WeightWatchers, the long-standing diet company, recently announced its acquisition of a telehealth provider that prescribes anti-obesity drugs to an increasing number of online subscribers. The $132 million deal with Sequence represents another venture into the booming market for prescription weight loss drugs. Despite not being approved for weight loss, the diabetes drug Ozempic has gained popularity on social media, causing supply shortages.
WeightWatchers plans to introduce its 3.5 million subscribers to innovative medications that supplement behavioural changes like exercise and diet monitoring. Obesity experts believe these drugs could transform treatment for the condition, which affects 42% of American adults.
NEW DIET DRUGS EXPLAINED
The most talked-about drugs belong to a category known as GLP-1 agonists. Ozempic and Wegovy, two of the most popular, are different doses of the same drug, semaglutide. While Ozempic has been used to treat type 2 diabetes for six years, it is not approved for weight loss. Wegovy, on the other hand, was approved in 2021 for adult obesity treatment and later for children and teenagers aged 12 and up.
These drugs are typically prescribed to people with diabetes, obesity, or overweight with additional health issues. They are usually administered via weekly injections. Supply shortages occurred last year due to high demand, but the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, has since replenished stocks.
HOW THE DRUGS FUNCTION
These medications imitate a gut hormone activated after eating, increasing insulin release, inhibiting liver sugar production, and suppressing appetite. Tirzepatide, a newer drug, mimics two hormones for enhanced effects. Currently approved for diabetes treatment, Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro received FDA fast-track status for obesity treatment, with a decision expected this spring.
By reducing appetite and increasing satiety, people using these drugs consume less food and lose weight.
DRUG EFFECTIVENESS
In a clinical trial, adult Wegovy users experienced an average weight loss of nearly 35 pounds or around 15% of their initial body weight. Adolescents lose about 16% of their body weight. Mounjaro, still under study, demonstrated mean weight loss between 15% and 21% of body weight, depending on dosage, compared to a 3% loss for placebo users.
WHY NOT RELY ON DIET AND EXERCISE?
Dr. Louis Aronne, director of Weill Cornell Medicine’s Comprehensive Weight Control Center, explains that in a standard weight-loss program based on diet and exercise, about a third of participants lose 5% or more of their body weight. However, the body’s biological response to reduced caloric intake makes weight loss challenging due to increased hunger and body mass preservation.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Common side effects include temporary gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and constipation. Other possible side effects encompass thyroid tumours, cancer, pancreatitis, kidney and gallbladder inflammation, and eye problems. Individuals with a family history of certain thyroid cancers or a rare genetic endocrine disorder should avoid these drugs.
CONSUMER CONSIDERATIONS
Dr. Amy Rothberg, a University of Michigan endocrinologist, suggests that these new medications could effectively complement a multifaceted approach to weight loss. However, she expresses concern that programs like WeightWatchers might prioritize boosting enrollment and profits.
Rothberg emphasizes the importance of ensuring patients take the drugs for their intended purpose, assessing whether there are contraindications, and monitoring for side effects.
CRITERIA FOR PRESCRIBING WEIGHT LOSS DRUGS
Healthcare providers generally prescribe these weight loss drugs to individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher or those with a BMI of 27 or higher who also have weight-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. These medications are meant to be used with a reduced-calorie diet, regular exercise, and behavioural modifications.
COST AND INSURANCE COVERAGE
These prescription weight loss drugs can be expensive, with or without insurance coverage. Insurance companies may cover part of the cost if the medication is medically necessary, but patients may still face significant out-of-pocket expenses. It’s essential to consult with your insurance provider and healthcare professional to determine the affordability and coverage of these medications.
NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL ALTERNATIVES
While prescription weight loss drugs can be effective, non-pharmacological alternatives should also be considered. These may include:
- Lifestyle changes: Adopting a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and improving sleep habits can contribute to weight loss and overall well-being.
- Behavioural therapy: Working with a registered dietitian, therapist, or certified health coach can help individuals develop healthier habits and coping strategies for weight management.
- Weight loss programs: Enrolling in a structured weight loss program, such as WeightWatchers or Jenny Craig, can provide support and guidance for sustainable weight loss.
- Bariatric surgery: For individuals with severe obesity or obesity-related health conditions, bariatric surgery may be a suitable option after exhausting other weight loss efforts.
Prescription weight loss drugs, like GLP-1 agonists, can offer promising results for specific individuals struggling with obesity or weight-related health issues. However, it’s crucial to approach these medications cautiously, understanding the potential side effects and ensuring proper monitoring by healthcare professionals. Ultimately, a multifaceted and personalized approach to weight loss that includes lifestyle changes, behavioural therapy, and, when appropriate, medication or surgical intervention will yield the best long-term results.
