If you’re considering Ozempic, Mounjaro, or Trulicity for weight loss, here is some background information to help you prepare for a conversation with your health care provider.
Medications like Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Rybelsus® (semaglutide), Mounjaro® and Zepbound® (tirzepatide), and Trulicity® (dulaglutide) have seemingly been everywhere lately. These are a group of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) that are used to treat type 2 diabetes and to manage weight loss.
The active ingredients in these medications, semaglutide, tirzepatide and dulaglutide, are a synthetic form of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone. These medications mimic the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone, which is implicated in regulating blood sugar, slowing digestion, and reducing appetite. While including a weight loss mediation as part of your weight loss plan can be effective, these medications are not a “quick fix” — they work best when they are combined with a healthy diet and exercise. Pairing GLP-1 RAs with a dietary beverage designed specifically for people using weight loss medications, such as Biocare®*, can help reduce the side effects commonly experienced with these medications.
Bottom line: If you are considering Ozempic, Mounjaro, or Trulicity for weight loss, it is important to talk with your health care provider to make sure this is the right choice for you. Here is some background information to help you prepare for your conversation.
Who Should Consider a Weight Loss Medication
Who Should Consider A Weight Loss Medication |
Ozempic or Wegovy |
Rybelsus |
Mounjaro/Zepbound |
Trulicity |
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Adults with Type II diabetes and a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m² |
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Currently have cardiovascular disease or a risk for cardiovascular disease, e.g., high blood pressure, high cholesterol |
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Child (age 10 or older) with type 2 diabetes |
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Who Should Not Consider a Weight Loss Medication
Who Should Not Consider A Weight Loss Medication |
Ozempic or Wegovy |
Rybelsus |
Mounjaro/Zepbound |
Trulicity |
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Adults with a history of either medullary thyroid cancer, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome (MEN2), type 1 diabetes, diabetic retinopathy |
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Patients who have had depression, suicidal thoughts, or mental health issues |
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Pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or nursing |
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Patients who are allergic to the active ingredient |
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Cosmetic weight loss |
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Children under 10 |
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Patients under 18 |
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What are the Potential Side Effects of These Medications?
What are the Potential Side Effects of These Medications? |
Ozempic or Wegovy |
Rybelsus |
Mounjaro/Zepbound |
Trulicity |
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GI issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, constipation, headache, fatigue |
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Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer |
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Lump or swelling in your neck, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath |
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Low blood sugar |
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Pancreatitis |
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Gallbladder problems |
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Kidney problems / kidney failure |
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Change in vision |
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Increased heart rate |
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Depression or thoughts of suicide |
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Why Would You Consider These Medications?
Why Would You Consider These Medications? |
Ozempic or Wegovy |
Rybelsus |
Mounjaro/Zepbound |
Trulicity |
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Reduce your risk of weight-related health conditions |
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Reduce your risk of complications from type 2 diabetes |
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Improve glycemic control |
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Weight loss |
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Deciding to take a weight loss medication is a personal decision. While there are benefits to these medications, there are also some considerations. Like all medications, Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, Mounjaro, Zepbound, and Trulicity have side effects and may not be tolerated by all patients. These medications can also be cost prohibitive for some patients. Pre-existing conditions may not make you a good candidate for these medications. For example, if you have a history of pancreatitis, medullary thyroid cancer, or gall bladder disease, your health care provider will very likely not suggest these medications.
If you and your health care provider decide a GLP-1 medication is right for you, it is important to read all the accompanying information. To optimize the benefits of these medications, it is critical to pair them with healthy lifestyle changes such as following a healthy eating plan and weekly exercise. In addition, adding a scientifically-designed dietary beverage, like Biocare®*, can help reduce side effects from the medication.
Prior to starting any weight loss program, whether it includes anti-obesity medication or not, be sure to consult with your health care provider to make sure your desired weight loss strategy is right for you.
About the Author: Dr. Dawn M. Sweet has over 20 years of experience in the field of communication. Dr. Sweet has given several invited talks to and workshops for academic and private sector audiences on the role of nonverbal and verbal communication in achieving positive outcomes and mitigating bias. Her research has been published in several top ranked peer-review journals, and it has been featured on NPR’s River to River / All Things Considered, Buzzfeed, and Science Daily. Her research has also been used to inform expert testimony.
* Wegovy® and Ozempic® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. Novo Nordisk is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S.
