Understanding how weight loss medications work can help demystify the process and allow you to make informed decisions about your weight loss journey. Let’s dive into the science behind these medications and how they work.
How do they work?
Weight loss medications work through various pathways to aid in weight loss. Some common mechanisms include:
- Appetite Suppression: Medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists stimulate hormones that reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness.
- Fat Absorption Inhibition: Certain drugs prevent the absorption of fat in the intestines, reducing overall calorie intake.
- Metabolism Boosting: Some medications increase metabolic rate, helping the body burn more calories at rest.
Types of Medications
There are several types of weight loss medications, each targeting different aspects of weight regulation:
- GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: These medications mimic the hormone GLP-1, which regulates appetite and glucose levels.
- Lipase Inhibitors: These prevent the digestion of fats, leading to reduced calorie absorption.
- Sympathomimetics: These stimulate the central nervous system to decrease appetite and increase energy expenditure.
At Well by Vertis, we prescribe GLP-1 receptor agonists including Wegovy and Mounjaro. Like any medications, however, these can have side effects – which is why we only prescribe them with telehealth support.
Potential Side Effects
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and headaches. It’s important to discuss these with your clinician, and to contact us if you’re experiencing anything out of the ordinary so that we can make sure you’re safe and well.
Final Thoughts
Weight loss medications can be a valuable tool in your weight loss journey. Understanding how they work helps you make informed choices and set realistic expectations. You should always use them with the support of a licensed healthcare professional, however, to help you get the best possible results and help you to manage side effects safely.
