The Pros, Cons, and Considerations of Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic

Some research suggests that semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) really work as a way to trim down. For many who have struggled to lose weight their entire lives, drugs like Ozempic have been exceptionally helpful. But if you’ve been considering asking your doctor for a prescription, there are some things you should know first. Here’s what experts have to say about research on the effectiveness of semaglutide and when to consider it for weight loss.

Ozempic and similar drugs have several actions that make them helpful for managing diabetes and weight loss.

Decreasing Hunger and Increasing Satiety

Lowering Blood Sugar and Slowing Digestion

Quieting Food Noise

Dr. Gudzune’s patients who have taken semaglutide have reported feeling full on smaller portions, and many describe a reduction in “food noise” (the ever-present thoughts about eating and food).

Lowering Body Weight

Evidence also shows that medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound are much more efficacious, meaning that they lead to a higher total body weight loss more quickly than other medications that clinicians have historically prescribed to treat obesity, says Rekha Kumar, MD, the chief medical officer at the medically assisted weight loss program Found and an endocrinologist in New York City.

Semaglutide vs. Similar Medications for Weight Loss

In addition, if you use semaglutide or tirzepatide, that doesn’t mean you can forget about following a healthy lifestyle. “People should always pursue a healthy diet for their overall cardiometabolic health and for adequate nutritional status,” says Dr. Kumar. “No medication or supplement can counteract the effects of a bad diet.” Regular exercise, good hydration, and quality sleep are other habits crucial for overall health and better weight loss results.

As for who is a good candidate for these drugs, there are no official criteria. “Right now we use BMI combined with other medical conditions to determine eligibility for a medication,” says Gudzune. She says that anyone with a BMI of 30 or greater or anyone who has a BMI of at least 27 and also has another weight-associated medical condition (such as high blood pressure) is a potential candidate for medication. But it’s important for anyone considering medicated weight loss to discuss the options with a knowledgeable healthcare provider.

“Obesity is a complex condition — so many factors contribute to its occurrence (and reoccurrence) over time, and these factors are not the same for all people,” says Gudzune.

It can be frustrating and discouraging when someone repeatedly fails at weight loss or loses only to regain. These new classes of drugs have been giving those people hope. “For people who have not had success with lifestyle alone or have been previously unsuccessful with other medications, these medications offer a new option that may support their health goals,” Gudzune says.

But some celebrities and people who may not really need them are using the newer weight loss medications somewhat inappropriately. While these folks may talk a lot about their success with Ozempic for weight loss, it’s important to remember that no one strategy is a magic bullet for shedding pounds.

If you do decide to give Ozempic or another similar medication a try, be aware that while they may seem like miracle drugs, they are not without downsides. Here are some factors to consider.

Cost

Availability

According to Kumar, you may run into issues with availability: “The trend of med spas, boutique weight loss practices, and illegitimate telehealth businesses liberally prescribing to people who don’t meet criteria is not only irresponsible, it could also interfere with getting the medication to those who need it the most.”

Delivery Method

Afraid of needles? Most of these medications are delivered via injection, not a pill.

Treatment Length

Once you get on Ozempic, you’ll need to stay on it to maintain results. “Patients considering any anti-obesity medication as a treatment option should be prepared to take these medications long-term — [that’s how] we see the best outcomes in the scenario for achieving and, most importantly, sustaining all the health benefits achieved,” says Gudzune.

Side Effects

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Pain or redness at the injection site

Your Other Health Conditions

Tell your doctor if you have had problems in the past with your kidneys or pancreas, a history of diabetic retinopathy, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. These conditions may affect whether you can use this drug, according to Ozempic’s website.

Some evidence suggests that people with certain other medical conditions should avoid these drugs, too. “People who have a history or family history of a rare thyroid cancer (medullary thyroid carcinoma) should not use this medication,” says Gudzune. Similarly, anyone with a history of pancreatitis should discuss the safety of these medications with a healthcare provider.

Gudzune also cautions anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding to avoid using these medications and says anyone who plans to become pregnant should have a discussion with their doctor about whether and how to use these medications.

Finally, individuals with a history of disordered eating should discuss the drugs with their doctor and therapist before starting.

Unknowns

As prescription drugs go, Ozempic/Wegovy and Mounjaro/Zepbound are relatively new, so there’s a lot we still don’t know about them. Studies have not documented the effects of years- or decades-long semaglutide use.

Kumar points out that there’s minimal research on their effects on people with normal weight. “While it is true that taking [these drugs] may benefit those with overweight or obesity, testing hasn’t assessed the effects of Ozempic in those without obesity — meaning people who want to lose those extra ‘vanity pounds.’ So there’s no way to know what sort of weight loss or side effects can happen with inappropriate use.”

Remember, too, that as effective as these medications may be, they can’t solve emotional issues related to eating and weight. Depending on your relationship to food, it may be best to approach weight loss from a more comprehensive perspective that addresses the physical and the emotional.

The Takeaway

• Many celebrities are using Ozempic, a diabetes drug, as a weight loss aid, but it’s not FDA-approved for that purpose.
• Although these medications have shown promising results, they come with risks and should be taken under a healthcare provider’s supervision.
• Before considering such drugs, make sure you are following a healthy diet and regular exercise program, and consult with your doctor to explore all options.