Before Starting a Weight Loss Drug, Consider these Four Factors

March 26, 2024

I have worked with many people taking injectable medications for blood sugar and/or weight loss. I have seen positive outcomes and negative side effects. Truly, it does seem that every BODY has a different experience on these medications, like semaglutide, brand name Ozempic. Consider these factors before you start a weight loss medication:

This is only the beginning. These medications have been around many years for diabetes, but in recent years have been rebranded at higher doses for weight loss. There are more of these medications, with added agents like glucagon, coming to market soon. Since the widespread use of them is relatively new, time will still tell how people who take them do in the long run with keeping weight off.
Fast weight loss isn't always good weight loss. Those who have struggled to lose weight might like the promise of being less hungry and having less cravings. What's not to love?! But, when someone loses weight quickly, for instance more than 10 pounds in a month, it is likely a larger percent of total weight lost is from muscle than if they lost weight at a slower pace. With. weight loss, there is some lean muscle decrease, but the degree is lower with slower weight loss. Muscle is vital for metabolism, longevity, strength and recovery after illness. While the body will fill fat cells endlessly given enough energy, muscle cells do not increase as easy. Do not take losing muscle lightly!
You might have to be on the medication for a long time or forever. Talk to your doctor about what will happen if you want to go off the medication and be okay with the fact that your appetite and some weight will come back if previous eating habits return and physical activity does not increase.
If you can accept that there are risks to any medication, that keeping the weight off is not guaranteed and that strength training is vital to long-term success, you are more likely to succeed with weight loss medications.