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Post by pjaye on Dec 18, 2023 2:55:32 GMT
The weight loss drug boom isn't over yet — here's what to expect in the year ahead:Some new drugs in the pipeline, and clinical trials on the existing drugs and their (positive) effects on heart, liver & kidney disease. A few companies are working on developing the existing drugs as pills & not just injectables. These types of drugs are going to boom in the next few years, and there finally seems to be a legitimate treatment for some types of obesity. It's interesting to me, that there seems to be so much stigma around these medications, even Oprah who has made millions talking about her weight for the last few decades, was reluctant to admit to using them, but finally admitted it publicly last week. I don't think all celebrities need to be public about their weight loss, but I do think Oprah should be because she's the one who has very publicly spoken about her weight (and everyone else's) for so long, and she gave Dr Quack Oz a platform to shill all his snake oil weight loss products that were never going to work. But the more available and popular they become, the more negative press and attitudes I see, a friend and I were talking and she said she'd never use them because..."they'll probably discover they give cancer in 10 years time" which surprised me because she's always talking about wanting to lose weight. So what does everyone think about them? Currently using them? Would you (once the shortage is over)? or are you in the "no way" or "that's cheating" group?
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Post by mom on Dec 18, 2023 3:03:49 GMT
I am not on them as I am currently considered a 'normal' weight for my height but I would still like to lose another 15 lbs. Two years ago, though, I was overweight and right at 200 lbs. and if I was that weight again, I would use them if I could get them legally.
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dexter
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Nov 28, 2016 15:57:15 GMT
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Post by dexter on Dec 18, 2023 3:05:34 GMT
I have numerous friends who are on them and very successful at losing weight. The cost is prohibitive for me to even consider, and there is something in my mind that says bad idea….. too easy. And I wonder - if you stop taking the medicine does the weight come back?
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Post by Merge on Dec 18, 2023 3:10:57 GMT
I don’t care what other people do. For me, I have similar concerns to your friend that in 5-10 years there will be class action lawsuits about the unforeseen health consequences. Additionally, I’m a little vain about my unlined, unsaggy face and the overall lack of sag on my 50 year old body. I see pics of the saggy faces and bodies of people who undertake rapid weight loss, and personally, I don’t want that for myself.
I’ve spent decades learning to love my body as it is and I’m in a very good place. My health is excellent and I actually like the way I look. I’ve learned to dress the body I have.
And I worry about the message it would send to my young adult daughters, one of whom has a diagnosed eating disorder and has gained a good bit of weight in her recovery, if I decided to lose a lot of weight that way after years of preaching body positivity and valuing strength and health over thinness.
So that’s me. But if someone else is traveling a different path and wants to use one of these drugs to help them along, I applaud them doing what is best for them.
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Post by pjaye on Dec 18, 2023 3:12:16 GMT
if you stop taking the medicine does the weight come back? For a lot of people these may be life long medications. Just like thyroid meds, or blood pressure meds, they get the symptoms/disease under control but they don't cure it. So even when a person's blood pressure is normal - they still stay on the medication. If people have some of these metabolic issues that the weight loss drugs correct, then it's likely that they will need these drugs for long term weight maintenance. |
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milocat
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Post by milocat on Dec 18, 2023 3:13:16 GMT
It's interesting to me, that there seems to be so much stigma around these medications, even Oprah who has made millions talking about her weight for the last few decades, was reluctant to admit to using them, but finally admitted it publicly last week. I don't think all celebrities need to be public about their weight loss, but I do think Oprah should be because she's the one who has very publicly spoken about her weight (and everyone else's) for so long, and she gave Dr Quack Oz a platform to shill all his snake oil weight loss products that were never going to work. But the more available and popular they become, the more negative press and attitudes I see, a friend and I were talking and she said she'd never use them because..."they'll probably discover they give cancer in 10 years time" which surprised me because she's always talking about wanting to lose weight. So what does everyone think about them? Currently using them? Would you (once the shortage is over)? or are you in the "no way" or "that's cheating" group? Oprah, like so many are desperate to try anything. Which is why Dr Oz was on her show, he didn't seem to be as much of a quack back then. I do think she should be transparent about it because she is the Weight Watchers spokeswoman and one of the biggest stock holders. I don't think it's cheating. Food is so addictive now. I would try it if, once, there had been some long term studies on the effects. |
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Post by Merge on Dec 18, 2023 3:14:25 GMT
I have numerous friends who are on them and very successful at losing weight. The cost is prohibitive for me to even consider, and there is something in my mind that says bad idea….. too easy. And I wonder - if you stop taking the medicine does the weight come back? I was chatting with the nurse before my colonoscopy on Friday and she said that yes, the weight comes back. She also said that they can cause problems with various endoscopic procedures and surgery because the digestive tract doesn’t empty like normal. IDK how often that happens, but personally, that would be a concern to me. |
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Post by Merge on Dec 18, 2023 3:15:56 GMT
if you stop taking the medicine does the weight come back? For a lot of people these may be life long medications. Just like thyroid meds, or blood pressure meds, they get the symptoms/disease under control but they don't cure it. So even when a person's blood pressure is normal - they still stay on the medication. If people have some of these metabolic issues that the weight loss drugs correct, then it's likely that they will need these drugs for long term weight maintenance. It’s my understanding, though, that they don’t correct the underlying metabolic issues. They simply slow the movement of food through the GI tract so you stay full longer and eat a lot less. Perhaps I’m wrong. IDK. |
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Gennifer
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Post by Gennifer on Dec 18, 2023 3:29:42 GMT
I’ve been very open about the fact that I am taking semaglutide. I originally started it solely with the intention to lose weight, and then taper off. It has done so much more for me that I fully expect to take it much longer, and possibly for the rest of my life. I no longer fixate on food, and I wasn’t even aware that I did before. My compulsive shopping habits are completely gone, as are all of my nervous, anxiety-driven fidgety ticks. It’s like a switch has been flipped in my brain. My husband also cannot believe the difference in my moods and overall positivity since I started taking this medication.
As far as weight loss, I’m 5’5”, and I started at 198 lbs, with a BMI of 32. I’m now at my goal of 140 lbs, with a BMI of 23. I lost an average of 5-6# a month, so a very sustainable, healthy rate. I don’t have loose skin, probably because my weight loss was gradual.
I’ve been able to start a regular exercise regimen (weight lifting), which wasn’t ever a real possibility for me before because I was so out of shape.
This has been a life-changing medication for me, and, inarguably, the best decision I’ve ever made for my health.
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Post by pjaye on Dec 18, 2023 4:06:48 GMT
It’s my understanding, though, that they don’t correct the underlying metabolic issues. They simply slow the movement of food through the GI tract so you stay full longer and eat a lot less. Perhaps I’m wrong. IDK. These drugs are also called incretin mimetics Slowed gastric emptying is only one of the ways it works, there are multiple other ways including the reduction of hunger, control release of insulin and decrease glucagon secretion which results in the control of blood sugar (that's why it was first used as a medication of diabetes), as well as:  |
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Post by pjaye on Dec 18, 2023 4:12:41 GMT
She also said that they can cause problems with various endoscopic procedures and surgery because the digestive tract doesn’t empty like normal. People need to stop taking these medications 2 weeks before any scheduled surgery or procedure. If people need emergency surgery then there are techniques that anesthetists already use when they don't know the last time someone ate or drank. It's not an issue, there are also other medications that people need to stop before surgery (blood thinners etc) so I don't see why this would be a particular concern. |
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Dec 18, 2023 4:23:54 GMT
I don’t want to try ozemoic or the other meds like it until there is more research and they have been around longer. The side effects sound scary (particularly the slowing of the digestive tract and the possible paralysis there) and I wonder what it does to your metabolism long term if one of the effects is eating very few calories. I also can’t afford and I think that is prohibitive for many, which probably also leads to some of the negative feelings about it.
The effects on shopping and other impulsive/anxious behaviors are intriguing to me, though.
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Post by chaosisapony on Dec 18, 2023 4:39:51 GMT
I'd be open to trying it once the costs come down. My coworker that I share a cubicle wall with has been on Ozempic for most of the year and she gets so sick from it all the time. It seems like she always has an upset stomach and that concerns me. I have enough IBS symptoms, I really don't need more things going wrong.
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Gennifer
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Post by Gennifer on Dec 18, 2023 4:40:18 GMT
The side effects sound scary (particularly the slowing of the digestive tract and the possible paralysis there) The most common cause of Gastroparesis (digestive paralysis) is diabetes. I don’t believe there’s been anything definitive tying it to semaglutide, since most of the people taking it are already diabetic or prediabetic. |
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Gennifer
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Post by Gennifer on Dec 18, 2023 4:41:29 GMT
I'd be open to trying it once the costs come down. My coworker that I share a cubicle wall with has been on Ozempic for most of the year and she gets so sick from it all the time. It seems like she always has an upset stomach and that concerns me. I have enough IBS symptoms, I really don't need more things going wrong. My husband does feel nauseated often, which is a potential side effect, but it’s mild and he hasn’t ever even vomited. Not one I’ve experienced, though. |
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Post by peano on Dec 18, 2023 4:43:08 GMT
I've been taking Ozempic for around 5 years for diabetes (now pre-diabetes due to diet and exercise, and presumably the medication). I just wish I could get the medication now. There's a shortage of the med because of people using it for weight loss--I understand the sentiment, but it's kind of annoying. Last month I missed two doses due to shortage of the drug, and this month the same. CVS tells me it can no longer obtain the medication and asked me to ask my doctor to prescribe something else.
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Post by dewryce on Dec 18, 2023 7:40:36 GMT
I’m on Ozempic, started it last December when we could not get my blood sugar under control even on several other medications. It was in the 400s. Stayed on a really low dose for a while and it definitely helped my blood glucose levels, though I did not lose any weight or notice any of the symptoms like fuller faster, not thinking about food, not being hungry, or nausea. Several months ago we started increasing it and the weight starting dropping pretty rapidly. That only lasted for a little while and then I stopped feeling full as quickly and I was definitely having hormonal hunger issues. I fluctuated within a 5 pound range for a couple of months, pretty frustrating. I think that’s because the body gets upset that you’re eating so few calories, so it ups the production of a different hunger hormone. I read that, but never checked the validity of the source and now can’t find it. Whatever it was, the medication is starting to work again in that I can’t eat as much and I’m starting to take a while to feel hungry again. I’m still thinking about it pretty often. And I started to s l o w l y lose again, just barely. As for concerns about unknown side effects, I get that, I really do. And I have health anxiety and am especially concerned about cancer due to family history and just in general. So if I had a lot less weight to lose I would have tried to come off it once my glucose was under control. But my weight will for sure have me in an early grave and it greatly negatively impacts my life in many ways. It definitely reduces my quality of life. And I have tried absolutely everything to lose weight, most several different times. I have to lose weight. So I’m willing to take the risks. For me, I can’t fathom taking the risk if my health wasn’t impacted, but just to lose a relatively small amount of weight. The stigma I just don’t understand. Your health is being impacted, why wouldn’t you do everything possible to fix it? Most people aren’t just jumping into this willy nilly and have tried everything to lose weight over a long period of time. Should we continue to suffer because some people don’t think we’re doing it the “right way?” If the right way worked for everyone obesity wouldn’t be such an issue. This is medication. It helps the body function mostly the way it is intended to. Not the slowing down the stomach emptying, but that’s temporary. It’s been life changing. To not be gnaw your arm off hungry literally the large majority of the time I’m awake is so…magnificent. For my stomach not to feel empty and like it’s turning itself inside out less than 30 minutes after I’ve eaten a huge meal is so foreign. Feeling full? Very rare unless I have way over eaten. Not to be thinking about food the entire time I’m awake. I never realized just how very bad these issues were until they weren’t there. Like I said, life changing. And if “normal” people feel like this most of the time? They.have.no.clue. what we have been through, what we live with 24/7 and I’m not particularly concerned about their judgmental opinion. I'd be open to trying it once the costs come down. My coworker that I share a cubicle wall with has been on Ozempic for most of the year and she gets so sick from it all the time. It seems like she always has an upset stomach and that concerns me. I have enough IBS symptoms, I really don't need more things going wrong. My husband does feel nauseated often, which is a potential side effect. Not one I’ve experienced, though. Once I hit the higher doses, I always felt pretty sick for about 48 hours. A trash can lived by my bed as it was worse at night, I’d eat chicken soup and not much else for at least the first day, and I felt awful. My husband actually asked me to stop taking it. But I knew the side effects were temporary for some and my weight is literally killing me so I was willing to keep with it. It’s hasn’t been nearly as bad recently, I didn’t throw up at all last week and this week I oddly threw up on Day 6. To be fair, it was while I was brushing my teeth and I have occasionally thrown up while doing that while not on the medication. I've been taking Ozempic for around 5 years for diabetes (now pre-diabetes due to diet and exercise, and presumably the medication). I just wish I could get the medication now. There's a shortage of the med because of people using it for weight loss--I understand the sentiment, but it's kind of annoying. Last month I missed two doses due to shortage of the drug, and this month the same. CVS tells me it can no longer obtain the medication and asked me to ask my doctor to prescribe something else. Have you tried other pharmacies? Since my local Walgreen’s said it was a distribution center issue I assumed that was a regional thing. But different pharmacies can use different places. DH called around for me and found a place we were able to get mine filled. Can’t hurt to try. |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Dec 18, 2023 12:35:25 GMT
dewryce how is it affecting your mental health? I know you lean more toward depression with your bipolar and mine is schizo-affective, leaning much more toward mania. Right now, my doctors are battling it out. My primary care has discussed it at the last two appointments and says that she is hoping I decide in favor of it by my May appointment. She is claiming it is helping people who suffer with depression, as well as weight loss. She even thinks it might help me quit smoking. My psychiatrist, on the other hand, is completely opposed to me taking it. She says we are having enough trouble balancing my brain now that perimenopause is in full swing for me. She was like, I want you to do intermittent fasting. I'm not sure I can do that as I take metformin and when I get hungry, I feel sick and dizzy. Almost dissociated. So the idea of putting off food for some makeshift "window" of eating seems impossible to me. I did meet with a dietician and I've been incorporating her suggestions. I've lost 13 pounds since July. Not much, but I'm trying. I have PCOS and hypothyroid. So, my doc is not convinced the dietary changes I can make are good enough alone without these meds. My psychiatrist is afraid they are going to jumpstart my mania and it's already hostile enough.
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peppermintpatty
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Post by peppermintpatty on Dec 18, 2023 12:37:10 GMT
When these people stop taking it, they will gain the weight back within 1 year. I read that you can really only safely take them for about 6 months and then your appetite will return within 6 months. To me, it is a quick gimmick that doesn't really teach people how to eat properly.
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Post by Merge on Dec 18, 2023 13:31:06 GMT
She also said that they can cause problems with various endoscopic procedures and surgery because the digestive tract doesn’t empty like normal. People need to stop taking these medications 2 weeks before any scheduled surgery or procedure. If people need emergency surgery then there are techniques that anesthetists already use when they don't know the last time someone ate or drank. It's not an issue, there are also other medications that people need to stop before surgery (blood thinners etc) so I don't see why this would be a particular concern. That's fine; I'm just reporting what the endoscopy nurse told me unprompted. She asked me if I was taking those medications and then told me that was why they asked. I'm just the messenger. |
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Post by monklady123 on Dec 18, 2023 13:33:09 GMT
I have mixed feelings about these drugs. I know at least one of them -- Ozempic? -- is a diabetes drug and our local news has reported that diabetics have been having a hard time finding medications that they need. I don't know if this was one of those, but if so then I think obviously the diabetics should have it first, not someone who wants it to lose weight if they could be losing weight by diet and exercise. On the other hand, if there are legitimate medical reasons why someone is overweight and one of these drugs can help them then why not? It would be just like any other medical condition that needs medication. When I say "legitimate medical reasons" I do not mean for someone like me who is overweight because I don't eat right. When I crack down and stop eating a lot of junk and cut back on the white carbs (bread, pasta, etc.) then I lose weight. So I don't think there's any reason why I would need weight loss drugs, because for my overall health I need to just plain eat better (I'm trying....  ) -- and also I do not want to be on it for the rest of my life. eta: I went back and read the thread and I see someone did mention Ozempic... I really need to read before posting.  |
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Dec 18, 2023 13:36:02 GMT
The side effects sound scary (particularly the slowing of the digestive tract and the possible paralysis there) The most common cause of Gastroparesis (digestive paralysis) is diabetes. I don’t believe there’s been anything definitive tying it to semaglutide, since most of the people taking it are already diabetic or prediabetic. It’s been on the news that it is related to the meds, and that it is irreversible. I’m sure it’s rare but all of the factors that I mentioned have me a little turned off from it (can’t afford it anyway so it’s not really a consideration). |
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Post by peasapie on Dec 18, 2023 13:53:53 GMT
My cousin has lost 80 lbs. on munjaro (sp?) and would like to lose 20 more. Plus she is walking 4 miles/day and eating 2 meals/day. The meds are helping her feel less hungry and I guess inspiring her to exercise more. She's been overweight most of her adult life.
My friend had bariatric surgery two years ago that almost killed her. This seems like a better alternative for people with extreme weight to lose.
I guess Oprah might have been waiting to see if she actually lost some weight before making an announcement, so she didn't feel under pressure. Good for her. We've seen her weight swings over the years, and I hope this path works for her.
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Post by pjaye on Dec 18, 2023 14:10:56 GMT
and that it is irreversible Gastroparesis is relatively rare and in the majority of cases it is reversible, when you stop taking the drug it resolves. I read that you can really only safely take them for about 6 months and then your appetite will return within 6 months Again, not true, I remember when the first one, Byetta hit the market in 2005, then Liraglutide in 2010 and Semaglutide (Ozempic) has been around for about 5 years. Many people have been on these drugs for years to control their diabetes. There is no 6 month limit. |
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JustCallMeMommy
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Post by JustCallMeMommy on Dec 18, 2023 14:38:20 GMT
Ozempic can be taken indefinitely, but, like many medications, the dose may need to increase over time to continue being effective. I've been taking Ozempic for around 5 years for diabetes (now pre-diabetes due to diet and exercise, and presumably the medication). I just wish I could get the medication now. There's a shortage of the med because of people using it for weight loss--I understand the sentiment, but it's kind of annoying. Last month I missed two doses due to shortage of the drug, and this month the same. CVS tells me it can no longer obtain the medication and asked me to ask my doctor to prescribe something else. I couldn't get it for 2 of the last 4 months. To make it worse, Walgreens wouldn't just form a queue and fill it on first come, first served. They cancel the orders and you have to get lucky putting another order in at exactly the right time. Some of the insurance companies, mine included, are going to stop covering it at the rate they do now on Jan. 1, so the supply problems may lighten. The letter said that the manufacturer is no longer participating in their "Patient Assurance Program," which makes me wonder if they are opting out of programs with a lot of insurance companies. They recommended switching Mounjaro or Trulicity. |
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Gennifer
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Post by Gennifer on Dec 18, 2023 14:57:11 GMT
The most common cause of Gastroparesis (digestive paralysis) is diabetes. I don’t believe there’s been anything definitive tying it to semaglutide, since most of the people taking it are already diabetic or prediabetic. It’s been on the news that it is related to the meds, and that it is irreversible. I’m sure it’s rare but all of the factors that I mentioned have me a little turned off from it (can’t afford it anyway so it’s not really a consideration). Correlation doesn’t equal causation. Again, most people taking this are already diabetic or pre-diabetic, which is what usually causes gastroparesis. So if it develops, is it because of the medication, or because of the diabetes? The news is always condensed for time and a bit sensationalized, which is why so many people think it’s just Ozempic and don’t even recognize the brand name Wegovy (which is prescribed specifically for weight loss) or semaglutide, the name of the actual medication. |
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Post by dewryce on Dec 18, 2023 15:06:59 GMT
dewryce how is it affecting your mental health? I know you lean more toward depression with your bipolar and mine is schizo-affective, leaning much more toward mania. Right now, my doctors are battling it out. My primary care has discussed it at the last two appointments and says that she is hoping I decide in favor of it by my May appointment. She is claiming it is helping people who suffer with depression, as well as weight loss. She even thinks it might help me quit smoking. My psychiatrist, on the other hand, is completely opposed to me taking it. She says we are having enough trouble balancing my brain now that perimenopause is in full swing for me. She was like, I want you to do intermittent fasting. I'm not sure I can do that as I take metformin and when I get hungry, I feel sick and dizzy. Almost dissociated. So the idea of putting off food for some makeshift "window" of eating seems impossible to me. I did meet with a dietician and I've been incorporating her suggestions. I've lost 13 pounds since July. Not much, but I'm trying. I have PCOS and hypothyroid. So, my doc is not convinced the dietary changes I can make are good enough alone without these meds. My psychiatrist is afraid they are going to jumpstart my mania and it's already hostile enough. I haven’t noticed any changes to my mental health. I have had quite a few bouts with depression this year, but that’s not at all unusual. And they’re no worse than usual. And I have had maybe one hypomanic cycle since I started it. Also not unusual for my past few years as, oddly, I’m getting them less and less. I’ve wondered about it’s affects on quitting smoking since it seems it might treat other addictions. |
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Gennifer
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Post by Gennifer on Dec 18, 2023 15:08:29 GMT
I have mixed feelings about these drugs. I know at least one of them -- Ozempic? -- is a diabetes drug and our local news has reported that diabetics have been having a hard time finding medications that they need. I don't know if this was one of those, but if so then I think obviously the diabetics should have it first, not someone who wants it to lose weight if they could be losing weight by diet and exercise. This kind of thinking blows my mind. Why not use the medication to PREVENT someone from getting diabetes, instead of waiting until they do? Why aren’t we mad at the big pharma companies who are gatekeeping? The base peptide is out there and readily available, which is why people can get it compounded. Also, I can’t speak for everyone who takes this medication, but I am following a diet and doing exercise. This is a tool, used in conjunction. It’s not a magic solution. When I say "legitimate medical reasons" I do not mean for someone like me who is overweight because I don't eat right. When I crack down and stop eating a lot of junk and cut back on the white carbs (bread, pasta, etc.) then I lose weight. This is what I used to think about myself, too… that it was just a matter of willpower. It’s not. |
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Post by busy on Dec 18, 2023 15:11:41 GMT
Man, there’s a lot of misinformation on this thread and a lot of viewing obesity as a character flaw instead of the medical condition it is.
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Post by Linda on Dec 18, 2023 15:17:10 GMT
I took Trulicity (Dulaglutide) for a while but weekly injectables aren't a good fit for me. I've been taking Rybelsus ( semaglutide) for a few years now. It's a pill and despite the timing issues (take fasting with minimal water and wait 30 minutes before drinking/eating/taking other meds) it's a much better fit for me.
I'm diabetic (type 2) and take it for blood sugar control - weight control is simply a lovely side effect. I've lost 70 lbs since being diagnosed in 2015 - the first 50 before starting these meds - so they've contributed to losing 20 lbs. I have another 10-20 lbs to go and hope next year they'll come off.
I had some GI side effects - mainly constipation - when starting the meds and when increasing dosage - but that's mostly cleared up as my body adjusted. Metformin has the opposite effect so at this point they seem to have cancelled each other out. I do have occasional nausea but that could be any one of the various meds I'm on and/or related to my GERD/chronic gastritis (both pre-date the meds).
As far as appetite suppressing? I find I'll hit a wall while eating and I can't take another bite. I'm definitely no longer a member of the clean plate club, lol.
I don't personally see an issue with people taking it for weight loss - obesity contributes to and is caused by many health issues and if a doctor thinks it'll help with that, and you can afford it and are willing to commit to it - why not? It's a tool to help with health imo
They ARE expensive and I'm grateful that DH carries excellent health insurance for us because we wouldn't be able to afford it out of pocket.
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) -- and also I do not want to be on it for the rest of my life. 
