Excess weight, or obesity, is a global issue. In Georgia, many people are overweight, and as a result, they are at high risk of cancer, type-2 diabetes, and heart issues. According to the International Diabetes Federation, 80% of people with type 2 diabetes worldwide are obese. And such people must lose weight by at least 5–10% to enhance glycemic control and get rid of other health issues. When it comes to losing weight, people with type-2 diabetes want to know which diabetes medications cause weight loss.
Along with lifestyle changes, you can opt for medications to treat your diabetes. Some medicines can impact your body weight. However, not every medicine causes weight changes. A few have little impact on weight for most people who have them. Read this blog to the end to learn which diabetes medicines can lead to weight loss.
Which Diabetes Medicines Cause Weight Loss?
Different diabetes drugs are associated with weight loss. They include the following:
1. Metformin
This is one of the most commonly prescribed diabetes medications for weight loss. If you have type-2 diabetes, you can use metformin in conjunction with a healthy diet to lower your blood sugar levels. Metformin functions by reducing the glucose amount absorbed from the intestines, lowering the glucose amount made in the liver, and enhancing insulin sensitivity. According to some studies, some people with obesity may lose almost 6 pounds after taking metformin for a year.
2. Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors
Alpha-glucosidase is an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates into smaller sugar particles like glucose to absorb carbohydrates. These inhibitors slow down the digestion of carbohydrates and delay glucose absorption. This results in a slower and smaller rise in blood sugar levels after meals and throughout the day.
3. Pramlintide (Symlin)
This is a lab-made form of the amylin hormone that slows down food movement through the stomach and hinders the liver from producing sugar. This medication works like Amylin does in the body. It can lead most people to shed nearly 4 pounds. Obese people may even lose up to 7 pounds with this medication.
4. Wegovy
Wegovy is the synthetic version of glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone in the gut. It impacts the brain parts that control appetite and hunger. This diabetes medication is injected under the skin once a week. It delays emptying the stomach. Moreover, Wegovy promotes the feeling of satiety by working on the brain, especially at the hypothalamus level. People with type-2 diabetes and excess weight are possibly the right candidates for the double advantage of enhanced blood sugar control and weight loss.
Bottom Lines
Diabetes medicines are essential for reducing blood sugar levels in people with type-2 diabetes. Some diabetes medications cause weight loss, whereas others cause weight gain. Insulin may cause the most weight gain. Hence, eating a healthy diet and working out daily are necessary to maintain a healthy body weight. Work closely with the Fidelity Healthcare team to decide the best diabetes treatment plan for you. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits and side effects of diabetes medications according to your medical conditions.
