Stiftung Warentest’s recent analysis explores the rising trend of weight loss injections like Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Ozempic, initially developed for type 2 diabetes management. These medications mimic the GLP-1 hormone to promote satiety and have shown significant weight loss results in clinical studies. However, potential side effects and high costs, along with safety concerns regarding online purchases, are highlighted. Alternatives to injections include healthy lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments for effective weight management.
Stiftung Warentest Analyzes Weight Loss Injections
In the latest issue 9/2024, Stiftung Warentest has conducted an in-depth examination of weight loss injections. Following the remarkable transformations of several celebrities and influencers using these products, there has been a surge in popularity and covert usage among the public.
Understanding How Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro Work
The weight loss injections, such as Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Ozempic, contain active substances like semaglutide, tirzepatide, and liraglutide. Originally, these medications were designed for the management of type 2 diabetes, aiming to enhance insulin production and regulate blood sugar levels. Remarkably, studies have shown that patients classified as overweight experienced significant weight loss while self-administering these injections.
These medications operate by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which the body releases during food consumption. This hormone sends signals to the brain, indicating feelings of fullness. By leveraging this mechanism, these injections are now also prescribed to treat obesity in non-diabetic individuals. Effectively, they are higher doses of established diabetes medications, which can drastically alter eating habits—as reported by Dr. Andreas Klinge, a diabetologist from Hamburg, where patients find themselves satisfied after just a couple of slices of pizza instead of a whole pie.
Evaluating the Best Weight Loss Injection
In clinical studies, such as Step 1, Wegovy demonstrated impressive results, with 32% of participants achieving a weight loss of 20% within one year, compared to a mere 1.7% in the lifestyle change group. Mounjaro has shown even greater efficacy, as revealed in the Surmount 1 study, where tirzepatide proved to induce significantly more weight loss than semaglutide.
However, it’s crucial to consider the potential side effects associated with these weight loss injections. Common adverse reactions include nausea, diarrhea, and constipation, along with a risk of pancreatic inflammation that can necessitate hospitalization. Additionally, long-term effects remain uncertain due to limited research.
Accessing Weight Loss Injections in Germany
Currently, only three weight loss injections are authorized in Germany for treating severely overweight individuals who do not have diabetes: Wegovy (semaglutide), Mounjaro (tirzepatide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). Physicians may prescribe these injections to patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or 27 with related health issues, such as hypertension. Furthermore, these medications are also approved for obese children aged twelve and above, weighing at least 60 kilograms.
It’s important to note that because these injections are classified as lifestyle products, health insurance does not cover their costs. Prices can be substantial, with a pen containing four doses of Wegovy costing approximately 172 euros at the lowest dosage, while Mounjaro is priced at around 260 euros for four doses, sufficient for a month. Due to their expense, some healthcare providers may opt to prescribe the less costly diabetes medication Ozempic to patients with severe obesity, which is not available for diabetic patients.
Buying Weight Loss Injections: Safety Concerns
Purchasing weight loss injections online without a prescription is strongly discouraged. Claudia Michael, a drug expert, warns that many online products may be counterfeit and could pose serious health risks. Authorities previously flagged fake Ozempic pens that contained insulin instead of semaglutide, which can be life-threatening.
Additionally, products like ‘Lemonbottle,’ which claim to dissolve fat deposits, have raised alarms due to discrepancies in their ingredients. The Swiss drug authority has banned this product as an unauthorized medical device, and German officials are considering similar actions.
Additional Benefits of Weight Loss Injections
Beyond weight reduction, these injections can help alleviate various obesity-related health issues, including inflammation, and enhance blood pressure and lipid profiles, even in those with existing cardiovascular conditions, as indicated by the Select study. Recently, Wegovy received FDA approval in the USA for preventative treatment in overweight patients at risk for cardiovascular diseases.
Healthy Weight Loss Alternatives
For those seeking to lose weight without the use of injections, exploring healthy lifestyle changes remains a viable option. Nutritionists often debunk common diet myths, providing insights into successful weight management strategies.