On the journey to a healthy weight, many people struggle to find success with diet and exercise alone. Using weight loss medications can help spur progress, but there's a lot of conflicting information about these medications. Let's debunk some of the fictions surrounding weight loss medications.
Fiction: Weight loss medications are "magic pills"
Fact: These medications are simply another tool in the toolbox.
These medications can be powerful tools, but they do not replace lifestyle and behavioral modifications, including eating a balanced diet, regular exercise, and healthy sleep routines. For long term and sustainable results, other healthy habits have to be developed to go along with the medications.
Fiction: All weight loss medications are the same
Fact: There are a range of medications that have been approved to help patients lose weight, and they work in different ways, have different side effects, and potential benefits. Additionally, people respond in different ways to different medications, based on their genetics, medical history, and lifestyle. Types of weight loss medications include:
Appetite suppressants
These medications work by impacting the brain's hunger signals to reduce appetite. They help patients lose weight by diminishing hunger cues.
Fat absorption inhibitors
These medications block some of the fat that you eat from being absorbed by the body. Your body needs some fat, especially healthy fats found in olive oil, certain fish, and nuts, but most of our diets have too much fat that our body doesn't need. If these unhealthy fats can't be stored, they can't build up around your organs and add to your weight.
GLP-1 agonists
These medications, which are originally intended for diabetes management, work by controlling blood sugar and increasing the feeling of satiety. These feelings are created by GLP-1 and other fullness hormones, so these medications activate that response more frequently than would occur naturally.
If you're considering weight loss medications, your healthcare provider will work with you to determine which type of medication would be best for you.
Fiction: Weight loss medications are dangerous
Fact: Most weight loss medications prescribed by health care providers have undergone rigorous testing by the Food and Drug Administration. When prescribed and taken in the appropriate dosage, they are safe to take.
As with any medication, however, there is the risk of side effects. Common side effects include nausea and diarrhea, but you should talk with your doctor about any side effects or new conditions you observe after you begin taking any medication, including weight loss medications. Additionally, certain compounded medications have not been reviewed by the FDA–talk with your prescribing provider about any concerns about your prescription.
Fiction: Once you reach a goal weight you can stop taking medications
Fact: If the medication is effective and well tolerated, you will need to continue it long-term to maintain your healthier weight. If you stop taking the medication, your body will return to its normal set point and weight regain is the rule, not the exception. This regain usually starts within three months of stopping medication. If your lifestyle has improved substantially and is sustainable, you may still see a slight decrease from your starting weight, up to five percent, after you stop taking medications.
Fiction: Anyone can take weight loss medications
Fact: These medications are generally only approved for and prescribed to patients with a body-mass index (BMI) over 30, or those with a BMI over 27 who have conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. They're not prescribed for minor weight loss or appearance-related purposes. They also may conflict with other medications or health conditions affecting patients. And while some weight loss medications are approved for people under 18, many are not.
Starting any medication as part of a lifestyle change requires informed decision-making and consideration of the pros and cons associated with the medication. If you're wondering if weight loss medications may be right for you, talk with your healthcare provider. If you are a primary care patient at Brown University Health, call the Obesity Medicine program at 401-793-7837 to learn more about your options.'
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