The pursuit of weight loss is often fraught with misleading claims and potential scams. As the new year approaches, the market floods with "new year, new you" advertisements, many promoting health and fitness products. It's crucial to discern legitimate offers from scams, especially when it comes to weight loss solutions.
Identifying Weight Loss Scams
Scammers frequently use online ads for weight loss pills, patches, or creams. These ads often mimic news reports, touting a "miraculous" product that promises weight loss without diet or exercise. To appear credible, scammers may steal logos from legitimate news organizations. They also create fake reviews and use stock or altered "before" and "after" photos.
Be wary of these common false promises:
- Weight loss without dietary changes.
- Permanent weight loss from a product.
- Weight loss solely through a pill.
- Rapid weight loss claims (e.g., 30 pounds in 30 days).
- Products that work for everyone.
The Allure and Risks of Dietary Supplements
The promise of fast and easy weight loss through dietary supplements is tempting. These supplements are sold as health aids and are taken orally. However, it's important to understand that dietary supplements are not medicines, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not need to approve them.
The Reality of Clinical Trials
Surprisingly, supplement manufacturers rarely conduct thorough clinical trials. For example, raspberry ketone is marketed as a weight-loss product with "clinical proof," but the cited trial was small, lasted only eight weeks, and involved a supplement with multiple ingredients. Such trials cannot reliably predict real-life results. Ideally, trials should involve hundreds of participants and monitor for side effects over a longer period.
Read also: Weight Loss Guide Andalusia, AL
Safety Concerns
Just because a product is "natural" does not guarantee its safety. Supplements can have potent effects. Ephedra (ma-huang), once used for weight loss, was later found to be harmful. Some weight-loss supplements have even been found to contain undeclared prescription medicines.
To make informed decisions, research any weight-loss supplement thoroughly. Remember that sustainable weight loss requires a comprehensive lifestyle approach that includes healthy eating and regular physical activity.
The Evolving Landscape of Weight Loss Medications
The pharmacological treatment of obesity has rapidly advanced. Before 2012, only a few weight loss medications were FDA-approved. In the 2020s, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 receptor agonists) gained significant popularity. The dual receptor agonist Mounjaro (for type 2 diabetes) and Zepbound (for obesity) followed.
Determining Candidacy and Effectiveness
Determining if someone is a candidate for weight loss medications starts with assessing their Body Mass Index (BMI). Doctors should discuss the patient’s current health issues, other medications, and family medical history.
Weight loss results vary, with an average ranging from 5% to 21%. Many people regain weight after discontinuing anti-obesity medications (AOMs). Some medications, like semaglutide and liraglutide, are approved for children 12 and older with a BMI at or above the 95th percentile.
Read also: Beef jerky: A high-protein option for shedding pounds?
Examining Specific Weight Loss Medications
Wegovy (Semaglutide): An injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved in 2021 for adults and children (12+) with obesity or some adults with excess weight and weight-related medical problems. The dosage increases gradually to minimize side effects like gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, dizziness, and fatigue. It is intended for long-term use with diet and exercise.
Zepbound (Tirzepatide): Approved for treating obesity in adults with a BMI of 30 or greater, it is both a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist. It reduces appetite and should be used with diet and exercise. In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, adults taking tirzepatide achieved up to 22.5% average body weight reduction at 72 weeks. Studies also showed improvements in cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic markers.
Liraglutide: A daily injectable medication that acts on hormones to increase satiety and decrease hunger. Some patients may lose 5-10% of their body weight. It is also approved for Type 2 Diabetes under the name Victoza. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and headache.
Phentermine: The oldest and most widely used weight loss medication. Initially for short-term use, it is now sometimes used in long-term therapy. Side effects include headache, high blood pressure, and insomnia.
Phentermine-Topiramate: Combines phentermine with topiramate to decrease appetite and cravings. It can result in an average weight loss of 5-10%. Side effects include altered taste, dizziness, and insomnia.
Read also: Inspiring Health Transformation
Naltrexone-Bupropion: Combines an opioid receptor antagonist with an antidepressant to decrease cravings and appetite. Common side effects include nausea, headache, and dry mouth.
Orlistat: A lipase inhibitor that prevents the body from absorbing fat, resulting in about 5% body weight loss. It is available over-the-counter as Alli.
Setmelanotide: Indicated for chronic weight management in patients six years and older with obesity due to specific rare genetic disorders.
Plenity: A medical device, not a medication, that releases a hydrogel in the stomach to increase satiety.
Future Trends in Weight Loss Medications
With rising obesity rates, more medications are expected to enter the market. Pharmaceutical platform Ozmosi predicts one to two GLP-1 launches annually starting in 2026, specifically for obesity. Lilly is developing orforglipron, an oral GLP-1 inhibitor, and retatrutide, which targets GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon. Amgen is developing MariTide, a monoclonal antibody designed to increase GLP-1 receptor activity.
Researchers continue to investigate hormones like peptide tyrosine-tyrosine (PYY) and cholecystokinin (CCK) to find new ways to target obesity.
The Importance of a Holistic Approach
FDA-approved anti-obesity medications (AOMs) are most effective when part of a comprehensive treatment plan. This plan can include medications, diet, exercise, and/or surgery. A treatment plan for obesity can comprise multiple forms of treatment, including medications, diet, exercise, and/or surgery. All weight loss medications work best in the context of a healthy eating plan and exercise.
Some medications are designed for short-term use, while others are for long-term use. Long-term options include orlistat (Xenical, Alli), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic), and tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro).
Addressing Metabolic Adaptation and Weight Regain
After weight reduction, the body undergoes metabolic adaptation, increasing hunger hormones and decreasing satiety hormones and resting metabolic rate, which can lead to weight regain. AOMs may counter these effects.
Over-the-Counter Options
The only over-the-counter medicine for weight loss currently approved by the FDA is Alli (orlistat). Other over-the-counter products are considered supplements.
The Role of Healthcare Professionals
With prescription medications, a healthcare professional can assess a patient's lifestyle and BMI, monitor progress and side effects. While no specific vitamin or supplement is a "treatment" for obesity, some, like calcium and vitamin D, may support metabolic health.
Medications and Weight Gain
Certain medications can cause weight gain. Antidepressants, such as paroxetine, amitriptyline, doxepin, and imipramine, are associated with weight gain. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is considered weight-negative and may aid in weight loss.
Navigating Online Pharmacies and Compounded Medications
Some online healthcare providers sell Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound at reduced prices. However, the FDA warns against buying medications from unverified sources. The FDA has banned the sale of "counterfeit" semaglutide and tirzepatide, which are often compounded medications not FDA-approved. While some patients have used compounded alternatives due to shortages, the FDA has received numerous reports of adverse events associated with them.