Topamax for Weight Loss: A LA Weight Loss Doctor’s Guide For You
Obesity isn’t just about appearances; it’s a complex, multi-layered issue affecting millions across the United States. From metabolic diseases to mental health impacts, the obesity
Is it possible to lose weight using GLP-1 agonists? The answer is yes. Wegovy (semaglutide) and Saxendra (liraglutide) are FDA-approved drugs that promote weight loss. To know more about them and how can they support your weight loss journey, visit Hormone Replacement Therapy LA.
GLP-1 agonists mimic the effects of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which is naturally produced in the body in response to food consumption.
Only two types of GLP-1 agonists are FDA-approved for chronic weight management in people with overweight or obesity (without type 2 diabetes): Wegovy and Saxenda.
Other GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic, are approved for treating type 2 diabetes but may also be prescribed off-label for weight loss in some cases. Interestingly, Ozempic is chemically identical to Wegovy, but it’s packaged and marketed specifically for diabetes treatment.
GLP-1 agonists function by mimicking the effects of the naturally produced hormone GLP-1.
GLP-1 is involved in:
Benefits of GLP-1 agonists for weight loss
By activating receptors involved in appetite regulation, GLP-1 agonists suppress hunger signals and help patients feel satisfied with less food. Patients report decreased drive to eat and reduced cravings throughout the day.
GLP-1 agonists slow digestion, which promotes satiety after meals. Patients describe feeling full and content faster after starting a meal while taking these medications.
According to a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials published in the British Medical Journal. The study looked at people taking a GLP-1 agonist medication versus people not taking the medication over 12 months.
On average, the group taking the GLP-1 medication lost 2.3 kg (about 5 pounds) more weight than the comparison group not getting the medication. The researchers are 95% confident that people on the medication lost between 1.6 and 3 kg (3.5 to 6.5 pounds) more than those not on medication [1].
Because of substantial fat loss, weight loss reflects improved body composition – losing fat while retaining or even increasing lean muscle mass through metabolic changes.
Appetite regulation and weight effects persist with continued treatment over 1-2 years to achieve long-term weight maintenance.
Hormone Replacement Therapy Consult $450
Only two types of GLP-1 agonists, Wegovy and Saxenda, are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for chronic weight management for people with overweight or obesity (without type 2 diabetes)1. Other GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic, are approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes but may also be prescribed off-label for weight loss in some cases.
Wegovy is an FDA-approved medication for chronic weight management in adults. In 2021, Wegovy received regulatory approval for long-term obesity treatment based on strong clinical trial efficacy and safety data.
In a 2021 research review, the efficacy of taking 2.4 mg of Wegovy weekly in weight reduction was highlighted across multiple studies, proving more effective than a placebo [2].
In separate studies involving 803 and 1,961 obese individuals, those on a 2.4 mg weekly dosage of Wegovy experienced notable reductions in body weight by 7.9% and 14.9%, respectively. Moreover, they showed improvements in waist circumference, HbA1c levels, blood pressure, total cholesterol, and triglycerides [3,4].
In a 2022 study involving 338 participants, Wegovy (semaglutide) was compared with Saxenda (liraglutide) alongside diet and exercise modifications. Over 68 weeks, Wegovy users exhibited significantly greater weight loss, attributed to reduced cravings and hunger leading to decreased food intake [5].
Compared to the placebo group following the same diet and exercise regimen, Wegovy users either prevented weight gain or exhibited more significant weight loss.
However, it’s crucial to note that the researchers of these studies received funding from Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy, raising potential concerns about bias and conflicts of interest.
Saxenda is an injectable GLP-1 agonist used for weight management in adults and children over 12 with obesity. It is taken daily in conjunction with diet and exercise changes. Saxenda was approved by the FDA for chronic weight management in adults in 2014, also gaining pediatric approval in 2020 based on clinical trial evidence.
In a 2021 study with 169 individuals with obesity, 62.1% experienced a minimum 5% body weight reduction within 6 months using liraglutide. Moreover, about 17.2% of those on liraglutide achieved a significant 10% reduction in body weight [6].
Another 2021 study involving 277 participants revealed that a daily 3 mg dosage of liraglutide led to an average weight loss of 9 pounds (4.1 kilograms) after 7 months, equivalent to about 4.2% of their initial body weight [7].
It’s important to note that the latter study was funded by Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Saxenda.
While Saxenda isn’t approved for treating type 2 diabetes, some research suggests it may aid in managing blood sugar levels [8].
Ozempic (semaglutide) is an injectable medication approved to enhance blood sugar control in adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Despite being the same medication as Wegovy, Ozempic is offered in a lower dosage and is not specifically intended for weight loss purposes.
In a 2018 study involving individuals with type 2 diabetes, both high (1 mg weekly) and low (0.5 mg weekly) doses of Ozempic demonstrated greater efficacy compared to Trulicity (dulaglutide), another GLP-1 agonist. These doses effectively improved blood sugar control and led to weight reduction [9].
Similarly, a 2019 study with 577 participants diagnosed with type 2 diabetes compared the effects of Ozempic (1 mg per week) and Victoza (liraglutide), a daily-administered GLP-1 agonist, over 30 weeks. Notably, Ozempic not only proved more efficient in long-term blood sugar management but also resulted in participants losing more than three times the amount of weight [10].
The FDA recently approved a new GLP-1 agonist medication called Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for adults with type 2 diabetes. This once-weekly injectable drug was designed to help manage blood sugar levels in combination with diet, exercise, and other diabetes treatments. Mounjaro is mainly prescribed for managing blood sugar levels. However, one study suggests that it can facilitate weight loss with proper diet and exercise.
In a 2022 study examining the impact of once-weekly tirzepatide doses (5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg) on individuals with obesity or overweight and at least one weight-related condition, results after 72 weeks showed average weight reductions of 15%, 19.5%, and 20.9% for the respective dosage groups [11].
Costs range from $1000-1500 monthly without insurance. Some plans do cover, often with prior authorization needed. Manufacturer savings cards can provide co-pay assistance for those with coverage.
Most patients notice some appetite and eating habit changes within a few weeks. Early weight loss of around 5% may occur in the first 3 months. Maximum results take upwards of 9-12 months for full effects on body weight.
If you develop persistent, severe side effects or fail to respond with at least 5% weight loss in 3-6 months, your prescriber may reassess suitability and explore alternative therapies or interventions.
Hormone Replacement Therapy LA offers the best GLP-1 agonist for weight loss near me in Beverly Hills but can also come to your home or office throughout the Los Angeles area. We serve patients near Beverly Hills, Bel Air, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Downtown Los Angeles, Encino, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Silverlake, Echo Park, and many more.
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