“If I gain more weight, I will be on more medications,” says Hamilton. Given her long struggle with weight loss, she’d finally found something that was working. In this case, when you stop taking these drugs, active GLP-1 levels will go off a cliff. No longer shackled, hunger and appetite may well return with a vengeance.
This, despite more than 70% of the U.S. population having obesity or overweight. Your weight set point is the weight your body wants to live at. It’s the weight your body thinks is good for you, even if your BMI says otherwise. The defense of body weight (or body fat) in humans has evolved to fend off starvation. It sends in ‘hunger hormones’ and lowers ‘fullness hormones.’ In short, your body will battle tooth-and-nail against weight loss.
Weight loss medication can be a helpful tool for those struggling to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. However, many people may be wondering how others are able to obtain these medications. Here, we will explore the various ways individuals can access weight loss meds and what steps are involved.
Prescription from a Doctor
One common way to get weight loss medication is by obtaining a prescription from a doctor. Physicians can evaluate your overall health and weight loss goals to determine if medication is a suitable option for you. They will also monitor your progress and adjust the dosage as needed.
Orlistat can cause side effects such as passing gas and having loose stools. You need to follow a low-fat diet when taking this medicine. In rare cases, people have had serious liver injury with orlistat. But researchers haven’t found that the drug causes liver injuries. More people are turning to a diabetes medication to induce weight loss ‘ but experts say it’s not a miracle drug.
Online Telemedicine Services
Another option gaining popularity is online telemedicine services. With the convenience of virtual consultations, individuals can speak with healthcare providers and receive prescriptions without having to leave their homes. This method is especially useful for those with busy schedules or limited access to healthcare facilities.
Other patients have been forced to ration or halt doses because the drugs are costly ‘ $1,000 to $1,300 per month ‘ and insurance coverage varies or because demand has far outstripped supply, Rothberg noted. Many worry, rightly, that they’ll regain weight and revert to old habits. In clinical trials, patients who paused the drugs put back on most of the weight they lost. Last November, the FDA approved Zepbound as a weight-loss management treatment for people with obesity. Anyone concerned about their weight should contact a doctor and ask about testing for hypothyroidism and other conditions, such as diabetes. People should never take any prescription drug without a doctor’s permission.
Elon Musk, when asked about how he looked ‘fit, ripped and healthy,’ tweeted that he was taking Wegovy. In September, Variety reported that actors and producers ‘are quietly singing the drug’s praises’ on Signal, an encrypted messaging app. On TikTok, the hashtag #Ozempic has been viewed over 273 million times, with people alternately expressing shock over their supposed medication-induced weight loss and swapping stories about side effects.
Weight Loss Clinics
The recommended maintenance dosage of Zepbound is 5-15 mg, injected once weekly. Wegovy may be prescribed to children 12 and older with a BMI in the 95th percentile (considered obese). Orlistat 60 mg has been shown to have 85% of the efficacy of the 120 mg orlistat dose. Orlistat has also been shown to reduce BMI, waist circumference, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels (considered “bad” cholesterol). Dosing for Xenical is usually 120 milligrams (mg) three times daily.
Some weight loss clinics specialize in providing comprehensive programs that include medication as part of the treatment plan. These clinics often offer a combination of medication, counseling, and dietary recommendations to help patients achieve their weight loss goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are weight loss medications safe?
- Weight loss medications can be safe when prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional. It is essential to follow the recommended dosage and guidelines provided.
- How long do I need to take weight loss medication?
- The duration of taking weight loss medication varies depending on individual goals and health conditions. Your doctor will advise you on the appropriate timeline for your treatment.
Overall, there are several ways to access weight loss medication, ranging from traditional doctor’s visits to online telemedicine services. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable option for your weight loss journey.
