Obesity is a big problem in the U.S. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases drives home that point by noting that close to one in three adults is overweight.
Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people who are overweight face higher risks of developing severe health conditions like heart disease, asthma, type 2 diabetes, and stroke.
It adds that obesity can also lead to mental health challenges because of, among other things, the stigmas associated with being overweight.
Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) can help people who are struggling to shed excess pounds.
These prescription medications aren't the silver bullet solutions that some people think they are. You need to do your part, which includes eating right and exercising regularly.
It's important to engage in a minimum of 150 minutes weekly of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes weekly of vigorous aerobic activity. Even so, many Americans fail, for one reason or another, to get the recommended amount of physical activity regularly. That can make it harder to lose weight safely -- much less to keep it off.
"Ozempic (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) offer a scientifically proven approach to weight loss by regulating appetite, slowing digestion, and improving metabolic function,” says Dr. Michael Snyder of FuturHealth. “These medications help patients achieve significant, sustainable results -- often 15% or more of their body weight -- when combined with lifestyle changes. For those struggling with obesity, they provide an effective tool to break through weight-loss plateaus and build long-term healthy habits."
While anything worth achieving will take hard work, that doesn’t mean losing weight must be a daunting task. Consider these three reasons why weight-loss drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide can help you work smarter rather than harder to get the desired results.
Excess belly fat, also called abdominal obesity, is a health concern. Harvard Health notes that the more abdominal fat someone has, the greater their risk of passing away from any cause.
The World Obesity Federation adds that close to 3 billion people are overweight or obese. So, it’s clear, when considering the extent of the problem, that belly fat is a major problem at home and abroad.
One study shows that tirzepatide did a better job than semaglutide at helping participants shed pounds. Around 82% of participants using tirzepatide achieved 5% or more weight loss, while 66.5% of participants using semaglutide lost 5% or more weight.
You can speak with your doctor to see which one might be best for you, but either can help address any issues with excess belly fat.
Around 75% of people's eating is emotionally driven. Everybody goes through stressful situations, and some people respond by eating. The problem with emotional eating is that it can gradually get out of control.
And it’ll be even worse if you’re not getting enough physical activity to burn sufficient calories.
By using weight-loss medications, you can break emotional eating patterns. These drugs will keep you fuller for longer and reduce hunger-related stress that can easily lead to binge eating.
Weight-loss drugs can lessen fat mass. Your body won't store as much fat since these medications mimic hormones that regulate blood sugar and appetite. Your body will burn fat more efficiently.
Ozempic and Zepbound can help you achieve your weight-loss goals. You’ll have to get a prescription and work with your doctor to ensure you’re going about things the right way. But with the right strategy and focus, you’ll increase your odds of success.