Multiple research studies have shown that probiotics can help lower weight, waist size, and body mass index (BMI). Probiotics are known to have multiple benefits for weight loss. One preliminary study of 42 people with metabolic syndrome showed that wild bitter gourd extract improved several health markers. One study in rats showed that ginseng compounds improved blood sugar and cholesterol levels and boosted GLP-1 release after 4 weeks of supplementation. Studies in animals show that curcumin can improve blood sugar control by increasing GLP-1 release. The second, retatrutide, has an unprecedented level of efficacy, and could raise the bar for pharmacological obesity treatment. Evaluating BRP’s impact on metabolic markers, cardiovascular health, and sustained weight maintenance will be essential for regulatory approval and clinical adoption. Although BRP presents a promising candidate for obesity treatment, additional research is needed to translate preclinical findings into clinical applications. The researchers believe that this improved tolerability may enhance long-term adherence among individuals seeking sustained weight loss.8 Importantly, these effects occurred independently of leptin, GLP-1, or melanocortin 4 receptor signaling, indicating a unique appetite-regulation mechanism.8 A systematic review also emphasized how this drug pair targets not just physical weight, but also psychological contributors to obesity. Across all doses, Saxenda led to significantly greater weight loss than placebo, with average losses ranging from 10.6 to 15.8 pounds depending on the dose. Average weight loss ranged from 34 to 48 lbs for non-diabetic adults and from 28 to 33 lbs for adults with diabetes, compared to 7 lbs for placebo. But it isn’t FDA-approved for weight loss. Among those taking GLP-1 drugs, nearly 4 in 10 report using them primarily to lose weight. But Ozempic can lower blood sugar and cause weight loss in people with prediabetes. Pfizer is also studying an oral medication that can induce weight loss for people with obesity and diabetes, called danuglipron, also a GLP-1 antagonist. As with many medications, some weight loss drugs have been on the market longer, have generic alternatives, and tend to be more affordable. Even as the range of weight loss medications has expanded, some drugs have been withdrawn based on their lack of efficacy as well as safety concerns. Currently, these medications are administered by injection, but oral weight loss drugs in the same category may soon follow. About half of patients experience nausea, says Dr. Stanford, which is sometimes, but not always, accompanied with vomiting. Ozempic’s ability to address both, unlike many old school treatments, is what makes it so desirable. There is some overlap with how Ozempic works for diabetes as well. That shortage has the potential to be life-threatening to those who depend on it to treat their type 2 diabetes, as guys like Anthony Anderson have publicly noted. And while Dr. Stanford says it hasn’t exactly driven up the price because the drug has always been expensive, it does create a shortage. What should someone considering these drugs know about them? This is true not just for drugs, but also for dieting or bariatric surgery. Can stopping the medication cause a regain of weight? Meghan Trainor debuted her glow-up after losing weight. "I started the weight-loss shots," the former Playboy model revealed in an Instagram post in April. Kendra Wilkinson revealed she quit the drug after one injection. "Ozempic made me f--- & burp like Barney from the Simpsons," Musk said, adding, "Mounjaro seems to have fewer side effects and be more effective." Coupled with healthy lifestyle changes it can lead to significant weight loss.Also, they have not been shown to be safe or effective, and are therefore not FDA approved.Predictions show the annual cost of obesity will be more than $4.3 trillion worldwide by 2030.Our first on-treatment analysis demonstrated that those on-drug lost more weight than those in-trial, confirming the effect of drug exposure.But, you know, we still don't - we're still not there yet in terms of saying these drugs make people healthier, period.Later that year, Manzo confirmed on Instagram that her drastic physical change wasn't just down to the medication.Exploring these alternatives reveals a diverse range of mechanisms and effects, ensuring something for almost every patient’s needs. Now, it’s much easier for patients to get these type of drugs. Yes, in an off-label use, because it is not FDA-approved for weight loss. Ozempic and Wegovy are both semaglutides or GLP-1 drugs, made by different brands, but they “are identical,” Messer says. GLP-1 helps regulate blood sugar, digestion, and appetite. Nearly 50% of U.S. adults are considered obese (defined as having too much body fat for your weight) according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. For many people, losing weight can feel like an uphill battle. Looking down the road, there are more drugs in the later phase of clinical trials that mirror the results of bariatric surgery. Millions of patients are now using these medications, so it’s conceivable a rare, previously unidentified side effect may appear, but overall, “the concern is low that something new or unusual will emerge,” McGowan says. “We’re putting you on a treatment that is treating the biological basis of the disease, and if you stop that medication, then you’re not going to have that effect, and you’re very likely to regain the weight back.” But people who notice any new changes in their vision while taking these medications should promptly inform their doctor or see an eye care specialist, they urge. Tirzepatide is the newest peptide medicine for weight loss. For many people, losing this much weight is truly life-changing. It is the main ingredient in two very famous brand-name drugs. It was a huge step forward in helping people manage their weight. The peptides that help with weight loss are very special. Many GLP-1 medications are injectable, which can be uncomfortable for some patients. These side effects may lessen as the body adjusts to the medication, but some may persist. A study in the journal Addiction found that people with alcohol addiction who used Ozempic or similar medications were 50 percent less likely to binge drink compared to those who didn't. Most medications are prescribed for someone with a BMI of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 or greater if the person has weight-related health conditions. Determining whether someone is a candidate for weight loss medications begins with BMI. If you want to access the drug for weight loss before the shortage is over, be aware that compounded products are not identical to approved Ozempic and have not been evaluated for safety, quality and efficacy. A trial of nearly 2,000 people published in 2022 by Novo Nordisk indicated that one year after stopping doses of semaglutide, trial subjects had regained two-thirds of the weight they had lost. The facial hollowing, sagging skin, and overall aged appearance are a result of fat loss, not a harmful side effect of the medication itself. As a result, terms like "ozempic face aging before and after" and "ozempic face before and after celebrities pictures" have become hot search topics. While most celebrities haven’t publicly confirmed using semaglutide, the visual evidence has sparked wide debate. These symptoms are more pronounced in patients with naturally leaner faces or older adults with lower collagen levels. Understanding how appetite regulation actually works can help you achieve steady progress, whether or not medication is part of your journey. The good news is that many of the same mechanisms these medications target can also be supported naturally through lifestyle habits. Rapid weight loss can change the way your face looks, bringing wrinkles, sagging skin and a gaunt appearance So, think of these medications as a long-term commitment, not a quick fix for dropping a couple of pounds. However, you’re likely to regain the lost weight once the medication is stopped.” Ozempic, a prescription-only type 2 diabetes drug with the active ingredient semagulatide, has become popular thanks to its ability to aid in weight loss. Ozempic is FDA-approved to lower blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes. Some medications may affect your blood sugar levels or hide the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Once you start taking weight loss medications, you’ll likely need to stay on them to maintain results. The Benefits of Ozempic Are Multiplying Weight loss pills like orlistat have long been available on prescription from your GP, or available to buy in lower doses over the counter from pharmacies. However, many of these side effects are also common when using Mounjaro and Saxenda. Some users also report less common effects like oral changes (Ozempic mouth) and facial volume loss (Ozempic face). The best option can vary depending on individual goals, preferences, and how each medication is tolerated. Because of this dual action, Mounjaro works slightly differently in the body. You know, and a lot of the time, like, we have seen medical treatments and pharmaceutical, you know, involvement in areas actually change the way conditions are perceived, right? It really has to do with how people perceive it and how things are categorized. Your blood pressure is in a good range - things like that. Gastrointestinal side effects frequently emerge with medications in the GLP-1 receptor agonist class, including Ozempic. Individuals must pay attention to how these medications interact with their unique health profiles and lifestyles. Meds like Ozempic showcase varied effectiveness and safety profiles, a crucial consideration for patients navigating their weight loss options. By controlling hunger hormones, Saxenda effectively assists patients in their weight loss efforts while encouraging more mindful eating habits. The relationship between diet, insulin response, and body weight becomes clearer as patients experience positive results from Wegovy. In a roundabout way, in working to keep blood sugar levels consistent, it suppresses appetite.(Similar accounts have been made of “Ozempic butt.”) Media reports have linked the drug with facial aging, but the sagging appearance has been ascribed simply to the accelerated loss of fat in the face.Celebrities and influencers tout them in interviews and social media, and even Oprah admitted to using one to aid in her weight loss journey.A,b, Observed data from the in-trial period (a) and first on-treatment (b).If you're trying to lose weight, our experts offer advice on when it's the right time to start a medication.These symptoms are more pronounced in patients with naturally leaner faces or older adults with lower collagen levels.Higher prices of drugs for weight loss and higher rates of obesity in the U.S. could mean a more significant impact of these drugs on overall health spending in the U.S. than in peer countries.Safety profiles also deserve attention when considering these weight loss meds like Ozempic. But more research is needed to know exactly how cinnamon affects people with diabetes and weight-related conditions. One of those benefits may be its effects on insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control. This is important because GLP-1 medications often cause loss of muscle mass along with body fat. Only Wegovy, Zepbound, and Saxenda are FDA-approved for weight loss. Increased glucagon-like peptide-1 secretion may be involved in antidiabetic effects of ginsenosides. Role of GLP-1 in the hypoglycemic effects of wild bitter gourd. Yerba maté (Ilex paraguariensis) metabolic, satiety, and mood state effects at rest and during prolonged exercise. Start with a balanced diet that includes enough protein, soluble fiber, and healthy fats. Researchers looked into this after noticing that coffee seemed to decrease the risk of Type 2 diabetes. For some patients, we can use your own tissue—typically from the lower breast or lateral chest—to create an internal “implant” of living tissue. This restores a perky, youthful profile without using a foreign body. When you lose weight rapidly—often 20 to 50 pounds in a matter of months—your skin cannot always retract fast enough to keep up with the volume loss. National Institutes of Health and published in ‘Nature.’ It analyzed electronic medical record data from over 1.8 million patients. Dr. Magruder emphasized the need for robust, prospective, randomized controlled trials before conclusively recommending the initiation of GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide before total hip replacement. Let’s look at what else is out there—and the dangers of buying medication from unregulated websites. As Ozempic can be expensive if bought privately, or hard to get hold of due to supply issues, many people might be wondering what suitable alternatives are. If this sounds unsettling, it's a reminder of how high the stakes are to combat obesity. Generally, if you don't have a history of these conditions, "this medication is thought to be safe," he says. Additional Common Questions Like the dozens of other drugs they produce for hospitals and medical practices, the compounders say, the two diet drugs are essential products.These new drugs often quiet the 'food noise,' or brain chatter about foodWhile some evidence suggests protective effects, rapid weight loss and reduced nutrient intake can compromise bone density.Always consult with a medical expert about any health related issues.Its dual mechanism makes it particularly useful for individuals who need support with both blood sugar management and weight loss.Currently, most Wegovy doses may be more difficult to find since Wegovy is also in shortage.Safety, tolerability and sustained weight loss over 2 years with the once-daily human GLP-1 analog, liraglutide.These consultations foster a supportive environment where patients can share successes and challenges alike.If you’ve been prescribed Ozempic off-label for weight loss, switching to Wegovy may be a logical choice. Semaglutide is not approved in the U.S. for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, the company notes. In the 2025 RAND survey, about half of patients taking a GLP-1 drug said they experienced nausea and one-third experienced diarrhea. Obesity is a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, cancer and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, Hurtado Andrade adds. It signals to the brain that you’ve had a meal, so patients have reduced appetite, and when they do eat, they feel full sooner. "We tend to think of drugs as being surgically designed to do only one thing, but the reality is, it's almost never like this," Al-Aly said.Next, press and hold in the dose button until the dose counter shows 0, and the 0 must line up with the dose pointer.Much of the hype around Ozempic last fall was quickly followed by accounts that highlighted the nature of 10+ potential side effects tied to semaglutide, some of which can be chronic and unyielding.The worry is that researchers might be influenced by their relationship with Novo Nordrisk to produce study results that are more favourable to the medications.In the SELECT trial, patients did not enroll for the specific purpose of weight loss and received standard of care covering management of CV risk factors, including medical treatment and healthy lifestyle counseling, but without a specific focus on weight loss.But it is valuable for classifying millions of people where more accurate techniques such as skinfold measurements are not feasible.Your Found-affiliated provider has access to a broad toolkit of medications and will work with you to determine the drug that best fits your unique biology and needs. Ozempic, along with similar drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro, increases satiety and slows digestion, helping users eat fewer calories. According to experts, facial volume loss is often one of the first visible effects of significant weight reduction. While weight loss from Ozempic can be life-changing, the sudden change in your facial appearance can feel shocking. Semaglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in obesity without diabetes. Is coming off semaglutide slowly the key to preventing weight regain? Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Semaglutide injection is used to treat type 2 diabetes. "Treatment decisions should be made together with a healthcare provider who can evaluate the appropriateness of using a GLP-1 based on assessment of a patient’s individual medical profile. Potential Side Effects and Contraindications And I think at some point during the time of the shortage of this new treatment, people kind of put two and two together. Was it with the approval of Wegovy, which is basically the same ingredient as Ozempic for weight loss? So how did it go from, oh, it's helping diabetics lose weight as a side effect, to being the most sought-after weight-loss drug in the world? And so Novo Nordisk saw these improving amounts of weight loss. It's approved for diabetes, as you mentioned. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. If you will be using semaglutide at home, your doctor will teach you how the injections will be given. Which medication acts like two gut hormones in the body? Loss of muscle mass is another side effect, and it's unclear whether people regain the muscle when they stop using the drug. Ozempic's active ingredient, semaglutide, works by mimicking a hormone released by the intestine to stimulate insulin secretion and to slow down the movement of food from the stomach to the intestine, both of which reduces blood glucose. Desire for the drug has been driven in part by users of social media platforms TikTok and Facebook who have raved about its effectiveness in helping them lose weight. Policymakers should adopt a balanced approach that integrates AOMs as one component of a comprehensive obesity treatment and prevention strategy. In terms of appetite suppression, both agents are highly effective. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics incretin hormones to enhance insulin secretion, delay gastric emptying, and suppress appetite.6 BRP exerts its effects through central and peripheral pathways that modulate energy homeostasis. GLP-1 medications, however, can help many people lose a significant amount of weight and lower their risks for these other conditions. Back in 2015, she told Redbook, "There are just some people who are born skinny and with a great metabolism — that is not me." That may explain why, almost a decade later, she confirmed she'd taken weight loss medication. The star had a drastic transformation soon after, telling host Kelly Clarkson, "I'm doing that wonderful shot that works for folks who need some help and it's been really good for me." She revealed her weight loss had been so successful that she'd lost the body weight of two people. While these medications sound promising in helping weight-management, they're not a cure-all.Even those with diabetes, who found that Ozempic successfully tamed blood sugar levels, put up with nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, and commonly, either diarrhea or a total blockage in firm constipation.PhenQ is a comprehensive weight management supplement designed to address multiple aspects of weight loss.Some individuals may find that gradually increasing the dose helps to alleviate these early challenges.Ozempic and other similar drugs must be injected.Long before it was regarded as a so-called "miracle" drug, Ozempic attracted the attention of obesity medicine specialists after extensive clinical trials in 2017 revealed weight loss was a significant side effect of the medication.For the phase 3 clinical trial, 3,127 adults with obesity or classified as overweight were given one of three different doses of orforglipron or a placebo.In 2023, Novo Nordisk was sued by a woman with Type 2 diabetes who alleged Ozempic was among medications that caused gastroparesis, or stomach paralysis. Working with Healthcare Providers All of the participants, across four countries, were classed as being overweight at the start of the trial. "In addition, unlike injectable agents, oral agents may not require a refrigerated chain of delivery and could widen the reach of obesity care in many regions of the world where a lack of refrigeration represents a barrier to access." "The reasons patients may prefer oral administration over the subcutaneous route are most often needle aversion and local skin reactions," write the researchers in their published paper. Great thing with this medication is I’m able to still eat and drink (moderately) how ever I did before” The medication is personalized to my needs and goals and allows me to have a better lifestyle.” “This medication has allowed me to continue with minimal disruptions to my daily life other than an actual injection! “The biggest change was a decrease in my appetite. Older AOMs also have indications based on BMI and may be contraindicated for use with certain other medications. Bupropion (Wellbutrin), an aminoketone, is considered weight-negative and is prescribed both to assist in weight loss and to treat depression. Desipramine, nortriptyline, and protriptyline have variable effects on weight. Weight-positive medications in the tricyclic antidepressant category include amitriptyline, doxepin, and imipramine. Many antidepressants are weight-positive (cause weight gain), some are weight-neutral, and at least one is weight-negative (causes weight loss). But if you stop Wegovy, you may regain most (or all) of the weight you’ve lost.Talk to your health care professional about any side effect that continues to bother you.Are there complications we don’t know about yet because we simply haven’t had these drugs available long enough to study?"Typically these can be stored in a bottle in a medicine cabinet and don't need to be refrigerated. It's also easier to take a pill than a shot. A lot of people don't like giving themselves a shot."An international team of researchers investigated the effects of taking 25 mg of semaglutide daily in tablet form to see if it could work as well as injections.But it turns out, as recent research has confirmed, that COVID-19 may also increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.Touted as game-changers for weight loss, drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound are getting attention far beyond diabetes care. One study found that seven years postoperation, most patients had maintained weight loss, and high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes were less common. But for people with more moderate obesity or who are overweight, medications could replace the need for surgery, Prachand said. The drugs, called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 RAs, have helped some patients lose an average of 5% to 10% of their body weight, according to the FDA. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the drugs for weight loss in 2021. Understanding the mechanisms behind weight loss medications illuminates how they assist individuals in achieving their health goals. For more information on current weight loss medications, check out Verywellhealth. Genetic testing might guide healthcare providers in recommending specific medications based on how a patient metabolizes these drugs. Let’s embark on a comprehensive exploration of effective weight loss solutions! By the end of this article, you will have a clearer understanding of your options, how they work, and what might be best suited for your weight loss journey. However, it has also gained attention for its potential to aid weight loss. One medication that has gained immense popularity in recent years is Ozempic, primarily known for its role in managing type 2 diabetes. This staggering statistic underscores the growing need for effective weight loss solutions. An Update on Heart Failure in Primary Care Many people are finishing titration (often reaching 1.0 mg weekly). A concise summary of one‑month Ozempic results also notes ~2 kg by month two and explains how dose escalation shapes early outcomes.• 3 months. To learn what we do to deliver the best health and lifestyle insights to you, Check out our content review principles. Users report success in shedding pounds while integrating this medication into a broader lifestyle change, encompassing diet and exercise.And I know a lot of people think of, you know, weight as the same thing as health, but they are two distinct subjects and two distinct entities.With increased popularity and demand, people are now searching for Ozempic alternatives or medications that work similarly to the injectable drug.These medications offer a promising approach to promote significant weight loss and improve health outcomes.Metformin (Fortamet, Glumetza) and semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus) are medicines that treat type 2 diabetes.The most common side effects include nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, and diarrhea.Open communication with healthcare providers ensures that patients choose the right weight loss drugs like Ozempic while minimizing potential complications.Most side effects are mild and most often improve if you continue to take the medication. “Patients should be aware that these are treatments for a chronic medical condition known as obesity,” Moreno said. If you are considering starting one of these medications, Moreno recommends keeping these five facts in mind. The medications attach to the same receptors as the GLP-1 hormone but are longer-acting. Moreno, an assistant professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine, treats patients looking to manage their weight. The podcast Chasing Life With Dr. Sanjay Gupta unpacks the ins and the outs of these new medications to give listeners a crash course on what they are all about. Some people do really well on Ozempic. It works by helping you feel fuller, slowing digestion, and reducing appetite. It’s important to take a holistic view of your health and prioritise eating well, moving more and getting enough sleep. Some journalists have raised conflict of interest concerns about the relationship between some obesity researchers and Novo Nordrisk, Ozempic and Wegovy’s manufacturer. More severe safety concerns reported in studies include gallbladder-related disorders (mostly cholelithiasis, also known as gallstones) in 34 patients (2.6%) and mild acute pancreatitis in three patients (0.2%). But during the clinical trials for Type 2 diabetes, pharmaceutical companies quickly recognized Ozempic’s potential as a weight loss tool. At the same time, semaglutides also reduce the release of the hormone glucagon, which works the opposite of insulin to increase blood sugar. On top of that, nearly 100 million people are considered prediabetic, meaning that together over 40 percent of the U.S. population suffers from an inability to properly manage blood sugar. "Oral medications are easier to manage for patients overall," he says. For the phase 3 clinical trial, 3,127 adults with obesity or classified as overweight were given one of three different doses of orforglipron or a placebo. Current coverage through private insurance plans for these medications, when prescribed for weight loss, can be spotty, which is why people with insurance often pay out-of-pocket for the drugs or have high copays. A number of celebrities have recently shared their experiences with taking Ozempic injections—or other GLP-1 medication such as Mounjaro or Wegovy—normally prescribed to maintain healthy blood sugar levels but now infamous for its weight loss effects. One of the oldest medications on this list (approved by the FDA in 1959), phentermine is also one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for weight loss. While diet and exercise alone may get you there, these weight loss drugs can be a new lease on life for people who have diabetes or obesity. Here are the other GLP-1 medications that can help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar, in order of when they were approved by the FDA. Mikhael's company is an outsourcing facility, or 503B compounding pharmacy — so-named for a section of the 2013 law that set new requirements for drug compounders. The industry endured just such a catastrophe in 2012, when the New England Compounding Center released a contaminated injectable steroid that killed at least 64 people and harmed hundreds more. (According to a Hunterbrook Media report, Hims & Hers' semaglutide supplier has faced legal scrutiny.) Now, their potential neuroprotective effects might also be beneficial for conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other dementias. “Because our study used electronic health records data from Florida, the next step would be further confirming the study finding in other populations,” Guo said. Plus, they boost blood flow to the brain and reduce oxidative stress — all things that can play a role in cognitive decline. She stressed the need for more research to unravel these effects. You've heard people talking about the drug for weight loss—or is it diabetes?Amid the high costs, inconsistent insurance coverage and spotty supply of these drugs, some people have taken drastic measures by using dangerous alternatives.This may contribute to the significant weight loss as a result of social media-delivered weight loss interventions compared to traditional methods such as brochures and questionnaires .Regular monitoring and consultation with a healthcare professional can help mitigate risks and ensure safety.Likewise, there were similar improvements in the semaglutide group for anthropometrics (WC and WHtR).These medications mimic a hormone released from your digestive tract called glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), which helps lower blood sugar and promotes a feeling of fullness.Contact your healthcare team right away if this develops. How Do These Drugs Work? Their heart health also improved, as did their blood pressure. And in a 72-week 2022 clinical trial, participants lost over 20% of their body weight, a substantial amount. A 2021 trial showed that 92% of people with type 2 diabetes on tirzepatide lowered their HbA1c levels to less than 7% (compared to 19% for those on placebo). It has also been found to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in overweight or obese people. But Vilsbøll warns that the economics of weight loss therapies will not change overnight. Regular monitoring and consultation with a healthcare professional can help mitigate risks and ensure safety. GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone produced in the gut that plays a crucial role in appetite regulation and glucose metabolism. In a world where nearly 70% of adults struggle with weight-related issues, the need for effective solutions has never been more pressing. The medications are all currently injectables, but if an investigational oral GLP-1 called orforglipron is approved by the U.S. Meanwhile, 63 percent of adults ages 50 to 80 who are overweight expressed interest in taking a weight loss medication, according to research from the National Poll on Healthy Aging. Kelly Clarkson has spoken a lot about her weight loss journey, including her experience with an unnamed weight loss drug. You’ll work your way up to a dose of 0.5 miligrams each week. You’ll start at a lower dose and work your way up to 25 miligrams. You’ll start with a lower dose and work your way up to 2.4 miligrams. Semaglutides can help with weight loss, but they shouldn’t be used for short-term weight loss. “The effectiveness and safety of these compounded versions of GLP-1 medications haven’t formally been tested,” he stresses. Your doctor may talk to you about other GLP-1 medications, like tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®). It’s a dysfunction of the normal pathways that regulate our body weight or, more specifically, our body fat. With what’s known now, the three doctors say they’re comfortable prescribing semaglutide long-term for weight loss for a patient eligible for the medication. It's possible that the rapid correction of high blood sugar induced by GLP-1 drugs rather than a toxic effect "could be a possible mechanism for vision loss," the 2025 study noted. Earlier in 2025, a small study in JAMA Ophthalmology focused on eye complications experienced by nine people who took GLP-1 antidiabetic drugs, including semaglutide. "Semaglutide’s efficacy and safety have been extensively demonstrated in people with obesity/overweight with robust evidence for improving health outcomes," the company noted in a statement to TODAY.com.