Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic

In England, obesity and overweight rates continue to be a significant public health concern.

Between 2022 and 2023, 64% of adults were classified as overweight or living with obesity. Men were more likely to be overweight (69.2%) than women (58.6%), though obesity rates were similar between genders (26.4% in men and 26.2% in women).

The prevalence of excess weight increases with age, peaking at 72.8% in those aged 55 to 64, before slightly declining in older age groups.

While maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and physical activity remains the foundation of good health, many individuals struggle to achieve sustainable weight loss.

For those who have not had success with traditional approaches, new weight loss drugs FDA approved can offer additional support. These medications, also known as anti-obesity medications (AOMs), are designed to be used alongside a balanced diet and regular exercise—not as a standalone solution.

Weight loss drugs function through different mechanisms, primarily by influencing appetite, metabolism, and fat absorption. Most of these medications work by: 

• Suppressing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness by interacting with hunger-regulating hormones such as leptin and ghrelin.
• Modulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which influence cravings and emotional eating.
• Slowing gastric emptying, which prolongs satiety and helps control portion sizes.
• Reducing fat absorption in the digestive tract, leading to fewer calories being stored as fat.

• How They Work: These medications mimic the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone, which regulates appetite and blood sugar. By slowing gastric emptying and enhancing insulin sensitivity, they help reduce overall calorie intake and improve metabolic health.
• Benefits: Effective for long-term weight loss, with studies showing up to 15% body weight reduction.
• Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and potential thyroid concerns.
• Who It’s For: Individuals with a BMI of 30+ or 27+ with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes.

• How It Works: Phentermine is a stimulant that suppresses appetite, while topiramate is an anticonvulsant that may enhance satiety and alter food preferences.
• Benefits: Can result in significant weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes.
• Side Effects: Insomnia, dry mouth, increased heart rate, dizziness, and mood changes.
• Does Phentermine Expire? Yes, like all medications, phentermine has an expiration date. Expired medication may lose potency and effectiveness, so it’s best to check with a pharmacist before use.

• How It Works: Bupropion is an antidepressant that may reduce appetite, while naltrexone affects the brain’s reward system to curb cravings.
• Benefits: Particularly useful for individuals with emotional eating patterns.
• Side Effects: Insomnia, dizziness, increased blood pressure, nausea, and headache.

• How It Works: Blocks enzymes that break down dietary fat, reducing fat absorption by about 30%.
• Benefits: Non-systemic, meaning it doesn’t affect appetite or neurotransmitters.
• Side Effects: Oily stools, gas, and increased bowel movements due to undigested fat.

Weight loss drugs are typically prescribed for individuals with a BMI of 30 or greater or those with a BMI of 27+ who have obesity-related conditions such as hypertension or type 2 diabetes. 

However, they are not a quick fix and should be used as part of a comprehensive plan that includes dietary adjustments, physical activity, and behavioural support.

With the emergence of new weight loss drugs FDA approved, individuals struggling with obesity now have more options. 

Medications like Ozempic, phentermine, and Orlistat can provide effective assistance in weight loss journeys, but they are not suitable for everyone. Consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial to determine the best approach based on individual health status, medical history, and weight loss goals.

Weight loss is a journey, and while medication can help, sustainable changes in nutrition, exercise, and mindset remain the pillars of long-term success.

If you’re taking, starting, or considering GLP-1 medication such as Mounjaro, Wegovy or Ozempic, nutrition still matters.

Eating less does not always mean your body is getting enough protein, fibre, fluids or key nutrients — and this is especially important if your appetite is reduced, digestion feels slower, or you’re experiencing side effects such as nausea or constipation.

That’s why I’ve created the GLP-1 Nutrition & Weight Loss Course.

Inside the course, you’ll learn how to support your body with practical guidance around:

• Protein and muscle maintenance
• Fibre, hydration and digestion
• Key nutrients such as calcium, iron and vitamin D
• Common side effects such as nausea and constipation
• Balanced meals, meal planning and long-term habits

You’ll also get cooking videos, recipe downloads, weekly meal plans, handouts and access to a digital meal planner.

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Does Lemon Tea Help Burn Fat – Click HERE

References: 

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2024, February). Choosing a Safe & Successful Weight-loss Program. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/choosing-a-safe-successful-weight-loss-program

 National Center for Health Statistics. (2018, July). Attempts to Lose Weight Among Adults in the United States, 2013–2016. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db313.htm

 Mayo Clinic (2023, November 1). Weight loss basics. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/basics/weightloss-basics/hlv-20049483

 National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2023, March). Prescription Medications to Treat Overweight & Obesity. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/prescription-medications-treat-overweight-obesity

 Obesity Medicine. (2024, January 26). Top Weight Loss Medications. https://obesitymedicine.org/blog/weight-loss-medications/

 Cleveland Clinic. (2023, November 20). Appetite Suppressants. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/9463-appetite-suppressants

 Mayo Clinic. (2022, October 29). Prescription weight-loss drugs. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/weight-loss-drugs/art-20044832

 Medline Plus. (2023, July 8) Weight-loss medicines. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000346.htm

 Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Medical Nutrition Therapy for Weight Loss. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/medical-nutrition-therapy-for-weight-loss

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/update-to-the-obesity-profile-on-fingertips/obesity-profile-short-statistical-commentary-may-2024