Introduction
In recent years, the popularity of weight loss drugs has been soaring – the majority of which are GLPs or glucagon-like peptide-1. These medications were first developed for diabetes but have been recently shown to positively impact those struggling with their weight. Another class of medications are GLP/GIP receptor agonists. Your doctor or healthcare provider may prescribe you weight loss drugs based on your body mass index (BMI) or other weight-related health concerns.
Before using any supplemental weight-loss treatments, it’s important to understand every facet of the drug and how it may help or hinder your overall health. Read on for more information about weight loss drugs – their benefits, side effects, and treatments for side effects.
Understanding Weight Loss Drugs
There are two main classes of weight loss medications. Both assist in decreasing your body’s insulin levels and making you feel satiated for longer periods of time. These medications send signals to the brain to mimic the GLP-1 hormone, indicating that your body does not need to digest foods as quickly.
Tizepatide, a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, is an injectable medication used to help weight loss. Another class of medications are GLP-1 receptor antagonists, an injectable medication administered in the fatty tissue under your skin. It is recommended that you do not inject the medication in the same injection site every time. There are many GLP-1 receptor agonists that are FDA approved:
- Liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza)
- Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic)
- Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
- Phentermine diet pills (Qsymia)
- Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave)
Initial Benefits of Weight Loss Drugs
You may find yourself in a situation where diet and exercise just aren’t enough to lose the weight you want. Weight loss drugs serve as a tool to break through those stubborn plateaus. Through facilitating accelerated fat loss, you can notice a more substantial weight reduction compared to relying solely on diet and exercise. For example, in one study, clients taking medication such as Ozempic or Mounjaro lost up to 15-20% of their body weight.
Seeing these results can be more motivating to maintain a healthier lifestyle and continue on with your weight loss goals. By helping curb appetite and promoting feelings of fullness, the chances of gaining back your extra pounds are decreased significantly.
Everyone’s weight loss journey is unique, as it can be influenced by factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and medical history. Weight loss medications can provide a more individualized approach to address individuals’ specific goals or challenges. While not to be used as a standalone treatment, weight loss medications can help give you the motivation to stay the course.
Consequences and Side Effects of Weight Loss Drugs
Like any other medication, there are risks or side effects associated with taking weight loss medications. Some of the more common ones are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, tiredness, and belly pain. While these side effects can be managed, they can cause an uncomfortable experience while taking weight loss medication.
More serious side effects of weight loss prescriptions can include pancreatitis, severe stomach pain, jaundice, and “Ozempic face.” “Ozempic face” can occur when patients lose weight too quickly, causing their faces to appear saggy and deflated. The skin’s elasticity and youthful appearance tend to diminish due to rapid fat loss in the face. As a result, eyes can appear sunken and cheeks may take on a hollowed appearance.
Treatments for Side Effects
You can curb the side effects of weight loss medications with a few easy options. Staying well hydrated and eating smaller, high fiber meals throughout the day can help with reducing vomiting, diarrhea, and other stomach issues. Nausea can be avoided by forgoing greasy or ultra-processed foods. At-home remedies such as ginger tea or some over-the-counter medications can also help reduce nausea. For more serious side effects, it is recommended to see a medical professional.
Can Side Effects Be Reversed?
One serious side effect of taking weight loss medication, or “Ozempic face,” can be reversed using face fillers. Also known as a liquid face lift, this procedure can help rejuvenate the face by restoring lost volume. This non-surgical procedure uses a variety of liquid fillers and can usually be completed within an hour. Blue Illusion’s double and triple-board certified plastic surgeons are available to help you find the best option for your facial structure and lifestyle.
Dangers of Use
Before starting any new medication, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine if weight loss medications are right for you. They can assess any factors that may negatively affect your medication or cause adverse reactions. It’s important that your healthcare provider gives you an individualized approach concerning the use of weight loss medications. This can help balance any benefits and risks associated with the medication. While these medications can result in significant weight loss, they also carry possible adverse effects which may be serious or life-threatening. It’s essential for both you and your healthcare provider to have an open and honest discussion to make informed decisions about the use of weight loss medications.
It’s important to note that weight loss medications need to be stopped at least 1-2 weeks prior to surgery for facial and neck rejuvenation. This includes Beautilift, face and neck lift, deep plane facelift, deep neck contouring or deep neck lift. Our goal at Blue Illusion Beauty is to provide the utmost in safety for face and neck lift surgery.
Conclusion
While weight loss medications can offer desirable results for those on their weight loss journeys, it’s important that you have a thorough understanding of their medications, side effects, and possible treatments to reverse side effects. By talking with your healthcare professional, you can navigate the pros and cons of taking weight loss medications. Remember that weight loss medications should be used in addition to a healthy diet and exercise, rather than a standalone solution. If you have any questions or concerns about weight loss medications and their side effects, be sure to reach out to your healthcare provider.