By: Jennifer Ellis, FNP-C

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in the weekly self-injected medications better known as Ozempic and Wegovy, which are FDA-approved medications to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity, respectively. Semaglutide mimics a hormone in our bodies called glucagon-like-peptide (GLP-1) and has a few actions on the body that contribute to weight loss:

• It stimulates insulin production which helps lower blood glucose levels

• It delays stomach emptying and the rate food passes through the digestive tract, leading to a feeling of satiety (feeling full longer) and less food intake.

• It works on the brain directly. There are actually GLP-1 receptors on the brain, specifically in areas related to our appetite, they are activated with the hormone (or the medication) resulting in decreased hunger and a quicker satisfying feeling after a meal.  

Clinical trials of these medications proved an average weight loss of 15% of their body weight, with over a third of them losing more than 20% of their body weight. These are life-changing amounts of weight lost with these medications.

Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in the medications more commonly known as Mounjaro or Zepbound, and studies show Tirzepatide may lead to even greater weight loss than Semaglutide. Tirzepatide is a GLP-1 mimicking medication as described above, but has an additional GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) affect, increasing weight loss by working in complementary ways with the GLP-1.

All medications have side effects, and these medications are no different. Typically any ill effects are short lived and tend to decrease with time. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and decreased appetite. Before starting these medications it is important to discuss with your practitioner to make sure it is the right option for you.