Kansas City, Missouri — A new drug touted as a magic potion of hope for those who’ve struggled with weight problems all their lives, but it raises some serious questions to ask.
Three new injections developed for people with type 2 diabetes are also helping people lose weight. In some cases, they have helped people lose a lot of weight.
Demand for the drug is so high that it made nearly $10 billion in combined profits last year. This year is expected to bring even more achievements.
new option
Jared and Amber Lasater said they struggled to reach a healthy weight.
“We would lose a little bit here and a little bit there. It never took hold,” said Amber Lasater. “For me, it meant that if I lost 20 pounds, I would be happy.”
10 months ago the doctor gave them injections for diabetes Munjaro.
They say that was the turning point for them. Amber has now lost 65 pounds. Jared lost nearly double her weight while on the drug.
“I have never weighed anything like this in my adult life,” Jared Lasater said.
Katie Davidson struggled with weight after thyroid surgery. She said she ate healthy, counted her calories and cut down on portions. She runs after her two children and stays active while working on her family’s farm.
“I think weight gain and obesity have a lot more to do with the relationship between calories eaten and calories burned, because they didn’t add up,” Davidson said.
Then she started taking a drug called semaglutide.You’ve heard her advertised as Ozempic.
“I think I lost 10 pounds last month,” Davidson said.
Ads for three injectable type 2 diabetes drugs claim they will change the world of weight loss.
we goby It was approved as a weight loss drug two years ago. Ozempic and Munjaro are expected to get FDA approval for weight loss this year, but doctors are already prescribing them off-label.
structure
They all work in a similar way.
“They all make you feel a little fuller, which slows digestion and prevents overeating,” says Erin Taylor, Ph.D., from the University’s School of Health Sciences.
Satiety is what patients say they feel most when taking the drug.
“I wasn’t that hungry. IT was more of an appetite suppressant for me, so I didn’t have to eat so much,” Jared Lasater said.
the staff of University health and weight management They say these drugs are not a quick fix to lose a few pounds. Rather, it is a long-term treatment for people with chronic obesity and comorbidities.
Some patients, like Jared, lose weight quickly. Some, like Katie, take longer to lose weight.
“I was about to give up, so I just have to be patient and be patient. this doesn’t work. Is this really worth it? And I thought, ‘Well, let’s keep trying and see what happens,’ said Davidson.
price
Medicines are expensive. Doctors say the price depends on the diagnosis and health insurance.
“They are all expensive. Most of them are over $1,000 a month if you buy them with cash. You can even get it down to $25 with a coupon.I’ve seen $0.Yes, it’s often cheaper.These drugs cost $0 per patient,” Taylor said. Told.
side effects
Doctors also warn of side effects.
“Side effects include only major gastrointestinal side effects. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and constipation are to be expected, but should be tolerated as symptoms will improve with a little longer use.” until you get used to it,” Taylor said.
Side effects such as kidney and gallbladder problems have also been reported in rare cases.
“Yes, I have a broken gallbladder. It’s normal for people to lose weight very quickly. So my gallbladder went bad and had to have it removed. ,” said Amber Lasater.
All three said the drug was worth it, even considering the price and side effects. Not only did they lose weight, but they also saw improvements in cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure and joint pain. All three said they exercised more and slept better.
“I’m starting to recognize myself in the mirror again. It’s been good,” Davidson said.
All three said that losing weight inspired them to develop habits to maintain their weight permanently.
“I also work out on the treadmill three to four times a week. said.
They say they finally feel hopeful, even if they have to stay on low doses for a long time.
“I’ve talked to a lot of people, and I always say, ‘If you’ve ever struggled with weight, I want you to lose it. Weight is life-changing,'” said Amber Lasater. rice field.
questions to ask
There are questions to ask your doctor before agreeing to take any medication.
- Risk of Other Health Problems Facing Obesity
- Do the drugs interact with drugs you are already taking?
- Discuss your health history and that of your family
Shortage
A shortage of supply is also a problem. Pharmacists say it’s not just these three injectables, it’s a problem with many medicines today. Like Dr. Taylor, experts expect drug production to increase this year to meet demand.
FOX4 also asked whether using these drugs for weight loss could prevent people diagnosed with diabetes from getting it.
Health and weight management medical staff at the university said chronically obese patients are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if they don’t lose weight while on medication. This is about disease prevention, because then you will need medicine anyway.
