There is a new class of drugs that have come to market more recently that contain the active ingredient Semaglutide that mimics the effects of a hormone that helps us recognize when we are feeling full and tells us to stop eating. These drugs were designed primarily to help people control their diabetes, but results also showed a corresponding weight loss.
It’s important to note that, while the weight loss effects of these drugs has shown to be better than some earlier drugs, they are no “silver bullet” according to the World Health Organization.
The drug companies claim that patients can lose up to 15% of their body weight over a period of about 17 months. For a person who weighs 200 lb, that amounts to a potential loss of up to 30 lb, which isn’t all that impressive at all for a 17-month long effort. In addition, the patient is required to remain on the drug indefinitely or risk putting the weight back on when the effect of the drug stops.
There are other factors to consider as well before deciding to start on a new drug, including the expense and potential side-effects.
These drugs carry a monthly cost of over $1,000 (USD) and may not be covered by insurance. So, the example patient described above would be facing a cost of more than $17,000 (USD) to potentially lose 30 lb, and then have to continue that monthly cost indefinitely.
Many articles have been published recently that document the side effects of these drugs. One article that was recently published in the journal Medscape, lists some of these:
Gastrointestinal symptoms such as:
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• stomach pain
• loss of bowel control while sleeping
• severe heartburn
Other non-gastrointestinal side effects may include:
• gaunt-looking “Ozempic Face”
• hair loss
• anxiety
• depression
• debilitating fatigue
At the Bernstein Diet & Health Clinic, we never use any diet drugs and there are no unpleasant side effects. Our patients can lose all the weight they need to at the rate of up to 20 lb every month. They quickly regain their health and vitality, and learn to maintain their ideal healthy goal weight for the long-term.