Courtesy of FoodTrients

Something interesting happened when physicians started prescribing medications that were developed for people with type 2 diabetes; they saw that these patients often experienced a reduced appetite followed by weight loss. The most popular currently, Semaglutide (sold as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and others), affects hormones and appetite to help people lose weight. These drugs are currently trending on social media and the news, with many influencers touting them as a miracle weight loss drug. But just like everything in the nutrition-world, there is a complex list of pros, cons, and questions that are left to be explored when it comes to these and other weight loss medications. If you’ve been wondering about all these weight loss drugs buzzing in the news and online, it’s time to better understand what they are, who they’re for, and some of the ethics and considerations behind using them. When considering if a medication for weight loss is right for you, the first thing you should do is have a conversation with your doctor. Be sure that you’re working with someone who is able to discuss the pros and cons and personalize recommendations for you and your health goals. There are many considerations you should weigh before taking a weight loss drug. Weight loss medications used in the past have ended up banned, sometimes years later, because of negative side effects. It may be too early to tell how these newer drugs may affect your health long-term. Choosing whether or not to take a weight loss drug is a complex decision. Make sure to understand if you qualify, the pros and cons, and how you’re going to make positive lifestyle changes along with taking a medication before you ever start taking one.