As obesity rates rise alarmingly in France, new pharmaceutical treatments promise significant weight loss. Ozempic, Victoza… Medications prescribed for type 2 diabetes have shown remarkable effectiveness. But are they truly effective in the long term? What are their advantages and limitations? Here’s a closer look.
Obesity is a chronic condition affecting over 8 million people in France, which is about 17% of the adult population, according to Santé publique France. More worryingly, nearly 50% of the French population is classified as overweight, putting them at risk for serious health issues, such as type 2 diabetes, with 90% of cases linked to obesity.
In response to the troubling rise in obesity worldwide, finding effective solutions has become a public health priority. Among the new therapeutic options, certain antidiabetic medications like Ozempic (semaglutide) and Victoza (liraglutide), originally designed for managing type 2 diabetes, have emerged as particularly promising candidates for promoting weight loss.
How Do Anti-Obesity Medications Work?
Weight-loss medications function through three primary mechanisms:
- Appetite suppression and increased satiety
- Some drugs, like semaglutide (Ozempic) and liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza), act as GLP-1 analogs. They target the brain to diminish feelings of hunger and slow gastric emptying, leading to reduced calorie intake and significant weight loss.
- Fat absorption inhibition
- Orlistat (Xenical) functions by partially blocking fat absorption in the intestine, thus decreasing overall calorie intake. However, this drug may lead to uncomfortable side effects like diarrhea and bloating.
- Effects on energy metabolism
- Some treatments still under development aim to boost the body’s energy expenditure, promoting faster calorie burning.
These medications are typically intended for individuals suffering from severe obesity (BMI ≥ 30) or those with overweight issues coupled with conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
Are Anti-Obesity Medications the Right Solution?
What Is the Actual Effectiveness of These Medications?
Clinical trials and recent studies indicate that these medications enable significant weight loss:
- A study published in The Lancet in 2023 found that participants taking semaglutide lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks, compared to just 2.4% for those who followed a diet alone.
- Another study referenced by Le Figaro Santé reported that patients using liraglutide lost between 5% and 10% of their weight within one year.
Nonetheless, these outcomes may vary significantly from person to person, and long-term success is not guaranteed if medication discontinuation is not paired with substantial lifestyle changes. Indeed, 40% to 60% of patients regain weight after stopping the medication, according to the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Anti-Obesity Medications?
While these treatments show promising results, they come with potential side effects. Common ones include:
- Digestive issues: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation.
- Cardiovascular effects: increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure in some cases.
- Risk of dependency: often, weight gain recurs after treatment cessation, encouraging prolonged use.
- High cost: medications like Ozempic can range from €100 to €150 per month, and are not reimbursed in France for weight loss purposes.
Additionally, some studies raise concerns about potential long-term effects, particularly regarding pancreatic and cardiovascular health.
Anti-Obesity Medications vs. Bariatric Surgery: What Are the Differences?
Weight-loss medications are frequently compared to bariatric procedures (such as bypass surgery or sleeve gastrectomy), which typically yield more dramatic results with weight loss of 30% to 50% of body weight.
Advantages of medications include:
- Less invasive than surgery.
- Short-term complications are fewer.
- Reversible upon cessation of treatment.
Disadvantages:
- Slower and less striking results.
- Risk of weight regain after stopping the treatment.
- Side effects may be challenging to manage.
The decision between the two approaches depends on the patient’s expectations and overall health condition. Health professionals emphasize that anti-obesity medications should be part of a comprehensive strategy, including tailored nutritional guidance from a dietitian, regular physical activity suited to the patient’s capabilities, and psychological support to address compulsive eating behaviors.
Should You Consider Anti-Obesity Medications?
Anti-obesity medications and other treatments can be effective tools, but they do not substitute for a healthy lifestyle. Their efficacy is real but contingent upon rigorous medical supervision and a commitment to sustainable change.
If you are considering treatment, consult your doctor to assess whether this option is suitable for your situation.
NOTE
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines overweight and obesity based on Body Mass Index (BMI), a simple tool for assessing an individual’s body weight. According to this classification, a person is considered overweight when their BMI is 25 or higher, and classified as obese starting at a BMI of 30.
