Weight-loss drugs may promise quick results, but many doctors urge caution before starting them. Physicians are concerned not only about potential side effects but also the long-term impact on your health.

Below, we share the key medical concerns raised by experts, along with insights into why they believe sustainable weight loss is best achieved through healthier lifestyle choices.

Common Types of Weight-Loss Drugs You Should Know About

You’ve probably heard about weight-loss drugs being touted as a quick fix for shedding those extra pounds. They’ve gained a lot of attention lately, especially with the buzz around newer options.

The most common weight-loss medications fall into a few different categories. One of the most talked-about options today are GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic and Wegovy. These drugs work by mimicking a hormone in your body that signals your brain when you’ve had enough to eat, which helps reduce your appetite. 

Another commonly prescribed drug is phentermine, often paired with topiramate in medications like Qsymia. Phentermine is a stimulant that works by affecting the chemicals in your brain that control hunger. Combined with topiramate, which was originally used to treat seizures, this drug can help enhance weight loss over time. 

Then there’s orlistat, sold under the brand name Xenical, which operates differently from appetite suppressants. Instead of influencing your hunger, orlistat works in your digestive system by preventing your body from absorbing about 25% of the fat you consume. This fat is then eliminated through bowel movements, which can sometimes cause unpleasant side effects like gastrointestinal issues. 

It’s also important to know that these medications are typically prescribed for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or for those with a BMI of 27 or above who also have weight-related health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. They aren’t designed to be a standalone solution but are meant to complement lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Potential Short-Term Benefits

We won’t say that weight-loss drugs are a miracle cure, but they can certainly offer some short-term benefits that might make them seem like a good option.  

One of the biggest advantages people notice when taking these medications is the relatively quick drop in weight, which can be a huge boost in motivation.

When you start taking drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy, the most immediate benefit you’ll likely see is a reduction in appetite. As we mentioned above, these medications work by regulating hunger hormones, which means you feel full sooner and don’t experience as many cravings. 

Aside from the visible changes on the scale, they can have a positive impact on blood sugar levels and insulin resistance, especially in patients with diabetes. Medications like Ozempic are often prescribed to help manage both weight and blood sugar, as weight loss itself can improve insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic health. 

Medical Concerns from Physicians

If you’ve ever consulted a professional regarding the use of weight loss drugs, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered disappointment on their faces regarding these.

Doctors are often the first to caution patients about potential risks, and for good reason. While these medications can offer quick results, they also come with medical concerns that need to be taken seriously. Physicians aren’t just worried about the obvious side effects like nausea or headaches; their concerns run deeper, especially when it comes to long-term use.

One of the biggest red flags for doctors is that the long-term safety of many of these weight-loss drugs is still uncertain. Most of the medications are relatively new in the weight-loss space. Most clinical trials focus on short-term outcomes, typically lasting a year or less. This means there isn’t enough data yet to fully understand what happens when patients take these drugs for several years or more. 

Another concern doctors often highlight is how these medications affect your body beyond weight loss. Medications like Ozempic and Wegovy impact metabolic processes by altering how your body manages insulin and glucose levels, which may sound great in theory, but some experts worry about unintended consequences. For example, there's concern that drastically reducing food intake with the help of these drugs could lead to muscle loss along with fat loss, something that can make maintaining weight loss even harder in the future. 

Additionally, GLP-1 receptor agonists have been linked to cases of pancreatitis and gallbladder problems.

There’s also the psychological impact to consider. Doctors are increasingly concerned about how these medications might affect your relationship with food and body image over time. While weight-loss drugs can help reduce cravings and control appetite, they don’t address the underlying habits or emotional triggers that lead to overeating. There’s a risk that people could become dependent on these medications to control their weight, without learning how to manage their eating habits independently. 

Physicians’ Recommendations for Sustainable Weight Loss

Physicians are quick to remind patients that while weight-loss drugs can help get the process started, true success comes from long-term, sustainable changes. They emphasize that these medications should never be the only solution; instead, they are a tool to support healthier lifestyle habits. 

One of the most important pieces of advice physicians give is the need to focus on a balanced, nutrient-rich diet rather than just cutting calories. While calorie restriction can lead to weight loss, it’s not a sustainable strategy on its own, and extreme dieting often backfires. According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, diets that emphasize whole foods—like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins—are far more effective for long-term weight management. 

Doctors also point out the importance of physical activity in maintaining weight loss. While it’s true that diet plays a larger role in initial weight reduction, exercise is crucial for keeping the weight off. Research from the American Heart Association shows that regular physical activity, especially aerobic exercise like walking, swimming, or cycling, helps burn calories, boost metabolism, and improve overall cardiovascular health.

In addition to diet and exercise, many physicians recommend incorporating behavioral therapy into a weight-loss plan. This is where you work with a specialist, such as a dietitian or a psychologist, to identify the behaviors and emotional triggers that contribute to overeating. 

Finally, doctors often talk about the need for accountability and support. Whether through support groups, one-on-one counseling, or online communities, staying connected with others who share similar goals can make a huge difference. 

Alternatives to Weight-Loss Drugs

If you can’t seem to lose weight by following the lifestyle changes we have listed above, there are other weight-loss drug alternatives you can consider.

One of the most significant ones is bariatric surgery, which is often recommended for individuals with severe obesity. Procedures like gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery work by physically altering the digestive system to reduce the amount of food you can eat and how your body absorbs nutrients. Studies show that bariatric surgery can lead to substantial and sustained weight loss, often between 30-40% of total body weight. Beyond weight loss, the surgery can also help improve or even resolve conditions like type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure, making it a life-changing option for many. 

For those who prefer a less invasive approach, medically supervised weight-loss programs can be an excellent alternative. These programs are typically run by healthcare providers, including doctors, dietitians, and behavioral therapists, and offer a comprehensive approach to weight management. 

You can also go for nutritional counseling, which focuses on educating you about making healthier food choices. This approach often involves working with a registered dietitian who can help you develop a balanced eating plan that fits your lifestyle and health goals. 

Lastly, for many people, support groups and community-based programs provide an essential alternative to weight-loss medications. These groups, whether in-person or online, offer a space where individuals can share their experiences, challenges, and successes with others facing similar struggles. 

Programs like Weight Watchers (now known as WW) are particularly popular for this reason. They combine nutritional guidance with community support and have been shown to help participants lose an average of 5-10% of their body weight over time. For some, this kind of social reinforcement can make all the difference in staying committed to weight loss goals.

In conclusion, while weight-loss drugs may seem like a convenient option, they’re far from the only way to achieve lasting results. Whether it’s through bariatric surgery, a medically supervised program, nutritional counseling, or the support of a community, there are plenty of effective alternatives that focus on sustainable, long-term weight management. 

If you are just starting out your weight loss journey or want assistance midway, our team at BASS Bariatric is here to help. We offer personalized treatment options that focus on long-term, sustainable success. Get in touch with our experts now for finding the best path to a healthier you.