FDA approves “Game-Changer” Medication for Weight Management
FDA approves “Game-Changer” Medication for Weight Management
By Liz Moon, NP
Wegovy (semaglutide) was approved earlier this month “for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or are overweight with at least one weight-related condition (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol).” Semaglutide has been used in the US and other countries for years under the brand name Ozempic as a diabetes medication. It has demonstrated the benefit of weight loss in addition to controlling blood sugar in these patients.
“Approximately 70% of American adults have obesity or are overweight” which is a great public health concern. Losing 5% to 10% of body weight is clinically significant and can reduce risk related to cardiovascular disease and other co-morbid conditions. “In a study published earlier in the year involving almost 2,000 obese adults from 16 different countries, researchers reported that long-term treatment with the medicine [semaglutide] led to almost 15 percent weight loss on average across the cohort.”
Dr. Robert Kushner, obesity expert from Northwestern University stated “this is the first time we have seen this magnitude of weight loss with a medicine.” While the new approval holds great promise, it is not without potential side effects. The most common side effects being nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. While the effects were temporary, they were significant enough that about 3% of patients discontinued treatment.
If you have been struggling to reduce your weight through diet and exercise alone (those are still important!!!) please contact us today. We have an obesity medicine certified physician, registered dietitians, nurse practitioner, physical therapist, and behavioral counselor that make up a team of experts to help support your goals. Reach out by phone at 224-407-4400 or through our website at www.compgihealth.com to request an appointment today!