[web_stories title="false" excerpt="false" author="false" date="false" archive_link="true" archive_link_label="" circle_size="150" sharp_corners="false" image_alignment="left" number_of_columns="1" number_of_stories="5" order="DESC" orderby="post_title" view="circles" /]
Lots of people are taking medicines to aid their weight loss progress. The US medical weight loss market grew by 17% last year due to meeting the soaring demand for drugs like Wegovy, Saxenda, and Ozempic. At present, the market is valued at $8.8 billion.
More people are looking to participate in medical weight loss programs to support their goal of losing weight, especially since not everyone sees results with dieting and exercising alone. Weight loss drugs help address factors hindering weight loss—including genetics, pre-existing medical conditions, and obesity—by reducing appetite or controlling fat absorption for better weight loss results.
This is why many weight loss medications are becoming more popular. If you’re curious about them, here are some of the most in-demand medicines today:
Table of Contents
Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a weekly injection that was first approved as a drug for type 2 diabetes patients. It is used for weight loss because it can mimic GLP-1—the gut hormone released when you’re eating. This hormone produces insulin, therefore reducing blood sugar. With reduced blood sugar levels, your body stores less fat, resulting in weight loss.
Wegovy is one famous brand of the Semaglutide drug. One reason it has become popular, aside from the convenience of use, is that Wegovy has major benefits in addition to weight loss. It can reduce heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular deaths by 20%, which is highly beneficial for obese or overweight people at risk of these chronic conditions.
Metformin
Metformin is another FDA-approved drug for type 2 diabetes. It is a once-daily tablet usually taken with meals. Metformin for weight loss works by changing your appetite and cravings, helping you eat fewer calories. The drug also positively affects the gut microbiome, which may improve digestion for weight loss.
One reason this drug is in high demand is because of its affordability. Patients pay just under $30 monthly for Metformin; many insurance companies also include the medicine in their coverage. Thus, it’s not hard to see why it’s a sought-after weight loss drug.
Orlistat
Orlistat is a medicine for obesity management. It is a capsule usually taken three times a day after meals. Orlistat is intended for overweight adults on a reduced-calorie and low-fat diet, as it decreases the amount of dietary fat absorbed in the intestines. Combined with the right diet, it can be highly effective for weight loss.
This weight loss drug can only be bought with a prescription, so your doctor has to confirm you’re obese or overweight before you can take it. Still, many people opt for this because it reduces fat absorption and prevents further weight gain.
Bupropion-naltrexone
Bupropion-naltrexone comes in tablet form, and your prescription will vary depending on your doctor’s instructions. It’s also important to note that a healthy diet and exercise for maximum effectiveness should accompany it. One factor contributing to the demand for this product is that it’s an extended-release tablet. That means it works slowly but steadily over time, so you may experience fewer side effects like nausea or insomnia.
Taking weight loss drugs is effective for individuals who are obese, overweight, and struggling to see results. If you’re interested, ask your doctor about the listed drugs above to see if you can take them.
For more articles like this, visit our health category here at United Fact.
Comments are closed.