You’ve probably heard the news or seen it on social media — a new class of weight loss medication is on the market. While usually mistaken as dietary supplements, obesity drugs have been a major focus of Big Pharma in recent years. Companies like Eli Lilly, Pfizer, and Novo Nordisk have been developing drugs that target weight-related hormones to help shed extra pounds.
A huge factor in the increasing popularity of these new prescription medicines is celebrity use. More and more stars are speaking about using weight loss medications, from media personalities like Kim Kardashian to business magnates like Elon Musk. Read on to learn more about why they are taking this clinical approach to weight management and whether or not these medications can make your ideal weight more achievable.
Why celebrities are using weight loss medications
When celebrities show dramatic transformations due to weight loss, many often wonder what strategies they undertook to get there. Some have been open about using weight loss medications like Wegovy, a brand name of the injectable prescription medication semaglutide. Elon Musk, current CEO and co-founder of car maker Tesla, shared that on top of fasting, the drug has helped him get “fit, ripped, and healthy.”
However, some medications remain controversial, with other celebrities speculated to have used medications not strictly approved for weight loss purposes. For instance, socialite and businesswoman Kim Kardashian’s fame and net worth can be attributed to being the face of many brands including her own, but she is also said to have popularized curvy bodies. However, when she lost a lot of weight to fit into Marilyn Monroe’s dress for the 2022 Met Gala, she was reported to have used Wegovy’s sister drug, Ozempic, for her new, skinnier look.
While the above examples show how weight loss medications can be behind drastic and short-term physical changes, they should not be used as a quick fix for overweight or obesity. Below, we explain how these FDA-approved injectables can, in fact, be used safely and effectively for more successful and long-term results.
How weight loss medications can be used safely and effectively
Consult with a doctor
Firstly, the new weight loss drugs are unlike dietary supplements that you can simply buy over the counter. The ones approved for obesity treatment, such as semaglutide (Wegovy) and liraglutide (Saxenda), are only prescribed to those who meet the FDA requirements—a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and above or a BMI of 27 or more with a weight-related complication like hypertension or high cholesterol. It is thus crucial to consult with your doctor to ensure your medication meets your weight goals and unique health needs.
Understand how they work
Although weight loss drugs can lead to an average of 5-15% weight loss, remember that they shouldn’t replace lifestyle factors like a calorie-controlled diet and fat-burning exercises. To better integrate such medications into your weight management plan, you must also understand how they work. GLP-1 for weight loss mimics the gut hormone, glucagon-like peptide, to boost insulin and lower blood sugar levels. As this is the same pathway used by liraglutide and semaglutide to aid in weight loss, these medications do not completely stop you from eating but simply regulate your appetite and lessen cravings so you can better adhere to your lifestyle plan.
Be aware of the side effects
While these drugs are regulated to assure safety and efficacy, there are still side effects you should look out for. To illustrate, the rapid weight loss from Ozempic can lead to loose skin and wrinkles, especially as the body adjusts to the weight change. While this can be treated through cosmetic procedures like radiofrequency therapy, it is recommended to use Ozempic under the guidance of a medical professional so that you can lose weight at a slower pace and give your body ample time to adjust. Meanwhile, the side effects of GLP-1s approved for obesity treatment are most commonly gastrointestinal, such as nausea, diarrhea, and constipation, which means individuals should start at low doses.
Weight loss medications are, fundamentally, not trends you can simply hop on after seeing celebrities use them. As with any approach to weight loss, you should discuss with your doctor the best way to integrate them into your lifestyle to maximize weight loss benefits and avoid any health risks.
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