Part One of Two: New Developments and Guidelines for Weight Loss Medications

Weight loss medications have evolved significantly in recent years, offering new hope for individuals struggling with obesity. Injectable medications like semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) have emerged as effective options, particularly for those who have not found success with traditional methods. This two part blog series will explore the latest updates, benefits, and considerations for patients regarding these treatments.

Recent updates on injectable weight loss medications reveal several key developments:

1. Semaglutide for Cardiovascular Health: The FDA has approved semaglutide (Wegovy)  to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes in adults with obesity or those who are overweight with cardiovascular disease (FDA). This approval is based on a large clinical trial demonstrating a significant reduction in heart attack and stroke risks among participants.
   
2. New Weight Loss Drugs: In 2024, new drugs such as Zepbound (tirzepatide) are entering the market, showing even more promising results for weight loss compared to existing medications (FDA). Tirzepatide, a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 receptor agonist, has demonstrated superior weight loss outcomes in clinical trials. Patients using tirzepatide experienced up to 22.5% weight reduction, making it a potentially more effective option for some individuals (FDA).

Both Semaglutide and tirzepatide have proven effective in aiding weight loss, but individual responses can vary. Semaglutide’s additional cardiovascular benefits may make it preferable for patients with existing heart conditions, while Tirzepatide’s superior weight loss results could be more appealing for others. It is essential for healthcare providers to tailor treatment plans to each patient’s specific needs and health profile.

These two updates indicate significant advancements and new considerations in the field of weight loss medications. In general, tossing weight reduces the risk of obesity related disease such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Importantly, patients must stay informed of potential side effects while monitoring their weight loss journey. Stay tuned for the second part of this series to read more! 

Luke B. Berry MD

The MedBerry Network 

Medical Director and Founder 

MedBerry Health PLLC