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New Year, New You and New Weight Loss Medications: Which One is Best for You?

While the year 2025 may be new, annual resolutions to lose weight and medications targeting weight loss have been around for decades.

Remember when Oprah Winfrey appeared on the red carpet noticeably thinner? It wasn't long before admirers speculated that this may be related to possible off-label use of Ozempic (generic=semaglutide). This injectable GLP-1 medication was originally used to treat diabetes with the sweet side effect of profound weight loss.

Later, clinical trials confirmed the profound effectiveness of semaglutide, and Wegovy (semaglutide's new brand name) was born. Today, Tirzepatide (brand name=Zepboud/Mounjaro) has joined Wegovy as two of the most popular and effective medications for the treatment of obesity.

Semaglutide or Tirzepatide?

• These medications are indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise for patients with a BMI>30 (for example, a person who is 5' 6" and weighs more than 186 pounds)
• However, if you also have type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure-semaglutide or tirzepatide can be prescribed if your BMI > 27 (the same 5' 6" person would weigh at least 167 pounds)
• Common medical insurance plans are likely to cover GLP-1s for weight loss if the above are met, especially if you also have type 2 diabetes

How do GLP-1s work?

• Working at both the brain and gut, these drugs regulate appetite, slow digestion and allow us to feel fuller longer
• It is important to note however that there is still no magic pill, injection or cure for obesity. In fact, most studies that highlight the success of GLP-1s also included prescriptions for continued diet and exercise.

Hype or hope?

• Especially when taken as prescribed and at the highest dosage, GLP-1 agonists are highly effective for weight loss
• Semaglutide (Wegovy) and Tirzepatide (Zepbound) are associated with an average weight loss of 10-15% and 21% respectively.

They sound like miracle drugs, what's the catch?

• Like all medications, even ones that are effective, benefits must be weighed against side effects and risks (short and long term)
• Side Effects: sometimes associated nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea can be so limiting that they are forced to stop these medications. In fact, about 1/3 of patients taking these medications stop taking these medications all together. Not surprisingly, weight gain recurred once these medications were discontinued. In addition, risk for pancreatic and gall bladder abnormalities can develop.
• Long term risks: Because these medications are so new, long term risks are not known. There is however a theoretical risk of endocrine cancer, and they are not recommended for use in patients with a history or family history of thyroid cancers.
• Cost: GLP-1s are not always covered by insurance and can cost between $1,000 and $1,300 per month—nearly equivalent to the average monthly mortgage payment in Rochester, NY!
• Availability: due to increasing demand, GLP-1s are often in short supply.
• Wegovy and Zepbound are weekly injectable medications and not for those who are needle shy.

So which one is the best?

• Ironically, your ideal weight loss drug may not have anything to do with your weight at all. Because different GLP-1s can have favorable impacts on cholesterol levels, blood pressure or blood sugar, the weight loss drug of choice for you might be the one that targets your weight AND your other specific medical problems.
• Most recently, Zepbound was even FDA approved for the treatment of sleep apnea.
• Finally, the best drug is the one that you and your doctor decide upon together. While studies can support the science of medicine, medicine is still an art and only you and your doctor can decide if GLP-1s are appropriate for you.

In short, while Wegovy and Zepbound are not magic bullets, but their success—when paired with lifestyle changes—may represent a promising new tool in the war against obesity.

AI and You: Artificial Intelligence or Aging Inspired?

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI) you ask ? According to my personal AI device, Alexa, "AI is refers to the ability of a computer program to think, learn and simulate intelligent human behavior."

Contrary to popular belief, AI is nothing new and has actually been around for nearly 50 years. Remember when Microsoft Word incorporated the spell check that helped us write college essays in the 80s? AI has come a long way, and with friends like "Siri" and "Alexa", AI is right by our side every day.

AI is certainly convenient and fun, But can AI support healthy aging?

It’s no surprise that many communities for older adults are now equipped with built-in AI to enhance comfort and safety as seniors age in place. These technologies include AI-powered thermostats, daily safety check-ins, meal option announcements, medication reminders and video-enabled doorbells, to name just a few.

No matter how far away, screen time with family and grandchildren is a video call away with new video screen sharing devices. And when they are not available, AI enabled devices themselves can engage in two way friendly conversations or play games with us, helping reduce social isolation.

But thanks to AI, a new and exciting medical device is on the horizon. Have you heard of eyeglasses that can also hear? Nuance has developed smart eyewear that doubles as an invisible AI empowered hearing aid. This over the counter hearing aid "knows" what you are focused on in the moment, and selectively amplifies only those sounds associated with your current activity. Imagine finally having a hearing aid that allows you to focus on just your own conversations at work, large family gatherings or even crowded restaurants. "See" these conversations with and without AI for yourself with the interactive demonstration at www.Nuance.com.

Enhance your natural intelligence and get age inspired with AI!

An Attitude of Gratitude

Thank you and Happy New Year from ConnectCare MD!

I’m deeply grateful to the patients and professionals who have supported the recent launch of ConnectCare MD. As we embark on this new year, I’m excited to continue empowering patients, families, and physicians on their healthcare journeys—one doctor visit at a time. Here's to wishing you and yours the best of health and happiness in the year ahead.

"Connect with Us!"

For more information and to schedule a free consult call

"Dr. T" at (585)727-0235