According to a new survey conducted by the Mount Sinai South Nassau Truth in Medicine Poll, nearly a quarter of residents in the New York City metropolitan area would consider using weight loss diabetes injections to lose weight. Furthermore, one in ten respondents are already using or know someone who is using drugs like Mounjaro, Ozempic, or Wegovy to shed extra pounds. While these drugs have been approved to help manage diabetes and obesity, their use for weight loss in those who are neither obese nor diabetic has become a popular trend, especially among women under 50 and black residents. However, doctors at Mount Sinai South Nassau warn that this trend is concerning.
What These Weight Loss Injections Are Made For
The use of prescription drugs to manage weight is not a substitute for healthy eating and regular exercise. These drugs are not intended for use as a quick fix for shedding extra pounds, and they were developed primarily to help treat diabetes and obesity. The recent surge in demand for these drugs for weight loss among people who do not have diabetes or are not obese has caused a serious supply shortage.
While all three drugs can result in weight loss, only Wegovy is approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for weight control in overweight or obese teenagers and adults. Ozempic, the most popular brand name, and Mounjaro are only approved for patients with type-2 diabetes to control blood glucose levels. A study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism magazine shows that participants regained two-thirds of the weight lost after withdrawal from a once-weekly 2.4 mg injection of Ozempic.
The key ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy is semaglutide, which stimulates insulin release from the pancreas. However, it also helps with weight loss by targeting areas of the brain that regulate appetite and slowing down the speed at which food travels through the digestive tract. Mounjaro, on the other hand, lowers plasma glucose concentrations after eating, decreases food intake, and reduces body weight in patients with type-2 diabetes. All three drugs are given by injection.
The Survey
The survey conducted by Mount Sinai South Nassau Truth in Medicine Poll asked respondents if they considered themselves overweight, underweight, or about the right weight. Approximately one-third of respondents considered themselves overweight, half said they were about right, and 5% said they were underweight. When asked if they would consider taking a prescription drug to manage their weight, 22% said they would, 55% disagreed, and the rest did not give an answer.
Half of the respondents admitted to binge eating, 60% said they ate two or more fast-food meals per week, and 22% said they consumed four or more fast-food meals regularly. Moreover, 60% of city and Long Island residents said rising food prices due to record inflation have affected their food-buying habits.
Many respondents feel that they are losing the battle of the bulge, and those who made a New Year’s resolution to diet and exercise report that their regiment is “not going well.” The findings suggest that not discussing weight management with a doctor is a contributing factor. Only 28% of respondents said they had talked to a medical provider about their weight.
Adhi Sharma, President of Mount Sinai South Nassau, strongly encourages adults and parents of children who are struggling with their weight to talk about it with their healthcare providers and to develop a short- and long-term program to manage it. Physicians are in an ideal position to talk with patients about their weight and prescribe a plan of action to successfully manage it.
Other findings of the survey:
Other findings from the survey show that black respondents, those who are overweight, those committed to weight loss resolutions, men under 50, and those who take Ozempic or are familiar with the drug are more likely to binge eat. Nearly one-third of respondents say the thought of gaining the use of weight loss diabetes injections raises concerns among medical professionals, as these drugs can have potentially harmful side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Additionally, using these drugs without proper medical supervision can lead to serious health risks, including dehydration, kidney failure, and even death.
Furthermore, the use of prescription drugs for weight loss can create a false sense of security and discourage individuals from adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet. This is especially concerning given the high rates of fast food consumption and binge eating reported in the survey.
The survey also found that skyrocketing food prices caused by record inflation have impacted the food-buying habits of 60% of city and Long Island residents. This highlights the need for affordable and accessible healthy food options for all individuals, regardless of income level.
Weight Loss Diabetes Injections Summary
In conclusion, while the desire to achieve a healthy weight is understandable, the use of diabetes for weight loss should only be considered as a last resort under the guidance of a medical professional. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, is the safest and most effective way to achieve sustainable weight loss. Additionally, individuals should speak with their healthcare providers about their weight and develop a short- and long-term plan to manage it. By taking these steps, individuals can improve their overall health and well-being and reduce their risk of developing obesity-related health conditions.