If your attempts at losing weight have left much to be desired, you’re not alone.
Ohio State Health & Discovery cites research showing that 95% of dieters who lose weight regain the lost pounds within 24 months. That can be deflating if you work hard to trim down — only to see it return with a vengeance.
The good news is that weight-loss drugs like Ozempic (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) could help you get over the hump. They can assist with losing weight and keeping it off.
But before deciding whether or not weight-loss drugs are a good idea, you need accurate information. Some people spew myths about semaglutide, tirzepatide, and other weight-loss medications. It’s hard to make informed decisions if you lack the right information.
“Many people believe weight-loss drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide are a quick fix or only for the severely obese, but that’s a myth,” says Jessica Snyder, RD at FuturHealth. “These medications work by addressing real biological factors like appetite regulation and insulin resistance. When combined with lifestyle changes, they provide safe, sustainable results, not just temporary weight loss.”
To help you make the right choice, here are three myths about weight-loss drugs you probably believe are true but shouldn’t.
- Weight-Loss Drugs Mean You Can Eat Whatever You Want
Perhaps in a perfect world you’d be able to eat whatever you want, take weight-loss drugs, and slim down with little to no effort. But that’s not how these medications work. Semaglutide, tirzepatide, and other weight-loss medications suppress appetite, slow down the digestion process, regulate blood sugar, and more so that you won’t feel like overeating.
You’ll feel fuller longer and won’t find it as difficult to avoid eating too much or snacking between meals. If you’re loading up on the calories while using weight-loss drugs, it’ll be hard to lose the weight. So, it’s not about taking the medication and doing whatever you like without worrying about the consequences of overdoing things at the table. Well-balanced meals, regular exercise, and quality sleep are essential to weight loss.
If you’ve ever been told that weight-loss drugs can compensate for poor eating habits or a sedentary lifestyle, get that out of your head.
- Ozempic and Zepbound Are Only for People with Diabetes
Another popular myth you might have heard is that Ozempic and Zepbound are only for people with diabetes. While these drugs are primarily for treating diabetes, medical professionals find that Ozempic and Zepbound can benefit people who want to lose weight.
There have also been scientific studies proving that these medications can help people shed unwanted pounds.
- Weight-Loss Drugs Work the Same for Everyone
Yet another misconception that you’ll want to get out of your head is that weight-loss drugs work the same for everyone. Nothing could be further from the truth. No two people are the same, so you shouldn’t necessarily expect everyone to get the same results. Results can vary based on factors like metabolism, genetics, and lifestyle.
When taking these medications, exercising, and eating healthy meals, your odds of losing weight and keeping it off are good. It’s just that no one can predict how much you can lose. Working with your doctor and being intentional will help you get results you can be happy with.
Making decisions about your health requires good information. Weight-loss drugs can be an important part of your weight-loss journey. It’s a good idea to speak with your doctor to see what they recommend and how best to incorporate weight-loss drugs into your strategy.
Shake off the shackles of myths, and let the truth about weight-loss medication set you free.
