Is It Safe To Use These 5 Diabetes Medicine For Weight Loss? Let’s Uncover Their Side Effects!

Readers, have you been scrolling through social media lately? Is it flood-filled with news and celebrity endorsements about using diabetes medications for weight loss? Hold on a minute! While the idea of a quick fix might be tempting, it's crucial to understand the potential risks before diving in.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), over 74 million people in India are living with diabetes as of 2024. That's a staggering number, and even more concerning are the estimated 124 million people with prediabetes. Diabetes is a leading cause of death in India, contributing to over 1.2 million deaths annually (source: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare). These numbers paint a clear picture – diabetes is a serious health concern that demands responsible management.

Now, let's talk about these diabetes weight loss drugs making waves for weight loss. These drugs, typically belonging to a class called Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, work by mimicking a natural gut hormone that regulates blood sugar. They target GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas and brain, essentially tricking the body into feeling fuller for longer and reducing the urge to eat. 

But the question remains: are these medications safe for everyone, especially those without diabetes who simply want to shed some pounds? Let's understand the science of diabetes medicine for weight loss and potential side effects to help you make an informed decision.

Table Of Contents

1. Is There Any Diabetes Weight Loss Drug?

2. What Are The Side Effects Of Diabetes Weight Loss Drug?

3. Dietitian's Recommendation

4. The Final Say

5. FAQs

6. References

Is There Any Diabetes Weight Loss Drug?

Diabetes medications can cause weight changes by affecting how the body uses glucose (sugar). Insulin is a hormone that helps your body convert glucose from food into energy for your cells. Insulin aids glucose move from the blood into the cells, lowering blood glucose levels. But when too much glucose is in the blood, insulin tells the liver to turn that glucose into fat. This added fat can lead to weight gain over time.

Diabetes medications control blood glucose (blood sugar) in patients with type 2 diabetes. These drugs have also been shown to reduce weight in obese or overweight individuals. Some diabetes medications can cause weight loss by eliminating excess glucose in your body. Less glucose in the blood means less glucose is available for conversion to fat.

Several classes of diabetes medications help treat type 2 diabetes and help patients lose weight. However, these drugs are not FDA-approved as weight management aids. 

Also Read: GLP-1 Drugs? Its Effect On Diabetes & Weight Loss | ToneOp

There are 5 types of diabetes medications that can cause weight loss. Each of these drugs works differently, which are:

1. Glp-1 Agonists Such As Ozempic

A class of medications known as GLP-1 agonists is becoming increasingly preferred for insulin management and weight loss. GLP-1 is a hormone that instructs the pancreas to release insulin after we eat. It also helps us feel full between meals. GLP-1 agonists work in the body in the same way as GLP-1.

Some studies have shown that people with diabetes have lost up to 13 pounds when using a GLP-1 agonist. Other studies suggest that GLP-1 agonists cause more modest weight loss (about 2 pounds). Weight loss can vary depending on the drug used and the dose. There are several FDA-approved GLP-1 agonists for diabetes, including:

• Ozempic (semaglutide)

• Rybelsus (semaglutide)

• Trulicity (dulaglutide)

• Victoza (liraglutide)

2. Mounjaro

Mounjaro (tripeptide) works like GLP-1 agonists – but with an added boost. It acts like GLP-1 and another hormone called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). This dual effect can help ensure better blood glucose control. It may also lead to more significant weight loss than GLP-1 agonists such as Ozempic. In studies, people using Mounjaro lost an average of 16 to 25 pounds, depending on the dose.

3. Metformin

One of the most often recommended drugs for diabetes is metformin. It primarily reduces the amount of glucose in the blood produced by the liver and makes the body more sensitive to its natural insulin. Metformin for weight loss is milder than with the above drugs. And only some people lose weight when using it. However, studies have shown that some people can lose up to 6 pounds after taking metformin for a year.

4. Sglt2 Inhibitors Such As Jardiance

Another group of diabetes medications called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors can cause weight loss. SGLT2 inhibitors remove glucose from the blood through urine, which means less glucose is available for conversion to fat.

People taking SGLT2 inhibitors can lose about 4 to 6 pounds while taking them. After using these medications for six weeks, weight reduction may begin.

Examples of SGLT-2 inhibitors include:

• Jardiance (empagliflozin)

• Farxiga (dapagliflozin)

• Invokana (canagliflozin)

5. Symlin

Symlin (pramlintide) is a laboratory-produced form of the hormone amylin. Amylin slows food movement through the stomach and prevents the liver from producing glucose. Symlin works in the body in the same way as amylin. This drug can cause most people to lose up to 4 pounds, and people with obesity can lose up to 7 pounds with it.

These drugs work in 3 ways:

• When blood sugar levels are high, they stimulate insulin secretion (production), which helps control them.

• When blood sugar levels are high, they inhibit glucagon secretion (production), which helps control them.

• They also cause delayed gastric emptying, which helps control blood sugar. This satisfies you with less food and reduces appetite and cravings, allowing you to stick to a healthy diet plan for weight loss.

• These medications do not enhance your metabolism and aren't stimulants like phentermine.

  
  

Apart from GLP-1 agonists, Mounjaro, known as Tirzepatide, must be considered. It functions similarly to GLP-1 agonists and is the first glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GLP-1 and GIP receptor) agonist. 

Currently under investigation for weight loss, Mounjaro is approved to assist individuals with type 2 diabetes in improving their blood sugar management when used with diet and exercise. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Mounjaro Fast Track designation for this use.  

Doctors prescribe these drugs for people to lose weight even if they don't have diabetes because studies have shown that people lose significant weight when they take a GLP-1 agonist drug.

Also Read: Understanding Weight Loss Medications: Benefits, Side Effects, Types & More! 

What Are The Side Effects Of Diabetes Weight Loss Drug?

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the above drugs. Their benefits generally outweigh the risks of side effects. Still, some patients may experience side effects when taking these diabetes medicines for weight loss.

Common side effects of these medications include:

• Diarrhoea

• Constipation

• Abdominal pain

• Low blood sugar

  
  

Some GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Rybelsus, Victoza) may increase the risk of certain medical conditions. You should avoid these diabetes medicines for weight loss if you have a history of:

• Gallbladder problems

• Pancreatitis

• Kidney disease

• Liver disease

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) (thyroid cancer)

• Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) syndrome

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is a more severe risk associated with diabetes medications. However, taking another medication known to lower blood sugar simultaneously—such as insulin or sulfonylureas—usually increases your risk of low blood sugar just slightly.

• Diabetic retinopathy (eye problems)

• High cholesterol or triglycerides

• Any indigestion

  
  

Talk to your doctor about your medications and medical history before starting any diabetes medication.

Also Read: Semaglutide Tablets: Types, Uses, & Side Effects | ToneOp 

Dietitian's Recommendation

Although some diabetes medications can cause weight loss or gain, Mounjaro, Ozempic and Trulicity can lead to significant weight loss. Metformin and drugs like Jardiance can also promote weight loss, but not as much. But keeping a healthy weight requires both activity and a good diet. The optimal diabetic treatment plan for you will be determined with medical assistance.

                                                                              Dt. Lavina Chauhan

The Final Say

Like diabetes and heart disease, obesity is a chronic condition that needs ongoing care. It is also common, affecting almost 42% of all adults and 20% of children. Weight management is preventive health care. We know that addressing excess weight can improve blood pressure, inflammation, cholesterol and diabetes. 

Understandably, it has been challenging for some people who depend on these diabetes medicines for weight loss to control their diabetes, and we expect that manufacturers will be able to increase supply to meet growing demand. Meanwhile, to achieve sustainable weight loss, adopt a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and indulge in regular physical activity.

FAQs

1. How long does it take for diabetes medication to cause weight loss?

Weight changes may be noticeable during the first few months after starting diabetes treatment. However, you may not notice significant weight loss for closer to a year (or longer) with GLP-1 agonists or Mounjaro.

2. What diabetes medications help with weight loss?

Several diabetes medications can cause weight loss. These drugs have different effects on the body and are taken differently. Here are nine diabetes medications prescribed for weight loss:

• Ozempic (contains the active substance semaglutide)

• Rybelsus (contains the active substance semaglutide)

• Victoza (contains the active substance liraglutide)

• Trulicity (contains the active substance dulaglutide)

• Mounjaro (contains the active substance tirzepatide)

• Canagliflozin (generic for Invokana)

• Empagliflozin (generic for Jardiance)

• Dapagliflozin (generic for Farxiga)

• Metformin (generic for Fortmez and Glutmez)

  
  

3. What are some popular diabetes meds for weight loss?

Some popular diabetes meds for weight loss are:

• Semaglutide

• SGLT2 inhibitor

• Tirzepatide

• Byetta

• Metformin

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