Been seeing more and more news on “miracle weight loss drugs” like Saxenda, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy? Before you get excited, read what we have to say about these injectable medications
For all of us concerned about our food intake and body mass index, “miracle weight loss drugs” like Saxenda, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy can seem like the perfect solution. However, there is a noticeable controversy surrounding the use of these drugs when it comes to cosmetic reasons. Many celebrities have gone viral recently for admitting to using drugs like Ozempic for quick weight loss. One such person is Dolores Catania, a cast member of The Real Housewives of New Jersey.
Meanwhile, plenty of others have spoken up against Ozempic used purely for weight loss, like Sophie Turner and Jameela Jamil. To get a deeper insight into what these controversial injectable medications do, read our short rundown below.
Fast-tracking weight loss
In a nutshell, Saxenda and Wegovy are prescription medications that the FDA approved for the weight management of obese people and people with weight-related comorbidities. In short, these two drugs—in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise program—help with weight loss. Meanwhile, Ozempic and Mounjaro are prescription medications that the FDA approved for the treatment of type two diabetes only.
Ultimately, scientific studies and clinical trials show that these four drugs are largely effective for their intended purposes and are, as such, prescribed to those that need them. And yet, many people without these metabolic diseases buy them to simply shed some fat. Even Ozempic and Mounjaro are treated as weight loss drugs despite not being approved as such because they have weight loss and appetite suppression as among their side effects.
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Your doctor can tell you everything else you need to know about these drugs if you’re looking to treat your metabolic disease. But if you’re only interested in losing a few pounds while currently at a healthy weight, there are many things you need to consider.
The cons to weight loss drugs
In general, you shouldn’t take medications that aren’t meant for you. This is because the clinical trials were conducted on patients with the targeted diseases, so the effects on those that don’t have them remain largely unknown. Long-term effects on non-diabetic people are especially unstudied when it comes to Ozempic and Mounjaro users.
Even still, the known side effects of Saxenda, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy on obese and diabetic people are heavy, the most common of which are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, these drugs have boxed warnings from the FDA, which are high-level warnings. These warnings are for the increased risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, thyroid cancer, and acute pancreatitis.
You also need to understand that any weight loss you get from using these drugs is not permanent. You’ll gain weight as normal once you stop taking them regularly and if you don’t make the necessary lifestyle changes. Some people also report gaining more weight than they’ve lost when this happens.
Not least of all, drugs like Saxenda and Ozempic going viral have resulted in real harm for people with obesity and type 2 diabetes due to shortage. So, consider as well whether your cosmetic desire outweighs others’ medical needs.
Our final takeaway? If you’re not obese or diabetic, don’t take medication designed to treat obesity and diabetes. But if weight management is a major concern, consult your doctor for actionable solutions, such as an exercise program and a diet plan, instead.
