As the obesity crisis in America continues to raise concerns, two diabetes medications are making waves not just for blood sugar control but as a potential weapon against excessive weight. The drugs, once known for aiding type 2 diabetes patients, have garnered FDA approval for obesity treatment under the names Wegovy and Zepbound. They appear to offer significant weight loss benefits, a fact not lost on household names like Oprah, who have reportedly joined the growing number of users.
In a country where over 40 percent of the population is grappling with obesity, Ivania Rizo, an assistant professor of medicine at the BU Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, emphasizes, the importance of these drugs. "It’s become increasingly apparent that these medications can really cause significant weight loss in addition to lowering blood glucose," Rizo told Boston University, marking them as "a huge game changer" for those battling diabetes and its often resultant obesity.
The two drugs in question, Mounjaro and Ozempic, were initially brought to market to help manage blood sugar levels in diabetes patients. Their active ingredients, tirzepatide and semaglutide, also prompted unexpected weight loss, prompting many to use the drugs off-label for managing their weight. After the government stepped in, semaglutide and tirzepatide were officially sanctioned for obesity treatment in 2021 and November 2023, respectively.
Rizo points out that the new medications are designed to treat a chronic, progressive disease and not just for cosmetic use. "We talk about obesity medications, because obesity is a chronic disease that’s progressive," she explained in the Boston University article. Rizo noted significant metabolic effects from medications like Zepbound, including increased physical function, and more strikingly, a decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
However, access to these drugs isn't straightforward. Due to increasing demand partly fueled by their weight-loss effects, shortages have arisen. Moreover, while some insurance companies cover their cost for diabetes treatment, they balk at funding them purely for weight management. In the US, prices for these drugs are notably higher than in Europe and other parts of the world. Other barriers include supply chain issues, as Rizo highlighted the problems with the injectable pens. The assistant professor expressed hope that future drugs in development might be available in pill form, potentially circumventing current distribution challenges.
There's a clear need for caution among those eyeing the drugs for minor cosmetic weight loss. Rizo admits there are potential side effects, including nausea, constipation, and diarrhea, making them unsuitable for those simply wishing to shave off a few pounds. About 30 percent of patients experience these side effects, predominantly during the dose escalation phase of the medication usage.
The advent of these drugs extends more options to those with obesity, enabling them to work closely with medical providers to identify the most beneficial treatment. Rizo stressed that obesity is not a monolithic disease and requires a spectrum of solutions to address its complexity effectively. She urges that these medications should reach patients who need them most, a goal yet to be fully realized.
