Debunking Common Myths About Weight Loss Medications - Part 1

Obesity is a chronic disease and a significant global public health issue. It is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and can significantly reduce life expectancy. Research indicates that individuals with a BMI of 40 kg/m² or higher may experience a reduction in life expectancy of approximately eight to ten years (Prospective Studies Collaboration, 2009).

Anti-obesity injectable medications have seen a dramatic surge in popularity in recent years, capturing widespread attention from both the medical community and the general public. These medications such as, Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) have emerged as leading treatments in the fight against obesity, offering new hope for those struggling with weight management. However, as with any rapidly popularised medical intervention, these medications have become surrounded by numerous misconceptions and myths. 

Misinformation can create unrealistic expectations and even lead to harmful practices. In this blog post, we'll dive into some of the most pervasive myths surrounding weight loss medications. We aim to provide you with a clearer, more accurate understanding and promote a more informed and responsible approach to using weight loss injections.

1. Weight Loss Medications Are Unsafe and Cause Severe Side Effects

The myth:  Weight loss medications are inherently unsafe and cause severe side effects. This belief often stems from general apprehension about pharmacological interventions. However, the reality is more nuanced. 

The truth: Weight loss medications undergo rigorous testing and approval by regulatory agencies such as the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US. These agencies require extensive clinical trials to ensure both safety and effectiveness, ensuring that the benefits of these medications outweigh the potential side effects. Like any medication, weight loss drugs can cause side effects, which are typically mild and manageable. 

Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, heartburn, and headaches. These side effects often diminish over time and can be managed through dietary adjustments and dosage changes (Wilding, Batterham, and Calanna, 2021).

It is important for individuals to consult their healthcare providers if they experience persistent or severe side effects. Healthcare professionals can provide personalised advice on managing these effects and assess whether the medication remains appropriate based on the individual’s health and response to treatment.

2. Weight Loss Medications Will Make You Lose Weight Without Any Effort

The myth: that weight loss medications are "miracle" drugs stems from their remarkable effectiveness in helping some patients lose 15-22% of their body weight. This misconception suggests that simply using a weight loss medication will effortlessly melt away the pounds without any lifestyle adjustments.

The truth: weight loss medications are designed to complement, not replace, weight loss efforts.

 The treatment of obesity is complex, as individuals with obesity often experience hormonal imbalances and dysregulated appetite and hunger signals (Yeung and Tadi, 2020). Weight loss medications can assist by suppressing appetite, promoting fullness, enhancing metabolism, and making it easier to regulate food intake. This support can make adopting sustainable lifestyle changes more manageable, but medications alone are not a standalone solution. Effective weight management still requires a commitment to a healthy diet and regular physical activity.

When combined with lifestyle changes, these medications create a synergistic effect that enhances overall weight loss outcomes. For example, in a randomised controlled study by revealed that participants using semaglutide along with lifestyle interventions (reduced-calorie diet and increasing physical activity) lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight after 68 weeks, compared to just 2.4% in the placebo group with lifestyle interventions alone (Figure 1). This demonstrates that while medications can significantly enhance weight loss, they are most effective when combined with lifestyle changes (Wilding, Batterham and Calanna, 2021).

Figure 1: Change in body weight from baseline to week 68 between the two groups.

Additionally, the SURPASS-1 Study, a phase 3 clinical trial, found that some participants lost up to 20.9% of their body weight over 72 weeks. This substantial weight loss was achieved alongside lifestyle interventions, emphasising that the best results come from combining medication with healthy habits (Sinha et al., 2023).

Conclusion and Take-Home Message

Understanding the realities behind weight loss medications is crucial for making informed health decisions. These medications can be valuable tools, but their effectiveness is maximised when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. 

Weight loss is a challenging journey that requires a comprehensive approach. We hope this information helps you develop a more informed and realistic perspective on the role of weight loss medications in achieving and maintaining a healthier weight. Stay informed and make the best choices for your health!

References:

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• Cifuentes, L., Hurtado A, M.D., Eckel-Passow, J. and Acosta, A. (2021). Precision Medicine for Obesity. Digestive Disease Interventions, 5(3). doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1729945.
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