Rybelsus | Semaglutide | Blood sugar control for people with Type 2 diabetes. | Daily pill | Oral option for people who do not want injections. Can help reduce appetite and help with blood sugar control. Average weight loss is 4% to 8% of starting weight. | Must be taken on a strict schedule. Can cause nausea or upset stomach. |
| Foundayo | Oral GLP-1 (orforglipron) | Daily pill | Helps reduce appetite and cravings. Daily oral pill may be preferred over weekly shots. Average weight loss is 10% to 12% of starting weight. | Nausea and upset stomach are common. Daily dosing requires consistency. | |
| Saxenda | Liraglutide | Weight Management | Daily injection | Helps you feel fuller sooner Can be used long term. Average weight loss is 5% to 10% of starting weight. | Some might not want to keep up with daily injections. Nausea is a common side effect More modest weight loss than newer GLP-1 medications. |
| Qsymia | Phentermine-topiramate | Weight Management | Daily pill | Daily pill option for people who do not want injections. Can help reduce appetite and portion sizes throughout the day Often considered for longer-term weight management. Average weight loss is 8% to 10% of starting weight. | Side effects of dry mouth and tingling. Insomnia or feeling jittery. Brain fog or trouble concentrating |
| Contrave | Naltrexone-bupropion | Weight Management | Daily pill | Can help with cravings and emotional eating. Average weight loss is 5% to 9% of starting weight. | Can cause mood swings, issues with blood pressure. Nausea and headaches |
| Lomaira | Phentermine | Weight management, but only for short term use | Daily pill | Lower-cost Works quickly Helps with appetite control. Average weight loss is 5% to 10% of the starting weight. | Can cause insomnia, jitteriness, or a racing heart. Can only be used temporarily. |
| Adipex-P | Phentermine | Daily pill |
The prescription medications Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Rybelsus are FDA approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and not technically for weight loss, but doctors may prescribe these off-label if appropriate for weight loss.
Schedule a consultation to learn more about weight loss medications and which might be right for you.
Common Side Effects Of Weight Loss Medications
- GLP-1 medications often cause nausea, constipation, diarrhea, or bloating.
- Usually occurs when first starting the medication.
- Often subsides once your body adjusts.
- Side effects can return with each increase in dose.
- Contrave can trigger mood changes or blood pressure issues for some patients.
- Phentermine medications can cause jitteriness, insomnia, or an increased heart rate and are only approved for temporary use.
When You Should Contact Your Doctor About Your Weight Loss Medication?
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Severe abdominal pain
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Signs of an allergic reaction
Who Should Avoid Or Be Cautious Using Weight Loss Medication
Some weight loss medications may not be a safe option for people with:
- Certain endocrine conditions
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Seizure disorders
- Some mental health conditions
Potential Challenges People Do Not Expect With Weight Loss Medication
- If covered by insurance, you might need prior authorization.
- Sometimes there are medication shortages.
- Required visits and lab work to monitor your progress may increase your costs.
- Some people find they are unable to self-administer their injections.
- If you are undergoing certain procedures or a surgery, you may need to discontinue your medication for a certain amount of time before and after your surgery.
How To Choose The Right Weight Loss Medication
Your doctor will consider several things when determining the best medication to help you with your weight loss program. They consider your body mass index (BMI) because the FDA has set BMI guidelines that most doctors must follow. Some of the other things your doctor may look at include:
- Your current health.
- Your personal and family medical history.
- Other medications you take.
- A current lab report.
- How the side effects of the medication affect you.
- Your budget and if you have insurance coverage.
- If you can tolerate injections.
- Your weight loss history.
If the doctor finds that you qualify for a weight loss prescription, many of them can be delivered to your home. Your doctor will provide ongoing guidance and monitor how well the mediation is working. Most programs include:
- Regular check-ins
- Medication or dosage adjustments if needed
- Nutritional guidance
- Guidance with exercise and strength training.
- Monitoring for possible side effects.
Where Can I Find A Wide Range Of Weight Loss Medications In Miami?
Dr. Okeefe Simmons offers most FDA-approved weight loss medications in Miami at Simmons MD Weight and Healthcare Solutions.
Dr. Simmons has extensive experience in helping patients lose weight and improve their health. He and his team will evaluate your current situation and review your history before creating a plan tailored to your exact needs. If you are approved for weight loss medication, he will determine the safest and most effective choice for you to use during your monitored weight loss program.
Set up your consultation today to find out if you are a good candidate for weight loss medication and start your journey to better health.
FAQs
Will I gain weight back if I stop using weight loss medication?
Some people do regain weight after stopping the medication. This is more likely to happen if they do not continue to follow healthy lifestyle habits.
Are these medications safe long-term?
Some of the weight loss medications Dr. Simmons can prescribe are approved for long-term use. For your safety, they need to be monitored for the duration to ensure they are working as they should and you are not experiencing side effects.
What is the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic?
Both of these medications are prescription semaglutide, but Wegovy is approved for ongoing weight management, and Ozempic is approved to treat patients with type 2 diabetes to help control their blood sugar.
Is Mounjaro the same as Zepbound?
They are both the prescription tirzepatide, but Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes, and Zepbound is approved for the treatment of obesity and ongoing weight management. The difference between the two is the strength of the dosage, depending on what it is being used for.
Can I take weight loss medication if I have diabetes or high blood pressure?
Possibly. Your doctor will review your medical history and the medications you are currently taking and determine if weight loss medication will be safe for you to use.
How do I know if I qualify?
Qualifying for weight loss medication will depend on the medication, your BMI, and other conditions that are specific to you. The best way to find out if you qualify is to book a consultation to learn about your options.
