Ozempic and other weight loss medications cause a stir in Atlanta’s health and fitness scene

The weight-loss drug Wegovy is gaining popularity in the U.S., with at least 25,000 people starting on the medication weekly, up from 5,000 in December. This surge in demand has prompted Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy, to increase manufacturing to keep up.

Eli Lilly, another maker of obesity medicine with Zepbound, has also raised its sales outlook this week. The market for GLP-1 drugs, traditionally used to treat diabetes, is now expanding into the realm of obesity treatments, with sales projected to reach $80 billion by 2030.

While only less than 1% of Americans are currently on GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, this number is expected to grow to 10% by 2034. However, not all doctors are quick to prescribe these medications due to concerns about potential side effects and liability issues.

The use of weight-loss drugs like Wegovy can also impact fertility and pregnancy, with specialists recommending patients stop the medication before trying to conceive. Additionally, the drugs are being used to supplement bariatric surgery for patients seeking to kickstart their weight loss journey.

Experts caution that weight-loss medications are not a “cure-all” for obesity and advise patients to work with nutritionists and exercise to maintain muscle mass and avoid potential long-term effects. As the popularity of these drugs continues to rise, it is important for patients to be aware of the risks and benefits associated with their use.