With FDA approval in 2021, a new treatment for weight loss splashed onto the scene as big as any new singer, actor, or influencer you follow on Instagram, TikTok or X (nee, Twitter). After hundreds of millions of views on your favorite platforms with posts by social media types, celebs and billionaire moguls touting the very obvious loss of weight that seemed like “magic” to occur overnight, the clamoring masses (that’s you and I) finally demanded to be in on the scoop: how were these Hollywood types losing the weight? Oprah (from her show), Tracy Morgan (30Rock, SNL), Sharon and Kelly Osbourne (Pat Boone’s neighbors), Elon (from his hundreds of billions) are pro this sort of treatment; but there are also many celebs who have cautioned against or advocate using it per strict guidelines.
It actually started with a transition from a diabetes drug over to a legitimate weight loss treatment. Approved in 2017 as a type 2 diabetes medication to help improve blood sugar control, this treatment was originally used in preventing serious cardiovascular events like stroke or heart attack in individuals suffering from diabetic or heart disease.
As many celebs have shared in an honest fashion, like Chelsea Handler who was displeased that her health provider gave it to her without proper explanation, or Amy Schumer, who said she could barely play with her child after beginning this treatment, this weight loss protocol isn’t for everyone. The treatment works by slowing the digestion process, reducing craving for food, and as many of the original test patients experienced, significant weight loss of 20% to 25% of their original starting weight, leading many to want to move to off-label prescribe for weight loss. Still, others caution against even starting with this treatment, as Garcelle Beauvais and Jenny McCarthy have staunchly made known.
After FDA approved this protocol after trials in 33 separate countries with over 4,000 participants, and it was found to be more promising than previous anti-obesity drugs in a 2022 review of anti-obesity treatments. This particular treatment consists of a higher-dose version compared to the diabetic protocol.
At present this treatment could positively impact over 90 million lives in the U.S. for diabetes and weight loss, which include noticeable side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, indigestion/heartburn, dizziness, abdominal distension, and others, including an FDA warning for those with thyroid problems.
Sources:
John Hopkins Pros & Cons,
Technology Networks and Benefits
