Weight-Loss Drugs and Injectables 101

While weight-loss drugs and injectables can be an effective short-term strategy, the long-term success and safety are still being researched and is unknown. Embarking on a weight-loss journey often involves exploring a variety of medications designed to provide effective support. But what is best for you and how do they work? Here we categorize these medications into two main groups: injectables and drugs. 

Injectables can be a successful strategy in the short-term, examples of these medications include:

Ozempic (Semaglutide)

• Mechanism: A once-weekly injectable mimics a naturally occurring hormone to regulate appetite.
• Eligibility: BMI of 30 or higher, or BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition.
• Weight Loss: Adults taking the medicine have typically lost between 8 and 14 lbs.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Also used to manage blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Mounjaro (Tirezpatide)

• Mechanism: First dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor antagonist. A once-weekly injectable that  works by slowing down the food as the body processes it and decreases appetite.
• Eligibility: BMI of 30 or higher, or BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition.
• Weight Loss: Clinical studies found that patients who took Mounjaro lost an average of 15% of their body weight
• Type 2 Diabetes: Also used to manage blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Patients taking injectable medications should know that side effects have been reported in some or all of the above medications including nausea, constipation, vomiting, dizziness, and headache. Learn more about injectables here. 

Drugs, these medications are typically taken in the form of a pill that is taken ranging from one to multiple times per day, below is a short list of these. 

Qsymia (Phentermine/Topiramate ER)

• Mechanism: A once-daily extended-release capsule that reduces appetite and increases the feeling of fullness.
• Eligibility: BMI of 30 or higher, or BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition.
• Weight Loss: Clinical studies show patients taking Qsymia for 56 weeks have lost an average of between 24 and 32 lbs.

Orlistat (Xenical)

• Mechanism: A capsule taken three times a day with each main meal prevents the absorption of dietary fats in the digestive system.
• Eligibility: BMI of 30 or higher, or BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition.
• Weight Loss: On average, patients can expect to lose approximately 5 to 10 lbs during the first six months.

Patients taking weight-loss medications should know that side effects have been reported in some or all of the above medications including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, gas and dizziness. 

NYBG’s Medical Weight Loss Program: A Cut Above

The New York Bariatric Group's  medical weight-loss program stands out as a personalized evidence-based approach to weight management under the guidance of healthcare professionals. 

1. Expert Guidance:
   Led by a team of experienced healthcare professionals, including specialists in bariatric medicine, nutrition, and behavioral health.
2.  Customized Treatment Plans:
   Creates personalized treatment plans tailored to individual weight-loss needs and goals.
3.  Multidisciplinary Support:
   Provides support from a multidisciplinary team, addressing various aspects of physical, nutritional and mental well-being.
4. Incorporating Advanced Medications:
   Integrates and supervises the taking of cutting-edge medications like Semaglutide, Ozempic, Wegovy, and other treatment strategies.

New York Bariatric Group: Weight Loss Leader 

NYBG is the leader in comprehensive weight-loss solutions. We are a one-stop shop, offering long-term weight-loss surgery as well as medically-supervised weight loss such as medications and injectables. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to losing weight. At NYBG, we work with you to customize a weight-loss program that will work best for you. 

Weight-loss drugs and injectables have been shown to be an effective short-term strategy, but the long-term effects and safety is still unknown. With our Medical Weight Loss Program the ongoing supervision allows doctors to make necessary adjustments to a patient’s treatment plan based on their progress and changes to their health. 

Weight-loss surgery is the only proven long-term weight-loss solution. With decades of research, patients have seen sustainable weight loss. We offer multiple weight-loss surgery procedures and our doctors will work with you to find the right option. 

Our practice is the best around: 

• Over 30 surgeons who are leaders in bariatrics, plastic surgery, veins, and medical weight loss.
• 42,000 successful procedures performed with more every day
• The #1 gastric balloon practice by volume – most balloons placed in the United States
• Access to online seminars, support groups, cooking demos, and Q-and-A sessions
• 100s of videos for patients explaining procedures, answering common questions, and
  showcasing previous patients
• Multiple offices located in three states; NY, NJ, CT
• Offering in-person and virtual consultations
• Since 2000, we boast over 23 years of success!

All of our hospitals are Metabolic Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) accredited facilities, which is a prestigious designation bestowed upon only the top-quality bariatric programs.

Stop waiting; start achieving better health today. Together, we’ve got this!