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The use of GLP-1 agonist medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro for diabetes and obesity management has skyrocketed in recent years — and could reach $150 billion over the next decade. But while these drugs are revolutionizing weight loss, they’re not a quick fix. It’s important to work closely with your doctor to make sure you’re using them correctly. Here are three rules for doing so.
Take the right dose.
You may have heard of people “microdosing” Ozempic and other GLP-1s to get some benefits of these medications without taking a full dose. However, taking any of these medications at a dose different than prescribed can be detrimental.
“Taking alternative doses of these medications isn’t a good idea,” says Dr. Melanie Howell, a bariatric surgeon at Holy Name. “Any dose adjustments or changes to how you are taking these shots should be discussed with a specialist. We are still collecting long-term data on these medications and their potential side effects.”
Use trusted medications.
Online retailers, med-spas, and other non-clinical settings that offer weight-loss medications usually sell them as a compound of the drug’s ingredients. The permission to compound these drugs has been revoked by the FDA, so at this time, any low-cost offers are not FDA-approved and cannot be guaranteed, says Dr. Howell.
“Our patients’ safety is always our top priority, and you just don’t know what you are getting if you get these medications from someone other than your doctor,” she says.
Don’t stop taking your medication without speaking with your provider.
GLP-1 agonists do not work long term after you stop taking them. If you’re interested in a more durable and potentially more cost effective weight loss solution, you may wish to speak with your doctor about bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery also offers more substantial weight loss — sometimes 30% or more — compared to the 10-15% on GLP-1 medications. At Holy Name, we offer the most advanced techniques in gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, lap band, and duodenal switch. We also offer endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, a reversible, non-surgical option that uses an endoscope to reshape the stomach without incisions.
“We’re proud to offer the latest surgical and non-surgical interventions to help our patients manage obesity, which is a chronic condition,” says Dr. Howell. “We’re here to guide you every step of the way so that you feel empowered during your weight-loss journey.”
