Excess weight and weight gain is often seen by our society as a failure and lack of willpower, but in reality it’s really a very complex disease. Excess weight is a combination of genetic, social, behavioral, physiological, lifestyle and metabolic factors. And while it is complex, science and medicine have new tools to help patients lose weight, reverse and prevent future disease, and gain metabolic health. One of those very effective tools is the development of FDA-approved medications (including GLP-1s) for weight loss.
The following is an excerpt from our official guide to FDA-Approved Weight Medications. You can download the complete—and free!—guide by clickinghere.
The Evidence For Weight Loss Medication
If you are shocked to learn that there are safe, effective, FDA-approved medications for weight loss, you aren’t alone. Many doctors don’t even know they exist!
The FDA-approved medications alter physiology, not just behaviors, helping patients from within to fight against the complexity of excess weight. These medications help to treat and prevent the progression of weight-related diseases, and work in a variety of ways, such as decreasing cravings and appetite or mimicking a hormone that tells your brain that your stomach is full. Studies show that medications, when used in combination with lifestyle interventions, are more effective in helping people achieve weight loss.On average, people who take prescription medications as part of a lifestyle program lose between 5 and 10 percent more of their starting body weight than people in a lifestyle program who do not take medication.
While the evidence supports benefits for many patients, medicine is not a magic wand. Medications only work when used in combination with lifestyle improvements and changing long-held mindsets.
However, when viewed properly as a supporting element and not a primary tactic, medication can be a beneficial part of a weight loss plan.
When to Use Weight Loss Medication
Medication may be beneficial for you if:
You have a BMI greater than 30
You have a BMI greater than 27 with other medical problems, such as:
Type 2 Diabetes
Sleep Apnea
Metabolic Syndrome
High Blood Pressure Osteoarthritis
High Cholesterol
FDA-Approved Weight Loss Medications
MEDICATION
% BODY WEIGHT LOSS
HOW IT WORKS
HOW TO TAKE IT
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
SHOULD NOT BE USED IF
Zepbound
(Tirzepatide)
25%
Activating receptors of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) to reduce both appetite and food intake.
Once weekly injectable
Nausea
Diarrhea
Constipation
Stomach (abdominal pain)
Tiredness (fatigue)
*If you develop any of these symptoms, please inform your physician
You or your family have a history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) or multiple-
endocrine neoplasia syndrome Type 2 (MEN2).
Wegovy
(Semaglutide)
15%
Reduces appetite by increasing the GLP-1 hormone and helps you to feel fuller longer by slowing down "emptying" of the stomach.
Once weekly injectable
Nausea
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Constipation
Abdominal pain
Tiredness (fatigue)
*If you develop any of these symptoms, please inform your physician.
You or your family have a history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) or multiple-
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
