Obesity Specialist Offers Insight into New Weight-Loss Medications
January 22, 2024
Rebecca Pawlik, MD, is board-certified in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine. Dr. Pawlik is a co-medical director at Trinity Health IHA Medical Group, Primary Care – Genoa. She recently participated in a Q&A and offered her expert guidance for patients and community members interested in weight-loss medications that have come to market in recent years. (Drugs change frequently; text was written in November 2023.)
Q: How can I tell if I need to lose weight?
Dr. Pawlik: An objective measure to consider is your body mass index (BMI), a ratio between height and weight. If your BMI is greater than 30, then you are considered medically obese, and should consider a weight-loss program. Even with a BMI of 25-29, you should consider losing weight. It’s important to speak with your doctor about a goal for your ideal weight before beginning a weight-loss program.
Q: Do medications work well for weight-loss?
Dr. Pawlik: Yes, there are many that work well! Wegovy, Saxenda, and now Zepbound are injectable medications with origins as diabetic medications, but they are now also approved as weight-loss medications. Other prescription medications that have proven to be helpful and are FDA-approved for weight-loss are Adipex, Qsymia and Contrave. There has been confusion about Ozempic and Mounjaro – they are not approved as weight-loss medications, only as medications to be used for diabetes.
Q: What do FDA-approved weight-loss medications do to support weight-loss?
Dr. Pawlik: As mentioned previously, there are several types of weight-loss medications on the market, and each works slightly differently. Many of them suppress the appetite, decrease cravings, and/or slow the food emptying from the stomach to increase the feeling of fullness.
Q: What are the pros and cons of weight-loss medications?
Dr. Pawlik: Each type of weight-loss medication has its advantages and disadvantages. Patients should check with their physician about which weight-loss medication would be best for them, given their personal health history and risk factors. It is important to remember, the risks of obesity are also significant. Obesity can increase your chances for heart attack, stroke, and some cancers, among other medical problems.
Q: Do weight-loss medications reduce bone and muscle mass?
Dr. Pawlik: With a comprehensive weight-loss program guided by a physician, bone and muscle mass should not decrease during the process of losing weight.
Q: What is the best way for someone who is obese to lose weight?
Dr. Pawlik: The most comprehensive and safest weight-loss program for someone who is obese is a combination of proper nutrition, physical activity, behavioral changes, medication and possibly surgery.
Q: Do you think we’ll reach a point when a pill could control obesity?
Dr. Pawlik: Yes, weight-loss medications can definitely help control obesity, but they are not an all-encompassing solution. Weight-loss medications should be considered a lifelong addition to one’s medication regimen. Unfortunately, people often gain weight back once they stop using weight-loss medications.
Q: How can someone connect with you to schedule an appointment?
Dr. Pawlik: To schedule an appointment, please call Trinity Health IHA Medical Group, Bariatric Surgery – Livingston Hospital at 517-545-6011 or you can schedule an appointment online. I work with a team of experienced physicians who are also available to provide the care you need.