'Should I Take Weight Loss Medications?' Here's What Physicians Say

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsManaging Changes in Energy LevelsWhat Happens to Your Social LifeShould You Tell Friends and Family?Managing OpinionsHow Others Can SupportHow to Wean Off Old Coping BehaviorsNext in GLP-1s and Mental Health GuideHow Do Weight Loss Drugs Actually Impact My Mental Health?

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Table of Contents

Managing Changes in Energy Levels

What Happens to Your Social Life

Should You Tell Friends and Family?

Managing Opinions

How Others Can Support

How to Wean Off Old Coping Behaviors

Next in GLP-1s and Mental Health Guide

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When it comes to weight loss, it seems everyone has an opinion on what works best. Right now, the opinions about weight loss medications are all over the place. Many find the new antiobesity medications an amazing tool for the treatment of obesity, while others claim it’s a “crutch.”

The GLP-1s were initially designed to treat diabetes and the appetite-suppressing side effect prompted additional studies as a possible treatment for obesity.

I read a recent Facebook post from someone considering GLPs to help with losing the 10 pounds they gained over the summer. They decided against using the medications, but not because they didn’t meet the criteria for the prescription, all they needed to do was “clean up” their diet.

GLP-1 receptor agonists should be considered as part of a longer-term weight management strategy.—JENNIE STANFORD, MD

GLP-1 receptor agonists should be considered as part of a longer-term weight management strategy.

—JENNIE STANFORD, MD

And that’s where the stigma and shame about using weight loss medications come into play. We feel shame when we lack the willpower to eat better,so we have this internal debate about whether or not we should use weight loss medications. But this kind of thinking only compounds the issue, causing negative thoughts andfeelings that trigger overeating, reducing your motivation.

But the decision to take antiobesity medications is between you and your doctor.It’s a personal choice and one that should consider your physical and emotional needs. Let’s take a look at some of the things you might want to consider before considering antiobesity medications.

Potential Side EffectsLike any drug, antiobesity medications cause side effects. The type of side effects depend on the medication prescribed, “some of which are mild while others can be serious,” saysThomas So, PharmD, senior manager and clinical pharmacist, Consumer Drug Information Group at FDB. These may include:Stomach issues, like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipationBruising at the injection siteFatigueDry mouthInsomniaConstipationDizzinessHeart palpitations

Potential Side Effects

Like any drug, antiobesity medications cause side effects. The type of side effects depend on the medication prescribed, “some of which are mild while others can be serious,” saysThomas So, PharmD, senior manager and clinical pharmacist, Consumer Drug Information Group at FDB. These may include:Stomach issues, like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipationBruising at the injection siteFatigueDry mouthInsomniaConstipationDizzinessHeart palpitations

Like any drug, antiobesity medications cause side effects. The type of side effects depend on the medication prescribed, “some of which are mild while others can be serious,” saysThomas So, PharmD, senior manager and clinical pharmacist, Consumer Drug Information Group at FDB. These may include:

As Dr. So pointed out, fatigue is an unfortunate side effect of antiobesity medications. Folks using GLP-1 receptor agonists say that over time they can predict when the drug will hit and zap their energy. Though the timing of the energy drain differs, users of the medications say they may feel tired on the first day of the injection or the fatigue may strike a few days after.

Planning your injection around your schedule may help to avoid low energy from disrupting your routine. After a while, people taking the GLP-1 receptor agonists find the side effect improves over time. If you are experiencing low energy or fatigue as a result of these medications, you have some options. One option may be changing medications, such as going from Ozempic to Monjauro, which can be discussed with your prescribing physician.

Why Am I Always Tired?—Common Causes of Fatigue and What to Do

“So you might not want to go out to eat as much with your friends, and when you do, you probably won’t eat as much as you previously did,” according toMeghan Garcia-Webb, MD, a board-certified internal medicine, lifestyle medicine, and obesity medicine physician in Boston, Massachusetts.

Dr. Garcia-Webb says you may not find food, or alcohol, as entertaining as you once did and you may want to find other ways of socializing that don’t revolve around food.

Life After (Weight) Loss

Whether you tell your friends and family is completely up to you. Your health information is personal and you don’t have to tell anyone about your weight, weight loss plans, or that you’re considering antiobesity medications. Licensed psychologistRachel Goldman, PhD, recommends having some reflection questions to help answer some of the ones that may arise (or have some sample scripts ready to go):

“Since GLP-1 drugs came out, people initially were more secretive about it, but now I’m seeing people become more open and honest about being on weight-loss drugs since it’s become more common and more and more people in the media are admitting to using them,” reportsSue Decotiis, MD, an NYC-based weight-loss doctor.

Only people knowledgeable about the medications should be asking questions, says Dr. Decotiis. Anyone taking antiobesity medications shouldn’t feel pressured to disclose their personal health information, she explains.

30 Things to Say to Shut Down Intrusive Questions

Dr. Stanford reminds us that antiobesity medications are a tool for the treatment of obesity and overweight individuals with weight-related diseases like Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.These medications are reversing health problems and improving wellness and well-being.

It’s important to always remember why YOU are taking these medications. Regardless of what others may say, you know you made the right choice for yourself. “It is amazing how some people feel entitled to comment on someone’s weight, but at the end of the day, it has nothing to do with you. Just stay focused on your own health journey and what’s right for you,” says Dr. Garcia-Webb.

It is amazing how some people feel entitled to comment on someone’s weight, but at the end of the day, it has nothing to do with you. Just stay focused on your own health journey and what’s right for you.—MEGHAN GARCIA-WEBB, MD

It is amazing how some people feel entitled to comment on someone’s weight, but at the end of the day, it has nothing to do with you. Just stay focused on your own health journey and what’s right for you.

—MEGHAN GARCIA-WEBB, MD

The main concern with opinions, judgment, and shame is that it may derail treatment.“If people’s judgments are preventing a patient from properly taking the drug, drinking enough water, and eating the right nutrients, that can be a major problem,” says Dr. Decotiis.

You can’t change how someone thinks or feels and some people may make remarks that are inappropriate. Dr. Decotiis reminds her patients that they came to see her for a reason, it’s not just about weight loss, but gaining control over their health.

Recognizing and Responding to a Backhanded Compliment

Having the support of a team of wellness experts who can help you make the necessarylifestyle changesis essential for reaching your health goals, whether you take antiobesity medications or not.

When speaking to your doctor,Angel Luk, RD, a registered dietitian and co-founder of FoodMysteries.com, says it’s important to talk about the pillars of obesity management with your doctor: nutrition therapy, physical activity,behavior modification, and medical intervention.

All of these factors need to be part of your plan so you can succeed. You may also find it helpful to connect withsupport groups. Talking, learning, and sharing with those who are struggling with similar issues can help you feel less alone.

All of our experts agree that lifestyle is the most important part of your weight management program. Creatinghealthy habitsis how you reach your goals and stay there.

Lifestyle modifications should be recommended before medication, says Dr. Sanford. One should assess their current food intake, physical activity, sleep, stress, and alcohol intake to come up with a plan with their healthcare provider.

Making small, manageable changes is a good place to start, says Luk, offering specific suggestions such as:

Creating healthy, sustainable lifestyle habits and ways to cope is essential for anyone considering weight loss medications, even those who only want to lose small amounts of weight, remarks, Dr. Stanford.

What This Means For YouIf you are struggling with making any of these lifestyle changes, this doesn’t mean antiobesity medications aren’t for you. Seek additional help from healthcare professionals who specialize in these areas, including therapists, dietitians, and obesity medicine specialists.

What This Means For You

If you are struggling with making any of these lifestyle changes, this doesn’t mean antiobesity medications aren’t for you. Seek additional help from healthcare professionals who specialize in these areas, including therapists, dietitians, and obesity medicine specialists.

8 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Rodriguez PJ, Goodwin Cartwright BM, Gratzl S, et al.Semaglutide vs tirzepatide for weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity.JAMA Intern Med. 2024;184(9):1056.Rodriguez PJ, Goodwin Cartwright BM, Gratzl S, et al.Semaglutide vs tirzepatide for weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity.JAMA Intern Med. 2024;184(9):1056.Tomiyama AJ, Carr D, Granberg EM, et al.How and why weight stigma drives the obesity ‘epidemic’ and harms health.BMC Medicine. 2018;16(1):123.Abdi Beshir S, Ahmed Elnour A, Soorya A, et al.A narrative review of approved and emerging anti-obesity medications.Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal. 2023;31(10):101757.Obesity Medicine Association.Top Weight Loss Medications.Müller TD, Blüher M, Tschöp MH, DiMarchi RD.Anti-obesity drug discovery: advances and challenges.Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2022;21(3):201-223.Obesity Medicine Association.The four pillars of obesity treatment.Nelson JB.Mindful eating: the art of presence while you eat.Diabetes Spectr. 2017;30(3):171-174.

8 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Rodriguez PJ, Goodwin Cartwright BM, Gratzl S, et al.Semaglutide vs tirzepatide for weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity.JAMA Intern Med. 2024;184(9):1056.Rodriguez PJ, Goodwin Cartwright BM, Gratzl S, et al.Semaglutide vs tirzepatide for weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity.JAMA Intern Med. 2024;184(9):1056.Tomiyama AJ, Carr D, Granberg EM, et al.How and why weight stigma drives the obesity ‘epidemic’ and harms health.BMC Medicine. 2018;16(1):123.Abdi Beshir S, Ahmed Elnour A, Soorya A, et al.A narrative review of approved and emerging anti-obesity medications.Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal. 2023;31(10):101757.Obesity Medicine Association.Top Weight Loss Medications.Müller TD, Blüher M, Tschöp MH, DiMarchi RD.Anti-obesity drug discovery: advances and challenges.Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2022;21(3):201-223.Obesity Medicine Association.The four pillars of obesity treatment.Nelson JB.Mindful eating: the art of presence while you eat.Diabetes Spectr. 2017;30(3):171-174.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Rodriguez PJ, Goodwin Cartwright BM, Gratzl S, et al.Semaglutide vs tirzepatide for weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity.JAMA Intern Med. 2024;184(9):1056.Rodriguez PJ, Goodwin Cartwright BM, Gratzl S, et al.Semaglutide vs tirzepatide for weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity.JAMA Intern Med. 2024;184(9):1056.Tomiyama AJ, Carr D, Granberg EM, et al.How and why weight stigma drives the obesity ‘epidemic’ and harms health.BMC Medicine. 2018;16(1):123.Abdi Beshir S, Ahmed Elnour A, Soorya A, et al.A narrative review of approved and emerging anti-obesity medications.Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal. 2023;31(10):101757.Obesity Medicine Association.Top Weight Loss Medications.Müller TD, Blüher M, Tschöp MH, DiMarchi RD.Anti-obesity drug discovery: advances and challenges.Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2022;21(3):201-223.Obesity Medicine Association.The four pillars of obesity treatment.Nelson JB.Mindful eating: the art of presence while you eat.Diabetes Spectr. 2017;30(3):171-174.

Rodriguez PJ, Goodwin Cartwright BM, Gratzl S, et al.Semaglutide vs tirzepatide for weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity.JAMA Intern Med. 2024;184(9):1056.

Tomiyama AJ, Carr D, Granberg EM, et al.How and why weight stigma drives the obesity ‘epidemic’ and harms health.BMC Medicine. 2018;16(1):123.

Abdi Beshir S, Ahmed Elnour A, Soorya A, et al.A narrative review of approved and emerging anti-obesity medications.Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal. 2023;31(10):101757.

Obesity Medicine Association.Top Weight Loss Medications.

Müller TD, Blüher M, Tschöp MH, DiMarchi RD.Anti-obesity drug discovery: advances and challenges.Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2022;21(3):201-223.

Obesity Medicine Association.The four pillars of obesity treatment.

Nelson JB.Mindful eating: the art of presence while you eat.Diabetes Spectr. 2017;30(3):171-174.

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