Many prescribe other brands of semaglutide, such as Ozempic and Rybelsus, off-label (using a drug that is FDA-approved for a different reason). When you volunteer to take part in a clinical study, you help doctors and researchers learn more about disease and improve health care for people in the future. You should feel comfortable asking whether your health care professional is prescribing a medication that is not approved for treating overweight and obesity. Injectable weight loss drugs may be especially helpful if you have type 2 diabetes.
All the options below offer Wegovy for weight loss to eligible individuals. It’s ultimately up to a qualified healthcare professional to determine whether Wegovy is right for you. Losing weight can improve self-perception and mood, but Dr. Jastreboff emphasizes that the goal of treating obesity is not about achieving a certain size’it’s about health. Researchers are still studying which medications are best for which patients. Until they learn more, doctors gather information about such factors as a patient’s eating behavior and other components, and may need to try more than one medication to find the one that works best for a particular patient. There have been several anti-obesity medications that help suppress appetite and achieve weight loss.
Weight loss medications are commonly prescribed by healthcare professionals to individuals struggling with obesity or overweight. However, obtaining these medications requires proper assessment and evaluation to ensure safety and effectiveness.
More insulin means lower blood sugar levels, which helps control your diabetes. Depending on your health and weight loss goals, you may need to take weight loss medications for years. Because obesity is a chronic disease, the FDA has approved these drugs for long-term use. By combining weight loss medications with diet and exercise, most people lose 7.5’22 pounds more than with diet and exercise alone. Because weight loss drugs make you less hungry, they also reduce how many calories your body takes in each day. The first generation of weight loss drugs developed in the 1930s through the 1960s were stimulants (called sympathomimetic), including dinitrophenol methamphetamine.
You may worry that having diabetes means giving up foods and drinks you enjoy. The good news is you can still have your favorite foods and drinks, but you might need to have them in smaller portions or enjoy them less often. Try to choose foods that include nutrients such as vitamins, calcium, fiber, and healthy fats.
Managing Your Cholesterol can also help you work with your doctor to individualize your treatment. Weight management medications don’t replace physical activity and healthy eating habits. When first starting treatment, your healthcare provider will have you start at a lower dose and then gradually increase it over the coming weeks. In four clinical trials, people who were overweight or with obesity took Contrave for up to 56 weeks.
Consulting a Healthcare Provider
The first step in getting weight loss medications is to consult a healthcare provider, such as a doctor or a nutritionist. They will assess your current health status, medical history, and weight loss goals to determine if you are a suitable candidate for medication.
Medical Evaluation
During the medical evaluation, your healthcare provider may perform tests to check your overall health, such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body mass index (BMI). This information will help them decide on the most appropriate weight loss medication for you.
Prescription from a Doctor
If your healthcare provider determines that weight loss medication is necessary for you, they will write a prescription for the medication. It is important to follow their instructions carefully and take the medication as prescribed to achieve optimal results.
Regular Follow-ups
After starting the weight loss medication, it is essential to have regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and address any concerns or side effects. They may adjust your dosage or switch to a different medication if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I get weight loss medications over the counter?
No, weight loss medications are prescription-only drugs that require approval from a healthcare provider. - Are weight loss medications safe?
When used under the supervision of a healthcare provider, weight loss medications can be safe and effective for certain individuals. - What are the common side effects of weight loss medications?
Common side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and headache. It is important to report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.
