A lot has been said about the surge of weight loss medications that have received FDA approval in the U.S. over the past few years. Supporters of these new medications claim they’ll help you reach your desired weight without much effort. But critics caution that there are downsides: digestive problems, constipation, and signs of aging often referred to as “Ozempic face.”
So, what exactly is semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a lab-created drug that imitates a hormone in your body called GLP-1, which stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist (think of it as a switch), it prompts the release of GLP-1 into your digestive system, something that usually happens when you eat.
GLP-1 kickstarts the production of insulin, which lowers blood sugar levels and sends signals to your body that you’re full. Semaglutide tricks your body into feeling full while also slowing down the digestion process, so you’ll lose weight in the process.
Currently, there are several semaglutide-based medications approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for either managing diabetes or chronic weight issues, with more in development. Rybelsus was the first oral medication to be approved for treating diabetes. A self-administered injection known as Ozempic received FDA approval in 2017 for diabetes, and in 2021, the same drug (just in a different dosage) was approved as the weight loss injection we now know as Wegovy.
Mounjaro, produced by Lilly, was approved in 2022 to treat diabetes, and in 2023, it was cleared by the FDA for weight loss under the brand name Zepbound. Unlike the single-agonist drugs, these dual-agonist medications target an additional hormone to regulate hunger and help you feel satisfied.
What is the new weight loss drug approved by the FDA?
At present, there are three injectable medications approved specifically for weight loss. These were first designed to help manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. However, they were later found to result in weight reduction when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
There are three FDA-approved injections that can assist you in losing weight:
- Liraglutide (Saxenda)
- Semaglutide (Wegovy)
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound)
Which Weight Loss Injection is the Most Effective?
Among these, the newest weight loss medication, Zepbound (tirzepatide), has shown the most promising results in clinical trials. This drug works by targeting an additional receptor (GIP) along with GLP-1 receptors, which might offer enhanced weight loss benefits.
But before you decide on using Zepbound, understand that your healthcare provider will assist you in selecting the best injection for weight loss. It’s important to remember that these medications only help prevent weight gain and promote weight loss when paired with a healthy diet and regular physical activity to boost metabolism and energy levels.
Which New Injection for Losing Weight is Right for Me?
Some factors to consider when choosing a weight loss injection include:
Convenience
Some injectable weight loss medications require daily injections (like Saxenda), while others only need to be taken once a week (such as Wegovy and Zepbound).
Insurance Coverage
The choice of injectable weight loss drug might depend on your insurance plan, as the coverage varies. This is crucial because without insurance, the cost of these treatments, particularly those involving GLP-1 receptor agonists, can be in the thousands of dollars.
Side Effects
Weight loss injections often cause similar side effects, but you might tolerate one better than another. Your healthcare provider will usually start you on a low dose and gradually increase it over several weeks to allow your body time to adjust to the medication.
If diet and exercise alone haven’t helped you reach your weight loss goals and you’re not a candidate for weight loss injections, talk to your healthcare provider about other treatment options, such as alternative weight loss medications or bariatric surgery.
What is the New FDA-Approved Weight Loss Drug?
In November 2023, the FDA approved a new weight loss medication called Zepbound, which is a weekly injectable treatment aimed at managing obesity. This drug contains tirzepatide, the same active component found in the diabetes medication Mounjaro.
According to a randomized-controlled trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, individuals with obesity who took the highest dose of Zepbound experienced a 21% reduction in their total body weight. This is promising news for the approximately one billion people globally struggling with obesity, including 100 million Americans, based on CDC data.
Zepbound functions by mimicking two hormones naturally produced in your body: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). GLP-1 helps your pancreas lower blood sugar levels, slows down stomach emptying so you feel full longer, and impacts brain centers to reduce cravings. GIP also acts in your brain to curb appetite.
While this drug is effective for weight loss, it does come with potential side effects. Common side effects, similar to other GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. More serious but less frequent side effects may include inflammation of the pancreas, gallbladder problems, vision changes, kidney issues, depression, suicidal thoughts, and a risk of developing thyroid tumors.
Which is Better for Weight Loss – Ozempic or Wegovy?
When comparing Wegovy and Ozempic, research shows that both medications are effective in helping people with obesity or excess weight shed pounds. However, Wegovy tends to be slightly more effective than Ozempic when it comes to promoting weight loss.
The reason these medications work is not just because they reduce your appetite; they also help insulin function more effectively. GLP-1, the active component in these drugs, is a receptor found in your intestines and brain. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and impacts how full you feel.
Wegovy offers a slightly higher maximum dose of semaglutide compared to Ozempic. With Wegovy, you can reach a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg, while Ozempic’s highest dose is 2 mg. This higher dose available in Wegovy gives it a small advantage over Ozempic in terms of effectiveness.
Are Weight Loss Injections Safe?
Now the crucial question arises: Are injections like Semaglutide truly safe for weight loss? Generally, weight loss injections are considered safe when they are correctly prescribed and administered by a healthcare provider.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Semaglutide injections for long-term weight management in adults who are either obese or overweight and have at least one weight-related condition, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. Treatment is only recommended when combined with a lower-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
While Semaglutide offers significant benefits for weight loss, not everyone is an ideal candidate for this treatment. It’s important to be aware of the potential side effects and risks before opting for any fat-burning injection.
The Side Effects of Semaglutide Injections
Common side effects of Semaglutide injections may include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Abdominal discomfort
- Fatigue
- Indigestion
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Gas (flatulence)
These side effects often go away as your body adjusts to the medication. In rare cases, more serious side effects, such as pancreatitis or kidney problems, can occur. Also individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or those with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should avoid using Semaglutide, as it may increase the risk of cancerous tumors.
Can Non-Diabetics Use Ozempic for Weight Loss?
Yes, Ozempic, which contains the active ingredient Semaglutide, can be used by individuals without diabetes to support weight loss. Semaglutide has demonstrated significant results in helping non-diabetic individuals achieve weight reduction. It has received approval from health authorities for weight management in people who do not have diabetes. The drug has been specifically developed and tested for its effectiveness in non-diabetic weight loss.
What are the Serious Side Effects of Ozempic?
In rare cases, Ozempic might cause serious side effects such as:
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Gallbladder diseases
- Kidney issues
- Pancreatitis
- Low blood sugar
- Thyroid cancer
- Allergic reactions
Can You Buy Ozempic Over the Counter?
Ozempic (semaglutide) is available only with a prescription so you need to consult a licensed healthcare provider to get this medication. While you can purchase Ozempic online with a valid prescription, it’s important to do so through a reputable source to be safe.
New Injection for Losing Weight Real User Reviews
Saxenda
There is a whole subreddit on this titled Liraglutide (generic name). I currently take this daily. I love it! So much less food noise. I found as long as I drink enough water, I don’t have nausea. No other side effects though for me. I take it in the morning. I work out 3-4 times a week. I am down 11 pounds in 2 months.
Ozempic
It works. It reduces food noise quite a lot. However, as others have said, you need to address the issues for the obesity in the mean time.
I didn’t start mine until I’d lost 40 pounds on my own. I’m still religiously calorie counting even while taking it. I’m also adding exercise and walking into the equation.
For me, adding semaglutide was more to reduce food noise and the associated stress, because I have a lot of other behaviors I’m working on right now and I don’t want to feel so overwhelmed. I’m losing a bit faster on it, maybe an extra pound or two per month. The big thing is just that it’s assisting me and my stress levels; I’m not constantly fighting food urges.
When I go off of it, the urges will return. But I’m working diligently on mental health, establishing healthy behaviors, and in particular establishing healthy coping mechanisms.
Wegovy
Been on it for 3 months, lost over 25 pounds. Started at 255, now 229 ish. Have family history of diabetes, pre-diabetic, and have RRMS.
Tips: 1. Hydrate,Hydrate,Hydrate (coconut water is best) 2. Use magnesium supplements or organic olive oil for constipation 3. It makes me very tired and drinking water helps.
Mounjaro
I started on July 9 for PCOS and have been feeling great so I decided to stay on 2.5mg for a second month and will try for the 3rd month at 2.5mg as well.
Work has been very slow so I’m fortunate to have had the bandwidth to go all in on my health the last few months.
SW: 207 CW: 190.9 / 4” off waist GW: 135 +/- as needed for muscle gain
Food: My averages for the 6 weeks are included in photos. I eat what I want but I prioritize protein and take into consideration what MJ prefers. To me this means avoiding greasy high fat foods. I’ve been OK having a little dessert maybe once a week.
Food Noise has broken through more in the evenings, but I still have control over it. Most of the time if it’s there it’s because I’m actually hungry, so I will have something small.
Zepbound
I’m a mid-40’s male. Starting weight was just over 350 and current weight is around 260. I was on Mounjaro for about 8 months (paying out of pocket with the discount card and then just paying full price) and then was on compounded Tirzepatide for several months. I just picked up my first box of 5mg Zepbound yesterday from the Walmart pharmacy. My insurance carrier, Cigna, “acknowledged” my prescription but decided not to cover any of it. I am not surprised but I am hoping this changes soon. The starting price for me was around $1,250 and the Lilly discount card brought it down to around $900. I recognize that I can find a pharmacy with a lower starting price but for this first round I just felt lucky to get my hands on the drug.