We know about Ozempic and weight loss. We’ve heard about Mounjaro and weight loss. While both were originally designed for diabetes and not weight loss, diabetics found that those meds came with a huge weight loss upside and the game was on.
Scams, fake meds, warnings – and the loveliest of them all – a spike in calls to poison control centers.
Now, those two drugs have “sisters” that are specifically intended for weight loss over moderating blood sugar and diabetes. Ozempic’s next of kin in the Semaglutide class is branded as Wegovy; Mounjaro’s Tirzepatide sister is called Zepbound.
Both are powerful and consumers can expect the marketing floodgates to open soon to announce their arrival. But, before you take that leap of faith, ConsumerAffairs found that these might be magic bullets, but they could also be risky gambles. Before you jump on the bandwagon, let's weigh the pros and cons.
Zepbound
Zepbound was recently approved by the FDA specifically for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) or overweight (BMI ≥ 27) with at least one weight-related health condition. If that’s you, then here’s what you can expect from Zepbound:
PROS
Effective in weight loss, with significant pounds shed – like 48 pounds
A positive impact on your mental health, with a lower risk of anxiety and depression
Appears to improve heart health, but only if it’s used with lifestyle changes. Not exactly a couch potato’s dream
CONS
Sicker than a dog possibilities with side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting
Concerns about long-term safety. One of those being cardiovascular. While Zepbound has shown benefits in lowering blood pressure, it’s not yet clear if the blood pressure changes are sustained after stopping the drug.
May not be sustainable without lifestyle changes. You can’t have it both ways, sorry.
It ain’t cheap. As of February 24, 2024, the market price for Zepbound depended on several factors – basically insurance or no insurance.
Insurance may or may not cover it. If you have insurance, you may be eligible for the Zepbound Savings Card, which can reduce the cost to as low as $25 for a 1-month or 3-month prescription.
Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Zepbound, says that people who are commercially insured without coverage for Zepbound may be eligible to pay as low as $550 for a 1-month prescription of Zepbound, approximately 50% lower than the list price.
If you don't have insurance, the list price for a 28-day supply is $1,060. Yes, that translates to about $13,800 per year.
However, Lilly does offer a patient assistance program that can help eligible patients with the cost of the medication.
Wegovy
Pros
Rocks it in the weight loss column, with users losing an average of 10% to 20% of their body weight
May reduce major adverse cardiac events by 20% in people with cardiovascular disease who are overweight or obese
Drink less alcohol? Yes, anecdotal evidence suggests it may reduce alcohol consumption
Better outlook on life. Some patients report improvements in mental health
Cons
Like life on the John? Side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Note: Due to the higher dosage, Wegovy may have a higher incidence and severity of these side effects compared to Ozempic.
Lack of long-term safety data and potential side effects like pancreatitis and gallbladder disease
High cost. Like Zepbound Wegovy can run over $1,000 per month, and is not always covered by insurance.
Not a short-term fix. The med is only effective while taken, and weight may be regained if the medication is stopped.
But, things could get worse, too
Those bullet lists are a nice checklist, but doctors say there are even more worries for both Wegovy and Zepbound.
Teen trouble: The long-term effects of these drugs for weight loss in young adults are completely unknown. Losing weight to score a nice prom date probably isn't worth any teen trying this, yet.
Eating disorder triggers: Another teen concern, but also for anyone who’s been known to yo-yo with their weight is that these meds might increase the risk of developing eating disorders.
Unpleasant side effects: The basic list of side effects is a turn-off, but doctors have also shared reports about everything from oily stools to high blood pressure. Anyone who wants to take these drugs should ask themselves if they want these unpleasant side effects – and for how long.
Muscle loss: Certain injections can lead to muscle atrophy, potentially harming muscle health.
Now, you’ve got a big decision to make
As doctors have been screaming in our ears for years, there is no easy way to lose weight and keep it off. While Zepbound and Wegovy offer the allure of significant weight loss, they come with a hefty price tag – both literally and figuratively. The medications boast impressive results in shedding pounds, but the cons list paints a concerning picture.
If you are considering taking these medications, weigh their pros and cons carefully, consider alternative approaches, and most importantly, consult your doctor to find out if they are right for you. Remember, sustainable weight management requires a holistic approach, and quick fixes often come with hidden costs.