New FDA-approved weight loss drugs like Zepbound are shaking up the market that was once dominated by drugs Ozempic and Wegovy. These aren’t the average weight loss drugs; Dr. Mir Ali, a bariatric surgeon, is amazed at how far the options have come from the once limited choices people had. Meanwhile, Dr. Rashika Bansal, an assistant professor of endocrinology, is thrilled at the dawn of a brand new day for patients looking to lose weight.
Dr. Steven Batash, a renowned gastroenterologist, is also enthusiastic about the changes. And with all the excitement, it’s easy to get confused about the science behind them. Here’s a simplified version of the basics of these groundbreaking drugs.
Semaglutide, a peptide that treats type 2 diabetes, also helps with weight loss. This powerful ingredient is at the heart of drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic. Tirzepatide, on the other hand, works similarly to semaglutide but targets another receptor in the body. It’s the star in Zepbound and Mounjaro, both of which are designed to help with diabetes and weight loss.
Ozempic, well-known for treating diabetes, has also shown promise in helping patients lose weight. Its sister medication, Wegovy, also harnesses these weight loss powers. And similar to this family of medications, Mounjaro has joined in, while Zepbound was the latest to be approved by the FDA for weight loss.
The journey to weight loss doesn’t stop there as there are other FDA-approved medications. Bupropion-naltrexone, liraglutide, orlistat, phentermine-topiramate, and setmelanotide are all in the running to fight obesity. The drugs often work by either decreasing appetite, controlling cravings, or preventing fat absorption in the intestines. But why is it that despite all these revolutionary options, obesity is still on the rise?
