Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro® and the most recent Zepbound™. Beyond their potential high Scrabble scores, these new-generation anti-obesity medications are rapidly changing the weight-loss landscape. They’re helping patients lose remarkable amounts of weight. Yet they’re also sparking debate about the best way to use them, and their relationship with the traditional foundations of weight loss: diet and exercise. Will they become a replacement for lifestyle changes? Discover the need, the promise, and the reality of a world now embracing these medications.
Rising Obesity Rates: A Growing Concern
Obesity and its associated medical risks have become a significant public health challenge. Over the past decades, rates have steadily climbed, with the U.S. witnessing a doubling in the prevalence of overweight and obesity. The latest data show that 40% of U.S. adults are obese. Another 31.6% are overweight and 7.7 % are severely obese.
This alarming trend shows no signs of slowing down, as projections indicate that by 2030, nearly 1 in 2 adults will have obesity, and nearly 1 in 4 will have severe obesity.
The Costs of Obesity
The impact of the obesity epidemic reaches far beyond personal health. Obesity and its related complications are major drivers of healthcare costs. According to the Milken Institute, obesity as a risk factor is by far the greatest contributor to the burden of chronic diseases in the U.S., accounting for 47.1 percent of the total cost of chronic diseases nationwide.
And employers aren’t spared from these costs, as obesity and its related diseases cost up to $93 billion per year in health insurance claims.
An Injection of Hope
The new anti-obesity drugs, administered via a weekly injection, belong to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They mimic the naturally occurring hormone GLP- 1 which regulates appetite and blood sugar levels.
Clinical trials have shown they can be remarkably effective for weight loss. In one trial, individuals taking Wegovy lost an average of 35 lbs. at 68 weeks, compared to a 6 lb. weight loss in the placebo group. (Note: Both sets of patients received guidance to follow a reduced-calorie diet and increase physical activity.)
Meeting Popular Demand
It’s no surprise that obesity medication demand is so high. According to a 2023 Kaiser Family Foundation poll, nearly two-thirds of adults are trying to lose weight, a quarter want to lose more than 20 pounds, and more than a third have been told by a doctor or other healthcare provider that they are overweight or obese.
Notably, 45% of the public expressed interest in prescription weight-loss drugs, including many who want to lose just a few pounds. Among those actively trying to lose weight, 59% say they’d be willing to explore weight-loss medications.
Medication Drawbacks
While these medications hold great promise, they’re not without limitations and potential side effects:
- Weight regain: Similar to high cholesterol or high blood pressure treatments, obesity medications must be taken indefinitely to prevent weight regain.
- Side effects: This generation of drugs works by stimulating gut hormones, leading to common side effects like nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, and stomach discomfort. Other side effects may include malnutrition and facial aging.
Serious side effects, although rare, may include pancreatitis, low blood sugar, allergic reactions, kidney problems, vision changes, gallbladder issues, severe stomach discomfort, and potential thyroid tumors. (Side effects can vary depending on the medication and the individual, so it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider.)
- Price: Obesity medications are expensive. A month’s supply of Wegovy can cost over $1,500. Most U.S. insurance plans don’t cover obesity medications, and they must be taken indefinitely.
Could Medications Replace Exercise?
While these medications offer valuable support for people struggling with their weight, they’re not a panacea. Dr. Amy Lee, Chief Medical Officer at PEAR Health Labs and an expert in obesity medicine, notes that “It’s tempting to think you can just take a medication, lose weight, and live happily and healthfully ever after.” She adds, “These medications can be an incredibly powerful tool to help people achieve and maintain a healthy weight, but they are not substitutes for healthy lifestyle habits.”
She adds, “Following a nutritious diet and engaging in regular physical activity offers benefits that extend far beyond weight loss.”
Movement is Medicine
Physical activity, like these medications, contributes to weight loss but offers added health advantages that medication cannot replicate. These benefits include:
- Disease prevention. It doesn’t take a lot of exercise to have an impact on health. A recent study showed that accumulating 75 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week (about 11 minutes a day) could reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by 17%, and was associated with a 23% lower risk of early death.
- Better brain function: Exercise enhances brain function, potentially preventing the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. It increases the size of the hippocampus (the memory and learning center and improves cognitive function, processing speed, and decision-making.
- Mood enhancement: According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, aerobic exercise can decrease overall levels of tension, elevate and stabilize mood, improve sleep, and boost self-esteem. Another study found that exercise is 1.5 times more effective than drugs in reducing mild to moderate symptoms of depression.
- Strengthens muscles and bones. Regular exercise reduces muscle loss and helps maintain strength as you age. Exercise also enhances bone density, which is crucial for preventing osteoporosis later in life.
- Reduced loneliness. Research suggests that getting active, especially through group exercise, is a simple, yet powerful solution that can improve health and well-being, especially among seniors.
- No side effects: Importantly, evidence suggests that exercise reduces mortality rates and improves quality of life with minimal or no safety concerns.
While these new-generation anti-obesity drugs hold promise in the battle against obesity, they will not be able to replace all of the potent benefits of physical activity. A holistic approach that combines these medications with a healthy diet and regular exercise will be the most effective treatment plan to help people enjoy a healthier, happier life.
Aaptiv as a Tool for Lifestyle Change
Aaptiv offers an all-in-one wellness solution that includes personalized workout plans, access to a network of 18,000 national and local gyms, and over 8,500 on-demand fitness and mindfulness classes. With PEAR’s Training Intelligence, Aaptiv’s adaptive coaching helps users stay motivated and engaged with their exercise routine. As users progress through their workouts, it adapts to their performance in real-time, providing feedback and adjustments to ensure they are getting the most out of their workout. This hyper-personalized approach can help anyone achieve their fitness goals and improve their overall health and well-being.
