The mainstay of healthy weight loss has always been eating well and exercising. Various diet programs have proven successful over time- some more effectively for certain individuals than others. There are many factors that may determine which program works best for your body type and metabolism.
At times, medical intervention may be warranted in addition to a diet and exercise program. Early prescribed medications were appetite suppressants, which generally were relatives of sympathomimetics (stimulants). In general, these had significant side effects and we now have better options available.
What’s all the hype regarding Ozempic and weight loss?
Ozempic and Wegovy contain the active ingredient Semaglutide which has been highly effective in a variety of weight loss programs. The hype is truly warranted as this class of medications has proven effective weight loss even when other interventions have failed.
Patients are also talking about Monjauro and weight loss- what’s the difference between Monjauro and Ozempic?
Monjauro and Zepbound contain a different active ingredient called Tirzepatide. Although Tirzepatide works along the same pathway as Ozempic/semaglutide, it also has a dual mode of action making it even more effective at weight loss. Tirzepatide caused up to 40% more total body weight loss in clinical trials than semaglutide.
What are the common side effects of these drugs?
The most common side effects we see are gastrointestinal. These can actually be beneficial as they often curb food cravings. However, we don’t like to see too much nausea- which is very common with Ozempic/semaglutide but that side effect is significantly less with tirzepatide.
It sounds like the Tirzepatide ingredient is better for weight loss, do you lean toward this drug?
While we effectively utilized Ozempic/semaglutide several years ago, we do sense it is “yesterday’s drug.” For almost 2 years now, 90% of our patients are on tirzepatide weight loss programs. It simply has a better profile, is more effective, and our patients just report feeling better overall on tirzepatide.
What does an actual weight loss program with these medications look like?
Everything starts with an initial consult to assess your health status and select the weight loss program that’s right for you. A simple once-weekly administration of the medication is then integrated into a physician-monitored weight loss program... and watch the new you emerge!!
Contact us for a consultation to determine if you can benefit from a weight loss program.
See Dr. Maehara talk about Weight Loss
