What are the benefits of weight loss medication?
Find out what benefits there are for you when starting a treatment course with weight loss medication
The overwhelming advantage of taking weight loss drugs is that most patients experience a reduction in appetite that leads to weight loss.
Reduced appetite and weight loss
The benefits of taking weight loss drugs are clearly a reduction in appetite and an increased feeling of fullness, which contributes to weight loss for some. Most people who are overweight have tried countless diets throughout their lives. Most succeed in losing weight at times, but few manage to maintain a lasting weight loss. Moreover, it is rarely very pleasant to be on a diet. You consume fewer calories than you burn, and your body constantly craves food. Hunger becomes a constant companion for many. This, along with disturbing thoughts about food and physical symptoms that arise from consuming less energy. At the beginning of a diet, it can almost feel like you are ill.
The food monster becomes quiet
Many people we have spoken to say that the drug not only suppresses appetite but also works against food cravings and disturbing thoughts about food. It shuts off the voice that insists you need to eat all the time. In other words, many people experience relief from the annoying side effects that can occur when on a traditional diet.
What does the research show?
If you are considering taking weight loss drugs or are already undergoing treatment, it is important to know the research behind it. The STEP studies provide us with clear insights into the effectiveness of semaglutide, one of the most talked-about types of weight loss medication.
Significant Weight Loss: Many participants in the studies who took semaglutide experienced significant weight loss compared to those who did not take the drug. This means that the chances of achieving satisfactory weight loss with the medication are higher than without it.
Healthy Heart: In addition to helping with weight loss, semaglutide can also be good for your heart. The studies showed improvements in heart health markers for those who took the medication. Later, the SELECT study showed a 20% reduction in life-threatening cardiovascular events in people with cardiovascular disease and overweight or severe obesity.
Reduced Risk of Kidney Disease for Type 2 Diabetics: The Flow study, whose results were announced in March 2024, showed a 24% reduction in the risk of kidney disease-related events in people with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease.
How Does It Feel? In general, the medication was well received by participants. However, as with all medication, some experienced side effects, especially stomach issues. Read more about this under disadvantages.
Long-Lasting Results: The studies showed that the effect of the medication was not only short-term. With continuous use, semaglutide helped many maintain their weight loss over a longer period.
Quality of Life: For many, one of the most remarkable results was not just the weight loss, but how it improved their daily lives. Feeling better in their bodies, having more energy, and an improved self-image were some of the positive changes reported by participants.
Weight loss medication should never stand alone
It is crucial to be aware that weight loss drugs should never stand alone and should always be accompanied by a general lifestyle change with healthier choices and habits. If one succeeds in combining weight loss medication with changed habits in diet and exercise, there is a great chance that one will both experience very good effects from the medication and also have a good chance of maintaining the weight loss when the medical treatment ends.
Get answers to typical questions about weight loss medication
The most obvious benefits of weight loss drugs are the reduction of appetite and the increase in feeling full, which leads to weight loss for many patients. Other benefits include reduced food cravings and fewer disturbing thoughts about food, making it easier to adhere to a calorie-restricted diet.
Weight loss medication can help turn off the inner ‘food monster’ that constantly demands food by reducing appetite and food cravings. This makes it easier for patients to resist temptations and adhere to a healthier diet plan.
Research, such as the STEP studies for semaglutide, shows that weight loss drugs can lead to significant weight loss, improve heart health, and in some cases reduce the risk of kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes. These results underscore the effectiveness and potential health benefits of the medication.
Studies indicate that the effects of weight loss medication can be long-lasting, provided the medication is used continuously. However, it is important to combine the medication with lifestyle changes to maintain weight loss in the long term.
Many patients report improved quality of life as a result of weight loss and the positive changes it brings, such as better physical condition, increased energy, and improved self-esteem.
While many experience few or manageable side effects, some patients may experience stomach issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is important to discuss potential side effects with your doctor.
No, weight loss medication should not stand alone but should be part of a comprehensive approach to weight loss, including dietary changes, increased physical activity, and other lifestyle changes. This not only ensures effective weight loss but also helps maintain the results achieved in the long term.
It is crucial to remember that while weight loss drugs can provide significant support in the weight loss process, it is only one tool among many. A holistic approach that includes medication, diet, exercise, and psychological support is often the most effective method to achieve and maintain a healthy weight loss.