Top 4 Weight Loss Medications in 2024: Which Is the Best?
Heart disease and stroke are major threats to Americans, causing over 877,500 deaths each year— that’s a whopping one-third of all fatalities. The main culprit? Obesity. It’s a serious issue in the USA, not just taking a toll on health but also costing around a billion dollars annually. And guess what? It’s the second leading preventable cause of cancer.
Here’s the eye-opener: more than one in four adults (26%) in the USA and nearly a quarter of 10 to 11-year-old kids (23.4%) are dealing with obesity. Now, losing weight can be tough, even with a healthy diet and exercise. Some folks struggle because they can’t quite control their hunger, and that’s where weight loss medications come into play. Healthcare pros sometimes prescribe these along with a calorie deficit diet to tackle obesity.
But anti-obesity drugs like Wegovy, Mounjaro and Saxenda injections are here to make it easy for you to shed pounds. So, in this blog, we’ll find out the top 4 trending weight loss medications. You’ll get the lowdown on how effective and safe they are, plus insights into how they might just be the boost you need on your weight loss journey. Let’s get started!
How Do Weight Loss Medications Work?
These medications help control hormones in your brain, gut, and fat cells to tackle hunger and cravings, making you feel full. It’s important to know that these weight loss medicines work best when paired with the right lifestyle changes and guidance from healthcare professionals. You can take some as pills or opt for injections under the skin. When people compare weight-loss pills to injections, they’re typically talking about 2 ways to use these medications. In May 2023, Pfizer and Novo Nordisk shared that both pills and injections are equally effective in helping you on your weight loss journey. Here are the top 5 medications you can take for weight loss in 2024:
1. Wegovy (Semaglutide)
Wegovy is a prescription medicine with the active ingredient Semaglutide, and it’s mainly used to help adults manage their weight. It falls under a group of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. In simpler terms, it’s a tool that doctors can prescribe to assist people in handling their weight more effectively.
How Does Wegovy Work for Weight Loss?
Wegovy mimics the hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). It goes to the brain’s appetite control center, helping you feel less hungry and more satisfied, so you naturally eat fewer calories. This medication also slows down the stomach’s emptying process, making you feel fuller for longer and reducing how much food you want to eat.
But that’s not all—Wegovy is a multitasker! It doesn’t just focus on weight loss; it also helps manage blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. Wegovy comes in a once-a-week injection, like a little boost to support your efforts. Your doctor might adjust the dose over time to make sure it’s working well for you.
And guess what? Clinical trials have shown that Wegovy, when paired with a healthy diet and some exercise, can lead to some impressive weight loss. Keep in mind, though, everyone’s different, so results may vary from person to person.
Is It Safe to Use Wegovy for Weight Loss?
Well, Wegovy is a medicine you can only get with a doctor’s prescription. Typically, doctors recommend it to people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher (which is considered obese) or a BMI of 27 or higher (if you’re overweight) and have at least one weight-related condition like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. So, it’s something your doctor might suggest if they think it can help you based on your specific health situation.
What Are the Common Side Effects of Wegovy
Every medicine can have some effects, and with Wegovy, the most common ones are connected to the stomach. You might feel things like nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, or stomach pain. The good news is that for most people, these stomach-related effects usually lessen or go away after a few weeks of using the treatment. It’s like your body getting used to the new routine.
Does Wegovy Cause Hair Loss?
Wondering if Wegovy makes your hair fall out? Well, health experts think it might not be the Wegovy itself, but more about the quick weight loss and eating less that comes with it. It’s like the body feeling stressed with the changes, causing shifts in how your hair grows and, unfortunately, some hair loss. But don’t worry, it’s more about the body adjusting than Wegovy directly causing it.
2. Saxenda (Liraglutide)
Saxenda is a big step forward in medical weight loss options. It’s an injection approved by the MHRA, and it brings a new way to handle obesity and its health effects. The key player in Saxenda is Liraglutide, which acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Let’s dive into how Liraglutide works with your body to help you lose weight, along with other ingredients that boost its effectiveness. It’s like a team effort for a healthier you!
How Does Saxenda Work for Weight Loss?
It does a clever job of curbing your appetite and keeping your stomach full for a more extended period. By slowing down the emptying process of your stomach, it reduces the urge to eat too much. It’s like having a natural helper in your body that looks after your blood sugar, insulin, and digestion, all working together to make sure you’re losing weight without any hassle.
What Is the Usage & Dosage?
Saxenda comes in a once-a-day shot that you give yourself just under the skin, usually in your thigh, belly, or upper arm. You’ll begin with a 0.6 mg dose, and then your healthcare provider may slowly increase it to 3 mg to help avoid any unwanted effects. To get the best results, make sure to stick to the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare team.
What About Effectiveness?
In a three-year study with individuals using Saxenda medication conducted by NIH (National Institute of Health), some pretty positive results popped up! About 56% of them experienced meaningful weight loss in the first year. What’s even cooler is that almost half of these folks managed to keep the weight off for the entire three years. This success was seen in those who used Saxenda along with a healthier eating plan and more physical activity, compared to those who didn’t take the medication.
3. Ozempic For Weight Loss
Ozempic (semaglutide) has become a popular weight loss drug covering most of the headlines in recent years. It stands out because of its special way of working, providing a proven method to support weight loss. It makes shedding those extra pounds very easy.
How Does Ozempic Help with Weight Loss?
It’s the main ingredient, semaglutide. This component triggers a feeling of fullness, making you less hungry and helping you lose weight. But that’s not all – semaglutide also gives your pancreas a nudge to produce insulin. Why does that matter? Because insulin is like the key that unlocks our cells, allowing them to use the energy from the food we eat. It’s a crucial player in managing type 2 diabetes.
Now, here’s the cool part: Ozempic also mimics a natural hormone called GLP-1. This hormone usually shows up when we eat, telling our body it’s time to process that energy. So, Ozempic basically helps your body get the memo that you’ve eaten and gets things ready to use that food energy wisely. Smart, right?
How Much Weight Will I Lose with Ozempic?
The exact amount varies from person to person while using Ozempic. On average, people might lose about 1 kg (a little over 2 pounds) after one month, and around 2 kg (about 4.4 pounds) after two months. Everyone’s experience is different, though. Some might find they lose weight quickly, while for others it might take longer. You might also notice that you feel less hungry in the first month, especially after each injection, but this feeling might fade a bit after 4-5 days.
It usually takes about 4-5 weeks for Ozempic to settle into your system at a steady level. This means the medication remains at a constant level in your body without big ups and downs. Interestingly, the weight loss in the first few months with Ozempic is similar to what you might see with other weight loss methods or diet changes. The real benefits of this medication, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, are more noticeable after three months. It’s a long-lasting drug that starts at a low dose and gradually increases to reduce side effects.
Studies show that, on average, people lose around 6 kg (about 13.2 pounds) after 40 weeks of using Ozempic. Remember, this is an average, so individual results can vary. The success of weight loss with Ozempic also depends on how well your body responds to the medication and the healthy changes you make in your diet and lifestyle.
Do You Lose More Weight on the Higher Doses of Ozempic?
It’s true! Taking higher amounts of Ozempic can lead to more weight loss. A study found that over 30 weeks, people who took 1 mg of Ozempic lost about 4.5 kg, which is more than the 3.7 kg lost by those who took only 0.5 mg.
But remember, everyone’s body reacts differently to medications. The amount of weight you might lose depends on how your body responds to Ozempic and the healthy lifestyle changes you make. Interestingly, some individuals might lose more weight with smaller doses of Ozempic. This can happen if their bodies are particularly responsive to the medication, meaning they don’t need to increase their dose.
4. Zepbound (Tirzepatide)
Zepbound has received approval from the FDA to help adults manage their weight in the long term. It’s designed for those with obesity (body mass index of 30 or higher) or overweight (body mass index of 27 or higher) who also have weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. This means Zepbound is here to support not just weight management but overall health in individuals facing these challenges.
How Does Zepbound Work for Weight Loss?
Zepbound operates by imitating two important hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) produced by the intestines. These hormones play a crucial role in making you feel full, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and slowing down the emptying of your stomach (the time it takes for food to move from the stomach to the small intestines).
In a detailed study where participants didn’t know whether they were taking the medicine or a placebo, the highest dose of tirzepatide (15 milligrams) led to an impressive 22.5% reduction in weight, equivalent to shedding 52 pounds, over a 72-week period. Even lower doses of 10 milligrams and 5 milligrams showed weight loss benefits. However, it’s important to mention that the study was sponsored by Eli Lilly, the company behind the medication.
Another study, also sponsored by Eli Lilly, explored tirzepatide’s impact on weight loss. Participants were first engaged in a comprehensive lifestyle program for weight loss and were then randomly given either tirzepatide or a placebo. The group receiving tirzepatide, along with lifestyle changes, experienced a remarkable weight loss of 26.6%, while the placebo group only saw a 3.8% weight loss. To make Zepbound effective in managing weight, Eli Lilly recommends using it alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increasing physical activity. It’s like a supportive companion on your journey to a healthier weight.
Who Can Use Zepbound?
Zepbound has shown exciting potential in treating obesity, but it’s not a universal solution. It may be effective for some people, but not suitable for others. Here’s a straightforward rundown of who might want to steer clear of Zepbound:
- Uncomfortable with Needles? If the thought of needles makes you uneasy, take note: Zepbound is administered through weekly injections.
- Looking for a Quick Fix? Zepbound isn’t it. This medication is part of a long-term health management plan. If that’s not what you’re after, this medication might not be your best choice.
- Past Pancreatitis Issues? For those who have experienced pancreatitis or are at high risk of developing it, this solution may not be safe. Pancreatitis involves inflammation of the pancreas, and it’s important to consider this risk.
- Gastroparesis Concerns? It is a rare condition where the stomach’s emptying into the small intestine is delayed or halted. If you’re dealing with this condition, Zepbound may not be suitable for you.
- Have a History of Certain Thyroid Cancers? If you or your family have a history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, it’s important to be cautious. While GLP-1 receptor agonists, the class of drugs to which Zepbound belongs, have been linked to thyroid tumors in rats, we haven’t seen this in humans. Still, it’s a factor worth considering.
Takeaway
It’s crucial to understand that not every medication mentioned in this blog will work for everyone. You will need to consult with your doctor which weight loss medication suits you better and work on you effectively and whether it’s in your budget or not. They will customize your doses, and will tell you what exercises and food you can opt with your medicine. If you’re searching for or want to buy Saxenda online or any of the above medications at an affordable price, then Polar Bear Meds is here just for you! You can buy all the prescription medications from the best Canadian online pharmacy at a fraction of cost. So, make your decision and choose the best for your health because it’s all that matters!