Types of Anti Obesity Medications

TABLETS:

  • Duromine
  • Topiramate
  • Contrave
  • Metformin


INJECTIONS:

  • Trulicity 
  • Saxenda
  • Ozempic
  • Wegovy
  • Mounjaro    

How Do Anti Obesity Medications Work?


Medications which are taken orally as a tablet form such as Metformin, Duromine,  Contrave, and Topiramate all work in different ways according to the particular medication. Generally, these medications reduce a patient's appetite and may reduce cravings.


Injectable weight loss medications mimic certain GUT Hormones (Hormone GLP1) that control appetite and how we feel when we eat. They often cause patients to snack less and eat smaller portions. These medications include Trulicity, Saxenda, Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.

What are the Advantages of Anti Obesity Medications?


The benefits of Anti Obesity Medications are often improved if patients combine these with a healthy diet, healthy eating behaviours and regular physical activity.


GLP1 AGONIST (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Saxenda, Trulicity) MEDICATIONS-EFFECTS ON THE BODY

* Decreased appetite

* Decreased food intake

* Increased Satiety

* Decreased body weight

* Increased Insulin

* Decreased hyperglycaemia

* Increased Insulin sensitivity

* Decreased gastric emptying - slower emptying of stomach


GLP1 AGONIST (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Saxenda, Trulicity) MEDICATIONS-BENEFITS TO HEALTH

* Decreased death from cardio-vascular disease

* Decreased incidence of heart attack

* Decreased incidence of stroke

* Decreased blood pressure

* Decreased fatty liver disease

* Decreased inflammation

* Decreased body weight


WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF INJECTABLE WEIGHT LOSS MEDICATIONS (GLP1 AGONISTS)?

  • Most Anti Obesity Medications are not PBS listed and carry a significant cost
  • The high cost associated with taking Anti Obesity Medications long term often leads to many patients having to stop these medications
  • Up to 1/3 patients have ceased OAMs by 1 month in some practices due to cost or side effects
  • Up to 2/3 patients have ceased OAMs by 3 months in some practices due to cost or side effects
  • Patients are more likely to cease medications if not prescribed by a specialist
  • Many patients regain their lost weight within 12 months of ceasing medications
  • Anti Obesity Medications may need to be ceased if certain side effects occur
  • As with certain medications, the effect of Anti Obesity Medications may diminish over time in some patients


Disadvantages of Injectable Weight Loss Medications (GLP1 Agonists)

  • AVOID or USE CAUTIOUSLY
  • Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma, MEN2
  • History of Pancreatitis
  • Severe GI disorders (eg. Gastroparesis)
  • Pregnancy


POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS/ POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF INJECTABLE WEIGHT LOSS  MEDICATIONS (GLP1 AGONISTS):

  • Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Early Satiety
  • Pancreatitis
  • Gallstones
  • Delayed Gastric Emptying
  • Thyroid C cell tumours
  • Acute Kidney Injury
  • Hypoglycaemia