Quick vs Steady Weight Loss: Which Is Healthier?

Introduction

So, you’re tired of the struggle to lose weight and discovered a “new” and effective way to give you rapid results.  Sounds too good to be true, but you’re seeing others achieving real results.  You think, why not give it a try; after all, you’ve tried the “traditional” way of losing weight.

It’s true, there are bestseller drugs on the market prescribed to help people drop pounds quickly.  But before you get in line for your prescription, there are a few points you should be aware of first before you decide if it’s worth it.

In this blog post, I’ll review those “miracle” drugs on the market, how they work, if they’re approved for weight loss, how much they cost, and their adverse effects on your health. Then, you can decide which way you want to go.

What drugs are used for weight loss?

You may have already heard of these brand-name drugs: Ozempic and Wegovy, a self-injectable semaglutide class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 RAs.  Ok, that was very scientific.  Let me break it down.

What exactly is Semaglutide?

Without getting too scientific, it’s a hormone that signals the brain when you eat to let you know when you’re full.  In essence, people are reporting they’re feeling full, faster, and eating less when using these drugs.  That doesn’t sound so bad.  So, what’s the problem?

1. Long-term health problems are unknown. These drugs are designed to be taken long-term, not short-term.  So, if you want to keep the weight off, you must continue the prescribed drug indefinitely.
2. Studies indicated people who stop taking the drug will regain most if not all their weight back. 

How do these drugs work?

Wegovy is approved as a weight loss drug and Ozempic is being used “off-label” (not approved for weight loss) for the same reason. In other words, Ozempic is not approved for weight loss but is being prescribed for it.  They both curb your appetite and slow digestion with a self-administered weekly injection.

Tip: Rybelsus is another “off-label” drug being prescribed for weight loss but in pill form.

Informed consent

Informed consent is an ethical and legal duty that starts with the patient’s right to direct what happens to their body.  This conversation should be between you and your healthcare provider and must be documented somewhere in your records.

You as the patient must be capable of deciding about your recommended procedure or intervention from your healthcare provider.  Your healthcare provider should educate you about the risks, benefits, and any alternatives available to you.  This is for any medical procedure or intervention, not just these drugs.

The more well-informed you are, the better you’ll be at making an educated decision about your health.  I encourage you to do your research and not rely solely on the advice of your doctor unless your doctor informs you of all the side effects, warnings, and other alternatives, but you won’t know that unless you do your homework.

How much does it cost?

Currently, most insurance companies are not paying for the expensive drugs when used for weight loss. Wegovy will cost you about $1,300 a month.  Not typically covered by insurance.  Wegovy is being prescribed to adults who want to lose weight and is powered by social media with before and after pictures driving demand.  Because the demand is so high, it’s created shortages and people are turning to Ozempic.

Ozempic

Ozempic was originally approved for diabetes by the FDA but is now being used “off-label” for weight loss, not approved by the FDA for weight loss.

Ozempic will cost you about $900.00 a month, however, your insurance may cover the expense depending on the reason it’s prescribed.  If it’s prescribed solely to lose weight and you’re not diagnosed with diabetes, then it most likely will not be covered.

These two drugs are in high demand because people are discovering the quick results of weight loss.

Pro tip: Caution against combining drugs.  All your medical providers should have a list of drugs you take (prescribed and unprescribed) to determine the soundest and safest course of action regarding your health.  This includes supplements.

Competition for Ozempic

There is another drug used for diabetes called, tirzepatide which is commonly known as Mounjaro.  The drug works similarly to Ozempic and is awaiting FDA approval for use in weight loss. More on Mounjaro side effects.

Adverse (harmful) effects

Reported adverse effects of Semaglutide besides dizziness, fatigue, headache, and stomach issues (nausea, vomiting, pain, and bloating) are nutritional, eye, urinary, and cardiac disorders.  And a few more:

Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders  – at least 50% of people reported GI issues and long-term use may cause intestinal obstruction which can develop over time.  

Kidney dysfunction – caution to anyone diagnosed with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease due to partial kidney reserve.

Pancreatic cancer – studies show a clear association for potential risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Studies indicated thyroid cancer was found in some animals, but unknown results in humans.  If not diagnosed properly or early this could result in potential death.

Wegovy

Wegovy was approved by the FDA in December for a weight loss treatment in obese teenagers starting as young as 12 years old. To help push this approval along, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is recommending doctors consider adding weight-loss drugs as a treatment.

FDA’s ability to protect the public

When the former FDA (Food and Drug Administration) Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response, Frank Yiannas, M.P.H. resigns due to his concerns over the “decentralized structure of the food program” that has “significantly impaired FDA’s ability to operate as an integrated food team and protect the public,” you can’t help but wonder what is going on with our food and the approved drugs by the FDA!

Conclusion

YOU decide if losing weight with drugs that have serious side effects is worth risking your health.

When any of these drugs are used as a tool, eating behaviors must change too.  Much like the same way a cane helps you walk, you still must walk. 

For long-term weight loss, basic healthy eating habits must be incorporated whether you choose to treat obesity with drugs or not. 

If you prefer steady weight loss without drugs, start here to start with small changes immediately.

In optimal health,

Lisa