4 minute read
Weight Loss Trends
Even with the right diet and exercise, losing weight can be difficult! With juice cleanses, medications and herbal supplements around every corner claiming to help you lose half your body weight in a snap, it can be confusing and frustrating when you find yourself needing a little support.
There are plenty of popular medications on the market that can help you kickstart your weight loss journey. Here, we’ve listed a few of the trendiest medications and supplements to help you while researching your options. Just remember, we are not medical experts! You should always talk with your doctor before starting any new medications, supplements or diet plans.
by Allyson Mattingly
Ozempic
Though officially not a weight loss drug, Ozempic has recently gained popularity for its ability to help people shed a few pounds. Formulated to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar, Ozempic is a once-a-week injection that contains semaglutide. Semaglutide is an FDA-approved ingredient known for treating obesity and other weight-related problems (and is also the main ingredient in Wegovy, another drug we’ll get into later!)
Ozempic works by enhancing the effects of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, which affects the hunger mechanism in the brain. It helps by reducing appetite and cravings and by prolonging fullness after meals. Medications like Ozempic are designed to be taken long-term, so if you’re looking to drop just a few pounds, it may not be your best option. It can also have some uncomfortable side effects. Be sure to ask your doctor about all your weight loss options!
Wegovy
Like Ozempic, Wegovy is a once-weekly semaglutide injection that affects how appetite works in the brain. With Wegovy, users can regulate appetite, eat less, lose weight and keep it off. Wegovy differs from Ozempic in just a few ways, including its higher doses, the physical injection pen, and who the medication is indicated for. Where Ozempic is formulated for type 2 diabetics, its sister medication is specifically approved for chronic weight management. Nevertheless, both medications have been proven safe and effective in aiding with weight loss.
Mounjaro
Unlike Ozempic and Wegovy, Mounjaro is a medication known as tirzepatide. This injectable type 2 diabetes medication works by directly activating GIP and GLP-1 pathways to regulate blood sugar. It helps suppress appetite and makes you feel more full. It also changes the rate at which your stomach empties. Because it works on two fronts, it may trigger more rapid weight loss than Ozempic or Wegovy. That said, it has not yet been approved as a weight loss drug at this time.
Phentermine
Phentermine, or Adipex-P, is used to help people struggling with obesity or weight-related problems in the form of a pill. Phentermine is similar to amphetamine prescriptions like Vyvanse and stimulates the central nervous system to decrease your appetite and increase the energy used by your body.
Adipex-P must be prescribed by your doctor. It is usually taken about 1 to 2 hours before breakfast; be sure to follow your prescription label and your doctor’s instructions, as you should with all prescription medications! Adipex-P is designed for short-term use only, as the effects of appetite suppression can wear off after a while. Combined with a healthy diet and exercise, you may see results quickly.
B12 Injections
Vitamin B12 largely contributes to the overall health of your body. While it’s not designed for weight loss, it may help your body metabolize fat efficiently and effectively. B12 injections are prescribed by your doctor, but there are also B12 supplements that you can pick up over the counter. Injections, however, can help you get the full benefits of vitamin B12 being deposited directly into your bloodstream. B12 injections may be administered once or twice a week and can boost your energy levels, improve metabolism, resolve fatigue and brain fog, and result in better mood and cognition. Who wouldn’t want that?!
Ashwagandha
With a reputation as a jack-of-all-trades, ashwagandha works in clever ways to support brain function, aid mental illness symptoms, and even help with weight management. This powerful adaptogen is jam-packed with antioxidants, which play a role in decreasing inflammation in the body and triggering your metabolism. Ashwagandha also helps to minimize the effect of cortisol in your body, and with cortisol being responsible for increasing cravings, the adaptogen can help curb your appetite and, ultimately, assist in your weight loss journey. With less stress in your system, you’ll find yourself sleeping better, having less anxiety, feeling more energetic, and, most importantly, your hormones will be properly balanced! •