Support your adolescent’s weight-management goals Wegovy® is the first and only GLP-1 weight-loss medication available in a pill “The pill contains the same medicine as the injectable, and it’s highly likely that the health benefits will be the same,” Garvey says. New oral GLP-1s are designed to protect peptides, the active ingredients in these medications, so they can survive the trip through your digestive tract. The search for the most recommended weight loss pills continues to evolve. For example, metformin and a DPP-4 inhibitor may be used together shortly after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes to help keep blood glucose levels at goal. The medications reduce LDL cholesterol by binding with bile acids in the digestive system. These medications should be taken with the first bite of each meal, so they need to be taken multiple times daily. The most common side effect with these medications is nausea and vomiting, which is more common when starting or increasing the dose. The out-of-pocket cost for all of these drugs is about $1,000 per month. Some of them got tirzepatide while others got semaglutide. You could find differences in your health insurance coverage or the availability of one versus the other. Zepbound (tirzepatide) works in two ways while Wegovy (semaglutide) works in one way. In addition to considering how it’s working, you’ll have to take any side effects into account. If you are overweight or have obesity, you might be able to lose weight with a lifestyle program that changes your behaviors and improves your eating and physical activity habits. Weight management medications aren’t for everyone with a high BMI. Other medications may make it harder for your body to absorb fat from the foods you eat. But they agreed with the authors of the newly published research that higher rates of breast cancers seen in those taking Saxenda were probably the result of improved detection in women who had lost more weight. “Given previous disappointments with various weight-loss strategies, these are welcome findings,” wrote endocrinologists Elias S. Siraj and Kevin Jon Williams, both of Temple University School of Medicine, in an accompanying editorial. Those taking Saxenda also showed greater improvements in metabolic function, blood pressure and cholesterol profiles than did those getting a placebo injection. While all got counseling to reduce their caloric intake and increase their physical activity, 2,437 gave themselves once-daily subcutaneous injections of liraglutide, a bioengineered medication that stimulates insulin secretion, slows the emptying of food from the stomach and reduces appetite. Type 2 Diabetes; Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Obesity (with significant weight loss) Its use for weight loss alone is generally off-label. Serious side effects may include severe low blood sugar (especially when used with insulin or sulfonylurea), dehydration, gallbladder issues, and acute pancreatitis. Type 2 Diabetes (off-label for weight loss in Australia) Ozempic, containing the active ingredient semaglutide, is a widely recognised medication. If you have any questions about side effects or how to manage them, we’re here to support you. Below, we’ve outlined the most common and rare side effects, along with guidance on when to seek help. Once you’ve started treatment, you’ll be able to purchase more sharps bins with new orders. We’ll also review your progress to make sure Wegovy is delivering meaningful results for you before continuing treatment. What matters most is finding the dose that works best for you — balancing comfort, results, and your personal health goals. Metformin also helps lower blood glucose levels by making muscle tissue more sensitive to insulin so blood glucose can be used for energy. Metformin lowers blood glucose levels primarily by decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver. Metformin (Glucophage) is classified as a biguanide medication and is the only available medication in this class. By combining these three strategies, individuals can effectively regulate their blood glucose levels. Because of this, the manufacturer studied the medication specifically for weight loss, but at a higher dose.Since 2023, including the best dentist brands, health products you don't need and our guides to the best opticians.It is important to balance protein, fat and carb intake, to enhance the medication’s effectiveness.Your health and well-being are our top priorities, and we're dedicated to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for you.They will assess your medical history and weight loss goals, then prescribe a compounded GLP-1 medication if appropriate, which will be prepared and delivered by a regulated compounding pharmacy.These side effects may occur in up to 1 in 1000 people.Many have hoped for a magic weight loss pill for years, as losing weight is hard to do, and even harder to sustain.They offer a scientific, hormone-based approach to help people achieve significant weight loss and improve their overall health.Injectable weight loss medications are a newer option that many people are now considering. A professional assesses your overall health, discusses the potential benefits and risks, and determines if injectable weight loss medications fit your health goals. Injectable weight loss medications target a specific patient group and offer a focused approach to weight management, proving particularly beneficial under certain conditions. Understanding these processes clarifies how these medications provide a multifaceted approach to managing obesity, making them a powerful tool in the weight management arsenal. In a nutshell, these medications reduce your hunger and make you feel full for longer, and therefore are effective for weight loss and blood sugar management. This section explains how much these medications cost, whether insurance can help pay for them, and how easy or difficult it is to get them in different places. Additionally, these medications are not always available in every country, and insurance does not always cover them. New data may provide better guidance on how long people can safely take these drugs and who may benefit the most. Some of these future medications could require fewer injections or have an even greater impact on metabolism. Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a relatively new weight loss medication registered for people who are obese or overweight and have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (heart disease).Ultimately, determining candidacy involves a comprehensive evaluation by healthcare professionals, taking into account both physical and mental health components to ensure safe and effective use.5Keep in mind that everyone responds to medications differently.Persistently high cortisol disrupts normal appetite regulation, increases cravings for quick-energy foods like sugar and refined carbs, and signals the body to store more fat in the abdominal area.At a lower dose of its active ingredient, liraglutide (1.8 milligrams vs. 3 millilgrams), Saxenda is marketed as Victoza, a diabetes medication.While challenges like cost, side effects, and long-term use remain, these medications have already helped many people achieve meaningful weight loss and better health. As the specialists explain, tirzepatide unlocks two critical pathways in your body’s weight management system. Additionally, some of these medications improve blood sugar control, which is especially beneficial for individuals with Type 2 diabetes. While the age-old duo of diet and exercise remains vital, these medications are stepping into the spotlight as a promising solution for those struggling with obesity or diabetes. I've been more mindful about what I put in my body since I started, and I've made a point to be more active and I've made an effort to stick to a reduced calorie diet.Prescription weight loss injections offer a new avenue for those who need additional help to shed pounds.“These drugs are normally prescribed to those who are struggling with obesity, or have a body mass index (BMI) over 30, or those who with a BMI of 29 or higher, or battling weight-related health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension or sleep apnea,” she explains.Doctors prescribe these medications based on a person’s weight loss needs, medical history, and tolerance to side effects.Compounded medications have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality. Fatigue becomes constant, digestion slows, skin feels drier, and weight begins to creep up despite no changes in habits. Persistently high cortisol disrupts normal appetite regulation, increases cravings for quick-energy foods like sugar and refined carbs, and signals the body to store more fat in the abdominal area. To compensate, the body produces more insulin, which over time leads to higher circulating levels of both sugar and insulin. But when they are disrupted, even small imbalances can make losing weight an uphill battle. Genetics, metabolism, and underlying health conditions can play a role in how well the medication works. Some people may lose more than 15%, while others may lose less. For example, if a person weighs 200 pounds, a 10% weight loss would mean losing about 20 pounds over several months. You’ll typically start with a low semaglutide dose and work your way up every 4 weeks until reaching 2.4 mg once weekly — the target maintenance dose. This means the FDA hasn’t confirmed that semaglutide is safe and effective for these uses. Semaglutide is sometimes prescribed off-label for people who don’t meet the above criteria. Serious side effects could include severe digestive problems, acute kidney injury (due to dehydration from severe GI upset), gallbladder problems, pancreatitis, and a boxed warning for thyroid cancer. Mounjaro, with the active ingredient tirzepatide, is a newer and distinct medication. It is a prescription-only medication, and its use is typically alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. How to inject semaglutide Prescription weight loss injections offer a new avenue for those who need additional help to shed pounds. They help you feel full faster, reduce cravings, and ultimately lead to weight loss. In a group of participants who were randomly chosen to discontinue the medication after 56 weeks, the average weight regained in 12 weeks was 6.4 pounds. Among those taking Saxenda, 14.4% lost more than 15% of their body weight (vs. 3.5% of those taking a placebo); 33.1% lost more than 10% of their body weight (vs. 10.6% on placebo); and 63.2% lost at least 5% of their body weight (vs. 27.1% of those on placebo). It joins the drugs Belviq (lorcaserin), Qsymia (a combination of phentermine and topiramate) and Contrave (a combination of naltrexone and bupropion) in the newly fortified arsenal of pharmaceuticals aimed at helping the nation’s 78 million obese adults shed excess weight. For men, low testosterone not only reduces muscle mass but also lowers metabolism, making it easier to gain fat and harder to lose it. Hot flashes and sleep disturbances add further stress to the metabolic system, compounding weight gain. For patients with thyroid dysfunction, traditional diet and exercise can feel fruitless until hormonal balance is restored. Low thyroid hormones act like putting the body into “energy conservation mode,” reducing calorie burn even at rest. Researchers are still figuring out how to reduce side effects from these drugs and working on increasing manufacturing to make the drugs more affordable for patients. “There are a couple additional medications currently on the horizon that will probably all come out within the next couple of years, and moving forward, almost all the medications are going to be injectable,” Hong says. “With Zepbound, we have actually seen weight loss upwards of 20%-22% of a patient’s excess body weight,” Hong says. The difference with the latest weight loss injections is their effectiveness and easier use than older-generation injectables. However, it’s important to understand that these injections come with their own set of risks and side effects. They can be particularly effective when combined with a comprehensive treatment plan that includes diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Medications like Liraglutide (Saxenda) and Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) are available through a prescription from a healthcare provider. The dosing schedules are similar, requiring a gradual increase to the full dose to minimize side effects. Serious side effects can include pancreatitis and gallbladder issues. Are Injectable Weight Loss Medications a Substitute for Diet and Exercise? Injectable weight loss medications are not for everyone. Even in people without diabetes, this effect helps regulate blood sugar and prevent excessive weight gain. These medications are also used to treat type 2 diabetes because they help the body use insulin more effectively. One of the most important ways injectable weight loss drugs work is by changing how the brain controls hunger. Scientists have created drugs that mimic this hormone to help people lose weight. The injectable version does not have these restrictions; it can be taken at any time of day and with no fasting required. This ensures that the medication will be properly absorbed at the intended dose. To make up for that digestive process, the pill version of Wegovy is taken at a much higher dose than the injectable form. Since 2023, including the best dentist brands, health products you don't need and our guides to the best opticians. Our health researcher, Sara Spary, is a highly experienced journalist and researcher who has worked on health and wellbeing content for Which? ' to the 'Top gut health myths you need to know about' and 'What really works to cut cholesterol', Shefalee gives no-nonsense advice to help you make healthier choices and save money. She focuses on cutting through the hype to explain what you need to know about nutrition and healthy eating. To pass through airport security smoothly, make sure you carry your prescription with your name on it, along with the original box your medication came in. Never place it in your checked baggage, as the aircraft hold can expose it to freezing temperatures that could damage the medication. If you are concerned or alarmed by your symptoms review the patient information leaflet or seek medical attention Who Should Take Weight Loss Injections, and Who Shouldn’t? These professionals are dedicated to providing personalized support and guidance tailored to your unique health needs. With your monthly subscription, you gain access to a comprehensive suite of services designed to support your health and wellness journey. History of organ transplant on anti-rejection medication9. Your health and well-being are our top priorities, and we're dedicated to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for you. No, on your initial visit with your licensed provider, in addition to reviewing your health history and goals, your clinician will order any necessary lab work. It is also important to note that these drugs are still being studied for long-term safety.Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) is not recommended if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you have certain health conditions.They’re usually worse when starting treatment and after dose increases.Since digestion happens more slowly, blood sugar levels rise more gradually.In this article, we talk about weight loss injections in detail, helping you assess if this may be an option for you, and if so, how to confidently start your weight loss journey. Administered by healthcare professionals, these injectables regulate appetite and enhance satiety, offering a precise approach supported by clinical research. Mounjaro is not registered as a weight loss injection and therefore cannot be compared to Saxenda. Mounjaro is not registered as a weight loss injection and therefore cannot be compared to Wegovy; however, in a recent head-to-head weight loss study, Zepbound, which is also tirzepatide, outperformed Wegovy. Using GLP-1 medicines around the time of a surgery or an operation People in a study on Wegovy showed a more than 15% weight loss at the maximum dose. “In 2018 only one-half percent of everyone eligible to be on weight loss meds were on them.” Weight loss medicines aren't new. Some people might believe these drugs are the “magic bullet” they have been waiting for. BioAge labs is currently studying a drug, azelaprag, and early clinical studies have shown it might prevent muscle loss and increase fat loss when taken in conjunction with weight loss drug Zepbound. “It’s unfortunate, because for most people it’s not realistic in terms of pricing, but there are ways to see whether or not patients can get covered,” Hong says. This was much higher than those who did not take the medication, who lost only about 2.4% of their body weight. The study found that people lost an average of 15% of their body weight. Some people see significant weight loss, while others may experience more modest results. Remember, these medications work best when combined with healthy eating and regular exercise. The results can vary based on individual factors, and some people may need to stay on the medication long-term to maintain their weight loss. Some people may lose more weight than others, and weight loss can slow down over time. If you are considering an injectable weight loss medication, talk to your doctor. Doctors also look at a person’s overall health, medical history, and lifestyle before prescribing these medications. For many, traditional weight loss methods like diet and exercise do not work well enough, or the weight comes back after some time. The demand for these drugs has also caused shortages for people who really need them. While for some people who have struggled with serious weight-related issues, weight-loss jabs can have a really positive impact, there are concerns about people using them inappropriately. Upon starting a weight loss medication, regular check-ins with your provider can be scheduled. Alongside lifestyle recommendations, your care plan may include a prescription for weight loss medication. During your first appointment, your provider will discuss your health goals, review your medical history, order any necessary lab tests, and may order a prescription medication if deemed appropriate. Our team consists of physicians and licensed nurse practitioners who possess the qualifications to prescribe medications, order lab tests, and evaluate your symptoms and health objectives. We're here to assist you through this process, ensuring you have access to the medications you need for managing your health effectively. However, because of the cost of these medications, some insurance companies are introducing their own criteria for eligibility or requiring step therapy with the oral drugs. People have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more than 27 if there is a comorbidity, meaning another condition related to obesity like high blood pressure. By Joan Tupponce Turn on the television any time of the day or night and within minutes you'll probably see a catchy commercial for an injectable weight loss drug. Lifestyle Still Plays a Role In addition, drug manufacturers conduct long-term follow-up studies to track any rare or serious side effects that may develop after many years of use. Even though studies have been done, long-term effects beyond five or ten years are still unknown. Because of this, scientists have been studying some of them, like semaglutide and liraglutide, for over a decade. This section explains the common side effects, serious risks, and long-term safety concerns of these medications. Studies show that they can help people lose significant amounts of weight when used correctly. Doctors usually recommend gradually stopping the medication while maintaining healthy habits to reduce the risk of regaining weight. In the next section, we will explore the benefits and risks of prescription weight loss injections to help you weigh your options. Always discuss your options with a healthcare provider to ensure you choose the medication that best fits your health needs and lifestyle. Yes, you can get weight loss injections on prescription. The top prescription weight loss injections include Wegovy, Zepbound, Saxenda, Mounjaro, and Ozempic. Www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-approves-first-treatment-weight-management-people-certain-rare-genetic-conditions FDA approves first treatment for weight management for people with certain rare genetic conditions. Www.fda.gov/drugs/news-events-human-drugs/fda-approves-treatment-chronic-weight-management-pediatric-patients-aged-12-years-and-older FDA approves treatment for chronic weight management in pediatric patients aged 12 years and older. You should feel comfortable asking whether your health care professional is prescribing a medication that is not approved for treating overweight and obesity. Under a structured medical weight loss program, dosages are adjusted, progress is monitored, and side effects are managed thoughtfully.If you are uninsured, underinsured, or if the medication is not covered by your insurance, your provider may assist you in finding a prescription discount card or an alternative medication that is more cost effective.Wegovy has helped many people achieve meaningful weight loss.Injectable weight loss treatments like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are transforming the way we address obesity.Obesity is a chronic, multifactorial condition and use of injectable weight-management drugs must be integrated into holistic, multidisciplinary care that prioritises overall health improvements for the individual.This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice.By identifying contraindications and risks, healthcare professionals can help reduce the likelihood of adverse events and ensure a safer path toward weight management.4-6 Early clinical studies suggest that dual-action injectables may produce even greater weight reduction compared to single-hormone treatments. Addressing insulin resistance is one reason GLP-1 weight loss treatments like Semaglutide have become such powerful allies. (Some real-world data suggest that a higher percentage of patients stop taking GLP-1s within a year of starting them, but that may be due to a mix of factors, including both side effects and medication cost.) But for both forms of the drug, a minority of patients — around 7% to 10% — stop taking the medication because of these effects, according to trial data. Diabetes is a progressive disease and medications sometimes stop working as well over time. It is changing the landscape of obesity treatment. Bumrungrad reports up to 44% weight loss success. Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) and GLP-1 meds like semaglutide offer a powerful, minimally invasive way to combat obesity and its complications. Fridays Health encourages individuals to consult with a qualified medical professional before starting any weight care program. It’s also why so many people notice weight gain during stressful life phases, despite little change in diet. This state encourages fat storage, particularly around the midsection, and makes weight loss feel nearly impossible despite dieting efforts. What many don’t realize is that hormones play a central role in weight gain and weight loss resistance. She learned how to edit scientific papers in a stint as a chemistry copyeditor, before moving on to a medical writer role at a healthcare company. In those with diabetes, taking Wegovy® with insulin or sulfonylurea can increase the risk of low blood sugar. Since starting Wegovy®, I've lost about 50 pounds over two years, and that's about 17% of my starting body weight. My doctor started expressing concerns about my excess weight and its impact on things like my blood pressure. So, is using semaglutide for weight loss right for you? This was more than other weight-loss medications on the market. That’s because people using it during clinical trials lost 15% to 18% of their starting body weight. We combine cutting-edge medical treatments with essential lifestyle modifications, guided by a team committed to achieving lasting health improvements. You can take Wegovy to help you lose weight together with eating fewer calories and exercising more. Ozempic and Wegovy are different brand names for the same injectable drug, semaglutide. So both semaglutide and tirzepatide work by acting like hormones your body normally makes after you eat. They can help determine if it is the right choice for you based on your health needs and long-term goals. Some people, such as those with a history of thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, or severe digestive problems, should not take them. The BMI is a number calculated from a person’s weight and height. These guidelines come from major health organizations like the U.S. This helps prevent spikes and crashes in blood sugar, which can cause cravings for sugary foods. While rare, semaglutide has been linked to potentially serious side effects. This semaglutide dosage schedule is meant to help manage potential side effects. Even so, your healthcare team may decide that semaglutide is appropriate for you. Liraglutide, approved in a lower dose as the diabetes medication Victoza, helped nondiabetic subjects lose more weight, along with diet and exercise, than those taking a placebo, according to new research. The side effects of medications like tirzepatide and semaglutide are primarily due to their mechanisms of action and the physiological responses they trigger in the body. It’s important to note that, with both medications, individual results may vary; some people might lose more than average, while others may lose less or not respond to the treatment at all. Goldstein adds, “ These weight loss injections are a part of the comprehensive treatment plan, which includes diet and exercise, and helping people lose You’ve probably heard the chatter about injectable weight-loss medications and found yourself wondering if they might hold the key to unlocking your health goals. Keep in mind that everyone responds to medications differently. But a larger percentage of people ended up stopping Saxenda, half of which were due to side effects. A Saxenda trial with over 3,700 participants reported about 8% average weight loss. The largest Wegovy trial had nearly 2,000 participants and reported an average weight loss of nearly 15%. The Wegovy group lost an average of roughly 16% of their initial body weight. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approving semaglutide (Wegovy) pills for weight management, a pill option is now available — with more approvals potentially to come. Many patients ask, what is the best weight loss pill for diabetes, due to a fear of needles. When deciding what diabetes medication helps you lose weight most effectively, clinicians analyze clinical trials and the patient's specific metabolic profile. Historically, type 2 diabetes treatment focused solely on lowering blood sugar, often leading to unwanted weight gain. Saxenda® may help adults with obesity and some children aged with obesity, and some adults with overweight (excess weight) and weight-related medical problems, lose weight and keep it off. Another problem with current weight loss drugs is that people tend to regain weight if they stop taking the drugs, says Dr. Hong. Additionally, many insurance companies won’t cover the cost of these drugs for weight loss alone, without the presence of diabetes or some other comorbid condition. Weight loss medications are nothing new, says Hong, and oral stimulant medications for weight loss have been in use since the 1960s. Anyone who experiences this should seek immediate medical help. Most side effects are mild to moderate in severity or short in duration. These side effects were observed in clinical trials for these products and make up the majority of the Yellow Card reports the MHRA receives for these products. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. If you stop taking the drug, you'll likely regain weight. Side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and constipation are common. Saxenda® significantly lowered BMI-for-age compared with teens not treated with Saxenda® Taking these drugs involves injecting yourself in the abdomen or thigh using a penlike device with a tiny needle the size of a human hair. They prod the pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar rises too high, slow down the emptying of the stomach, and target brain receptors involved in reducing appetite. But the incretin mimics, which are similar to hormones made naturally by the gut and brain, have multiple effects. "Many cardiologists now recognize that treating obesity is the best way to treat heart disease," says Dr. Caroline Apovian, who co-directs the Center for Weight Management and Wellness at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital. Researchers are still figuring out how to reduce side effects from these drugs and working on increasing manufacturing to make the drugs more affordable for patients.Another mechanism by which these injections aid weight loss is by slowing down stomach emptying.While injectable medications help reduce appetite and calorie intake, patients who do not adopt healthier habits may struggle with long-term weight management.Living Well with Diabetes helps you better understand and manage your diabetes.This high cost affects access and can be a huge issue related to health equity.Managing type 2 diabetes involves a comprehensive approach that includes meal planning, regular physical activity, and the right diabetes medications.One year after the start of the treatment, researchers found that the average weight reduction was 3.6% among the participants who discontinued their treatment early, compared to 6.8% for those who discontinued their treatment late. Benefits and Risks of Prescription Weight Loss Injections Researchers are currently studying several new medications and combinations of medications in animals and people. The table below includes limited information about weight-loss medications. Before taking any medication to treat obesity, talk with your health care professional about the possible risks and benefits. These medications have side effects, some of which could be severe. Rarely, serious side effects can occur. A lifestyle program may also address other things that cause you to gain weight, such as eating triggers and not getting enough sleep. Obesity is a chronic disease that affects more than 4 in 10 adults in the United States, and nearly 1 in 10 Americans have severe obesity.1 People who have a BMI between 25 and 30 are considered to be overweight. Criminals were not just making fake versions of Mounjaro and Wegovy but also retatrutide, an experimental drug that is still in clinical trials and has not yet been approved for use anywhere in the world.You’ll most likely have to keep taking them to keep the weight off.Clarissa Brincat is a freelance writer specializing in health and medical research.Prescription weight loss injections can be a game-changer for those struggling with obesity.For men, low testosterone not only reduces muscle mass but also lowers metabolism, making it easier to gain fat and harder to lose it.Side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and constipation are common.Ozempic isn't registered for, and shouldn't be used for, weight loss.“The pill contains the same medicine as the injectable, and it’s highly likely that the health benefits will be the same,” Garvey says. When taken as a pill, however, the drug must first pass through the stomach and intestines, where some of its active ingredient is broken down by digestive enzymes before it can be absorbed through the gut lining and into the blood. The main difference between the Wegovy pill and the injection is how the drug enters the bloodstream. Like the injection, the new Wegovy pill contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient as Ozempic. The pill version of Wegovy seems to work just as well as the injectable form, but there are some key differences between the two formulations, experts say. Starting your weight loss journey is as easy as booking an online appointment, so do it today. Now that you know the weight loss shots’ names, here’s a quick reference table listed by characteristics. The list price of Ozempic pens for all the strengths is $997.58; because it is ‘off-label’ for weight loss, it is unlikely to be covered by insurance. The list price of Mounjaro is $1,079.77; however, because it is ‘off-label’ for weight loss, it is unlikely to be covered by insurance. Your health care professional can assess your individual risk caused by your weight. Health care professionals use the Body Mass Index (BMI), a measure of your weight in relation to your height, to define overweight and obesity. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. They may differ in efficacy, safety, risk, and side-effect profiles from commercially available or FDA-approved drugs. Compounded medications do NOT undergo pre-market review or an FDA-approval process. Many people who take injectable weight loss medications also have other health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. As obesity rates continue to climb globally, these injectable medications have gained popularity among individuals seeking a more structured medical approach to weight management. With proper medical supervision, injectable weight loss medications can be an effective tool for long-term weight management. Injectable weight loss medications are often used as part of a broader treatment plan for people who struggle with obesity or weight-related health issues. If you are struggling with your weight, a healthy eating plan and regular physical activity may help you lose weight and keep it off over the long term. You can calculate your BMI to learn if you are overweight, have obesity, or have severe obesity, which may increase your risk of health problems. If you wish to receive one of these medications, speak to your local healthcare provider. Data from clinical trials on FDA-approved medications should NOT be used to make assessments related to compounded medications. Some insurance plans partially or fully cover medications like Wegovy or Saxenda if there is a medical necessity. But scientists and doctors say there’s still more to come when it comes to perfecting weight loss drugs and treating obesity. Www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-approves-weight-management-drug-patients-aged-12-and-older FDA approves weight management drug for patients aged 12 and older. You can view a filtered list of clinical studies on prescription medications to treat overweight and obesity that are federally funded, open, and recruiting at ClinicalTrials.gov. Researchers are studying many aspects of prescription medications to treat overweight or obesity, such a