WEIGHT LOSS DRUGS: WEGOVY™ VS. SAXENDA®
Starting a weight loss journey comes with its set of challenges. Many seek guidance through diet, exercise, and sometimes, the support of medications. Semaglutide and Liraglutide stand out as two notable contenders in the realm of weight loss medications. In this article, we'll delve into a comparison of these drugs, underlining the crucial role of medical oversight by a physician.
Understanding the Players
The medical world is vast, with numerous drugs designed to cater to different needs. When it comes to weight management, Semaglutide and Liraglutide have emerged as two major players, both promising, yet distinct in their properties and uses.
Liraglutide
Saxenda®: Created mainly for weight management, Saxenda® gives users a feeling of fullness for longer periods by influencing hunger-related hormones and delaying stomach emptying. It's a daily injection.
Semglutide
Wegovy™ : An offering from Novo Nordisk, Wegovy™ is an enhanced dose of semaglutide specifically approved for weight management. Administered weekly, it acts by mimicking certain hormones to control appetite.
Understanding Weight Management Medications
Every drug, while promising benefits, also comes with potential side effects. Awareness ensures you're not caught off guard and can manage challenges adeptly. Most weight management medications may lead to gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Some may also cause changes in appetite, dizziness, or fatigue. It's crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific side effects of any drug you consider
Why Medical Guidance is Crucial
Medications, while potent, need to be handled with care. Our bodies, unique and complex, can react differently to the same drug. This variability is why medical guidance, by a physician who is an expert in the field of weight management, is not just recommended but essential when embarking on a weight management journey with medications.
Individual Response: Each person's response to medication can vary. Having a physician on board means someone can monitor this response and adjust dosages or strategies as needed.
Potential Side Effects: All medications come with a risk of side effects. Recognizing and addressing these in real-time is vital for safety and effectiveness.
Optimized Treatment Plan: A drug is only a part of the solution. A holistic approach that considers diet, exercise, and mental well-being is key. A medical professional can help design this comprehensive plan.
Want to explore whether you are eligible for these weight management medications? Navigating the realm of medical weight loss can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can make informed decisions tailored to your needs. Contact the Weight Loss Center of the North Shore (WLCNS) and discover more about our professional weight loss approach. Let us be your partners in achieving your health goals. Take the first step today.
References:
American Diabetes Association. (2021). Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatment: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2021. Diabetes Care, 44(Supplement 1), S111-S124. Link
Davies, M. J., Bergenstal, R., Bode, B., Kushner, R. F., Lewin, A., Skjøth, T. V., ... & Jódar, E. (2018). Efficacy of Liraglutide for Weight Loss Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: The SCALE Diabetes Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA, 314(7), 687-699. Link
Pratley, R., Amod, A., Hoff, S. T., Kadowaki, T., Lingvay, I., Nauck, M., ... & Meier, J. J. (2018). Oral semaglutide versus subcutaneous liraglutide and placebo in type 2 diabetes (PIONEER 4): a randomised, double-blind, phase 3a trial. The Lancet, 394(10192), 39-50. Link
Wilding, J. P., Batterham, R. L., Calanna, S., Davies, M., Van Gaal, L. F., Lingvay, I., ... & Pi-Sunyer, X. (2021). Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11), 989-1002. Link
Novo Nordisk. (2021). Product Information: Ozempic® (semaglutide) injection, for subcutaneous use. Bagsvaerd, Denmark: Novo Nordisk. Link
Novo Nordisk. (2021). Product Information: Saxenda® (liraglutide) injection 3 mg, for subcutaneous use. Bagsvaerd, Denmark: Novo Nordisk. Link
U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2022). FDA Approves New Drug Treatment for Chronic Weight Management, First Since 2014. Link