What Weight Loss Medication is Right for You?

Overview:
Ozempic is currently one of the most popular weight loss medications in Canada, popularized in news headlines and social media feeds for being a top weight loss aid with celebrities. Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, and is primarily used to treat adults with type 2 diabetes. It has been proven to help patients lose weight and decrease their body mass index (BMI). It is once-weekly subcutaneous injection.

Benefits:

• Helps improve blood sugar levels, which aids in patients losing excess weight.

• Improves high blood pressure and cholesterol levels

• Slows down food leaving your stomach, promoting feelings of fullness for prolonged periods of time.

Side effects:
Some may experience side effects such as:

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Abdominal pain

• Vomiting

• Constipation

Should you consider Ozempic?
Ozempic could be right for you if you have type 2 diabetes, and you're looking to improve your blood sugar and reach your A1C goal.
Speak to a health care provider to determine if Ozempic is right for you.

Overview:
While having the same key ingredient as Ozempic, Wegovy is a prescription medicine used with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity. It is once-weekly subcutaneous injection.

Benefits:

• Reduces risk of cardiovascular events

• Helps improve blood sugar levels, leading to weight loss.

• Improves high blood pressure and cholesterol levels

Side effects:
Some users of Wegovy may experience side effects such as:

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Abdominal pain

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Decreased appetite

Should you consider Wegovy?
Wegovy could be right for you if you are an adult with a BMI of 30 or higher, or have a body mass index of 27 or higher with weight-related issues such as type 2 diabetes or hypertension.
Speak to a health care provider to determine if Wegovy is right for you.

Overview:
Saxenda is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, and acts in multiple ways to influence blood sugar control in diabetes, and weight management. It is once-weekly subcutaneous injection. Saxenda complements a balanced diet and exercise to foster weight loss.

Benefits:

• Regulates appetite, leading to a reduced calorie diet and weight loss.

• Approved for long-term use

Side effects:
Some users of Wegovy may experience side effects such as:

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Stomach pain

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Potential for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in combination with other diabetes medications

Should you consider Saxenda?
Saxenda is appropriate for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related conditions such as hypertension or high cholesterol.
Speak to a health care provider to determine if Saxenda is right for you.

Overview:
Mounjaro uniquely targets two key digestive hormones: GLP-1, which lowers blood sugar levels after meals and helps curb appetite, and GIP, which encourages your body to release insulin more controlled. It is used in adults with type 2 diabetes and has been clinically shown to reduce excess weight in adults.

Benefits:

• Aids in regulating blood sugar

• Regulates appetite, leading to a reduced calorie diet and weight loss.

Side effects:
Some may experience side effects such as:

• Diarrhea

• Appetite changes

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Indigestion

• Abdominal discomfort

Should you consider Mounjaro?
Mounjaro could be right for you if you are an adult with type 2 diabetes, looking to lose weight and manage glycemic levels.

Overview:
Zepbound uniquely targets two key digestive hormones: GLP-1, which lowers blood sugar levels after meals and helps curb appetite, and GIP, which encourages your body to release insulin more controlled.
* Zepbound is pending approval from Health Canada.

Benefits:

• Is approved for long-term treatment

• Reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke or death in adults with Type 2 diabetes

• Regulates appetite, leading individuals to lose weight with a reduced calorie diet.

Side effects:
Some may experience side effects such as:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Stomach pain

• Indigestion

Should you consider Zepbound?
Zepbound is ideal for individuals who need weight loss support and may benefit from a dual-action approach.

Overview:
Rybelsus is not primarily used for weight management, though can aid in the process. Rybelsus is the first oral GLP-1 receptor on the market that comes in tablet form, and is primarily used in adults with type 2 diabetes. Rybelsus is taken orally once a day.

Benefits:

• Lowers blood sugar levels and A1C

• Slows digestion, which aids in patients feeling fuller for longer and losing weight

Side effects:
Some may experience side effects such as:

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Decreased appetite

• Vomiting

• Gas/ bloating

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Some more serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney problems, and allergic reactions.

Fatigue

Should you consider Rybelsus?
Rybelsus could be right for those who prefer oral medication over injections and need to manage type 2 diabetes while losing weight.

Overview:
Contrave combines two medications, Naltrexone and Bupropion. Contrave targets the areas of the brain that regulate hunger and satisfaction by:

• Cutting down eating pleasure with Naltrexone

• Lowering hunger and making you feel fuller for longer with Bupropion

Benefits:

• Aids in reducing hunger and controlling cravings, therefore being a helpful aid to lose weight

• Easy to take orally, vs. other weight loss drugs being taken through injection

Side effects:
Some may experience side effects such as:

• Nausea

• Headaches

• Constipation

• Dry mouth

• Dizziness

• Trouble sleeping

• Higher blood pressure and heart rate

• Anxiety and mood shifts

Some more serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney problems, and allergic reactions.

Should you consider Rybelsus?
If you struggle with injectable medications, Contrave can be a great alternative taken in pill form. Contrave could be right for you if you are an adult with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with a history of health issues related to excess weight.
If can also be right for you if you struggle with emotional eating and/or food cravings. Speak to a health care provider to determine if Contrave is right for you.