- Misconceptions about the benefits and risks of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound are common.
- Not all GLP-1 medications are the same, and different medications may affect different people.
- Before starting a GLP-1 medication, talk to your healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits.
It probably won’t surprise you to hear that the GLP-1 drugs semaglutide (better known under the brand names Wegovy and Ozempic) and tirzepatide (marketed under the brand names Monjouro and Zepbound) are among the top 10 drugs in the American spending. in 2023.
The drug has been touted as a game-changing treatment for diabetes and obesity. But as their popularity grew, so did myths and misinformation about them.
"The reality is that each of them is prescribed to achieve different health goals, and like all drugs, they all have potential risks that patients should be educated to make informed decisions with their doctors. it," says HaVy Ngo-Hamilton, Pharm.D., a pharmacist and clinical consultant for BuzzRx.
To clear up some common misconceptions, Healthline spoke with experts who helped identify and debunk the eight most common myths being shared today about GLP-1 drugs.
The short answer: "No one guarantees weight loss," says Dr. Mir Ali, MD, board-certified bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center.
Ali noted that these drugs certainly have a high success rate in helping to lose weight, mainly because of their ability to slow down the emptying of the stomach, helping people feel fuller.
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A 72-week trial for tirzepatide suggested that 91% of people who took the highest 15 mg dose saw a reduction of 5% or more. More than half of the participants (57%) lost 20% of their body weight.
These numbers are good, but not perfect. Doctors generally recommend patience – to a point.
"The FDA has given us guidelines for the use of these drugs, in our expectation of at least 5% of the total body weight in 12 weeks", said Dr. Janese Laster, MD, is board certified in internal medicine, gastroenterology, obesity medicine, and nutrition. He is also the founder of Gut Theory Total DigestiveCare.
If that weight loss doesn’t happen, Laster says health professionals will discuss lifestyle options, including:
- Dosing
- Whether the patient is taking the medicine properly
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- EXERCISE
However, a small proportion of patients do not respond, which does not mean that they did something “wrong”.
"Obesity already carries unnecessary social stigma and shame, so it’s important for patients to understand that they have no control over who does or doesn’t respond," said Dr. Michael Glickman, MD, CEO and founder of Revolution Medicine. "It’s probably a genetic explanation or … your own physiology."
Although Mounjaro and Ozempic were approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, one 2022
Even the label says otherwise.
"If you look at the package insert for Wegovy or Zepbound, the instructions are to use these drugs with a 'low-calorie diet and increased physical activity,'" Ngo-Hamilton explains. In fact, the amount of food and exercise will vary between users, which leads to different weight loss. However, regular exercise is essential to achieve and maintain the desired weight.
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"If we don’t exercise during the weight loss journey, our metabolism can suffer because the patient will also lose a lot of muscle," says Glickman.
Brands suggest the opposite, but social media headlines may not.
"These drugs are not miracles, despite what is seen in the media / social media," said Laster." Patients will not succeed unless they also change their lifestyle and diet. A change in diet is one factor we consider if a patient does not lose weight as we expect from these drugs."
Glickman recommends a progressive or Mediterranean-style diet, which emphasizes certain fats, lean and natural proteins, and leafy vegetables and eliminates foods and drinks high in sugar.
Dietary choices are also important to reduce the risk and severity of side effects.
"Because these drugs cause insulin production, slow down gastric emptying, and make you feel full more quickly and over a long period of time, eating unhealthy foods or large portions of food can cause gastrointestinal side effects. , including abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting,” said Ngo-Hamilton.
In the end, the severity of the consequences is correlated.
"Unbearable is an important word, and the threshold for discomfort can vary greatly from person to person, as can the side effects of people taking the drug," said Ngo-Hamilton.
In support, Ngo-Hamilton says the side effects of GLP-1 include:
He says the side effects are usually temporary and go away as the patient gets used to the medication. Ali said that’s why providers gradually increase the dose.
"If side effects are a problem, drugs can be prescribed to counteract the side effects," Ali said, adding that it’s not unusual for a patient to stop taking GLP-1 because of side effects.
However, this does not mean that no one does.
"If the side effects are not well controlled by symptom management and do not decrease or resolve after three months or more of medication with increased dosage, you should talk to your doctor about switching to a drug with a different mechanism of action or exploring another category of weight loss drug altogether," Ngo-Hamilton said.
Doctors recommend using caution before choosing to receive a combined GLP-1 medication.
"Although compounded medicine is an important – and sometimes necessary – option for patients who need access to drugs that are insufficient or not commercially available, specialty pharmacies have developed compounding ingredients they are active," Ngo-Hamilton said. "Unlike brand-name drugs that are tested by the manufacturer for safety and efficacy according to FDA guidelines, compounded drugs are not held to these standards and are not FDA-approved drugs."
Ali advises to discuss options with a health professional and their reception of combined GLP-1 drugs and reputable pharmacies.
"If you get medicine … through social media or questionable online sources, you could end up with something that doesn’t work or, worst case, cause harm," he said.
Not always. Cost is a barrier for some people who want to go with GLP-1 drugs, and not all insurance will help cover it. Medicare does not cover GLP-1 for weight loss.
"Insurance coverage will vary by person and insurance policy, and recently, more insurance plans have opted not to cover the cost of GLP-1 agonists, especially those that are prescribed for use without a label," Ngo-Hamilton said. "For example, when a person does not have type 2 diabetes, their doctor prescribes Ozempic for off-label use in weight management."
A one-month supply of Ozempic can cost about $1,000, about the same price as Zepbound.
"Prescription discount cards can be a useful resource for patients whose insurance plans do not cover these drugs," Ngo-Hamilton said.
They are similar but different. Even Ozempic and Wegovy, although both are semaglutide, have differences.
"Ozempic and Wegovy are both semaglutides, which stimulate the GLP-1 receptor to reduce appetite and empty the stomach," said Ali. "Ozempic is indicated for diabetes, but Wegovy is for weight loss."
The maximum weekly dose of Ozempic is 2.0 mg, while that of Wegovy is 2.4 mg.
Zepbound and Mounjaro have a weekly dose (15 mg), and the difference between them is that Zepbound is for weight management, and Mounjaro is for diabetes treatment. They are not the same as semaglutide but have similarities.
"Mounjaro and Zepbound are both tirzepatide that affects two receptors, GLP-1 and GIP, again reducing appetite and slowing down the stomach," said Ali.
Some data suggest that patients will lose more weight with Zepbound than with Wegovy. Eli Lily held court (
The time frame for these tests varies, and Glickman said experience can vary as well.
"Not all patients do well on average," says Glickman. "Some patients may not respond to one brand and respond to another. Some patients may also be an average responder to one brand and a super responder – above average – to another. It can be quite it is unexpected.”
For now, Glickman says that close monitoring is sometimes the best way to determine long-term potential. However, further research into the correct treatment may change this strategy.
Misconceptions about the benefits and risks of GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound are often widespread.
Although these medications can help people lose weight, not everyone responds to them.
Diet and exercise are still important factors in long-term weight loss while taking GLP-1 drugs.
Before starting a GLP-1 medication, talk to your healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits.
#Wegovy #Zepbound #Common #Myths #Debunked
