Who doesn’t want a fit and fine body? However, not everyone really gains and maintains the desired weight in life only with lifestyle management. In such cases, weight loss drugs become your friend.
While weight management is the topic, diabetic medications indeed emerge in the conversion for their prominent effect and result. But which diabetic medication is best for weight loss?
Well, several diabetic medications (Metformin, α-glucosidase inhibitors, Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, and Amylin mimetics) are great for weight management.
Let’s dig deeper into diabetic drugs to find which medications effectively manage weight.
Can Diabetic Medications Help You Lose Weight?
Diabetic medications can help in weight loss, especially if you have type 2 diabetes. They may help manage weight by slowing digestion, decreasing appetite, and enhancing insulin sensitivity.
Weight is indeed a foe for diabetes. Obesity, especially when concentrated in the belly, can lead to the development of diabetes and heart disease. So, losing weight is crucial to prevent and manage them.
Now, diabetes medications primarily regulate blood sugar levels. But by stabilizing blood sugar levels, these meds reduce excessive hunger and aid weight control. They also improve insulin sensitivity, promoting efficient glucose uptake and insulin resistance. It can lead to weight maintenance.
Some diabetes meds like SGLT-2 inhibitors may increase urinary glucose excretion, leading to calorie loss and weight reduction. Also, some meds affect metabolism, altering lipid metabolism and increasing fat oxidation. It can help you lose weight.
However, it doesn’t mean diabetic medication will melt your extra pounds instantly. It isn’t a quick fix or a magic bullet for weight loss. Their primary purpose is managing diabetes, and any weight loss is a secondary benefit with its unique considerations.
So, always consult your health care professional before considering using diabetes medicine for weight loss.
Which Diabetic Medication Is Best For Weight Loss?
There’s no “best” diabetic medication for weight loss, as it can vary depending on the individual’s health condition, lifestyle, and response to medication. Several diabetic drugs that are effective for weight management are FDA-approved and have shown excellent results in trials.
Here are some commonly prescribed diabetic medications known for their potential weight loss benefits.
Metformin
Metformin treats type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and lowering blood sugar levels. While weight loss is not its primary goal, some may experience modest weight loss as a side effect.
According to the study, patients randomized to metformin experienced an average weight loss of 2.1 kg.
Metformin helps you eat less by reducing the size of your meals. It leads to consuming less energy overall. Metformin also causes your body to produce two hormones, GLP-1 and peptide YY, which make you feel full and less hungry.
Besides, the medication can change the bacteria in your gut and make your brain more responsive to the hormone leptin, which can help with weight loss.
However, Metformin for weight loss is not FDA-approved as its effects are inconsistent. It is not recommended to be used as the sole treatment for obese patients without metabolic complications. You should add a healthy diet and exercise routine for the desired result.
Benefits Of Metformin:
- Affordable
- Well-tolerated
- generally safe for long-term use
- offers cardiovascular benefits
- may reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Metformin Side Effects:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Flatulence
- Vomiting
- Abdominal discomfort
- Low blood sugar
- Trembling or shaking
- Sweating
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Vitamin B12 deficiency (long-term use)
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GLP-1 Agonists
Glucagon-like peptide-1 Receptor Agonists, aka GLP-1 Agonists, are injectable medications that help manage diabetes and mimic the effects of a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1. It has multiple roles, including-
- stimulating insulin secretion
- suppressing the hormone glucagon to reduce hunger
- increasing feelings of fullness by delaying stomach emptying.
These combined effects lead to reduced food intake, decreased appetite, and weight loss.
Some popular medicines of GLP-1 agonists include-
- Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus)
- Liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza)
- Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
- Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon)
- Lixisenatide (Adlyxin)
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)
The FDA has approved two GLP-1 medications, liraglutide (Saxenda) and semaglutide (Wegovy), for weight loss.
Studies show that combined with a diet and exercise regimen, semaglutide can result in up to 15% body weight loss. Another study discovered that after 68 weeks, those who took semaglutide lost an average of 15.8% of their body weight, compared to 6.4% for those who took liraglutide.
Another study demonstrated that those who took semaglutide were likelier to lose at least 5% of their baseline body weight at week 104 than those who were given a placebo.
These studies indicate that GLP-1 agonists, especially semaglutide, can lead to significant weight loss when used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise.
GLP-1 Agonists Benefits:
- Reduced appetite and food intake
- Blood sugar management
- Promote feelings of fullness and satiety
- Potential long-term weight maintenance.
GLP-1 Agonists Side Effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- constipation
- Weight regain risk after stopping the medication.
SGLT-2 Inhibitors
SGLT-2 inhibitors, commonly used in type 2 diabetes treatment, aid weight loss through various mechanisms. Increasing urinary glucose excretion leads to calorie loss. They also alter the insulin/glucagon ratio, activating lipolysis and reducing fat synthesis.
Moreover, they enhance fatty acid oxidation, inhibit mTORC1, improve mitochondrial function, and promote adipose tissue browning, boosting energy expenditure. Besides, they modulate hormone levels, inhibiting leptin and increasing adiponectin expression while activating FGF-21, a hormone involved in metabolism.
These combined effects make SGLT-2 inhibitors effective for weight loss in diabetic individuals.
Some SGLT-2 inhibitors approved for weight loss include:
- Dapagliflozin (Farxiga)
- Canagliflozin (Invokana)
- Empagliflozin (Jardiance)
- Ertugliflozin (Steglatro).
SGLT-2 Inhibitors Benefits:
- Urinary glucose excretion
- Improved body composition
- Cardiovascular and renal benefits
- Long-term usage (up to 4 years).
SGLT-2 Inhibitors Side Effects:
- Genital yeast infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Increased urination
- Low blood pressure
- risk of bone fractures
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (too many production ketone acids).
What Are Some Other Diabetic Medication For Weight Loss?
Besides SGLT-2 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists, and metformin, there are other medications used in diabetes management that may also have effects on weight.
- Thiazolidinediones (TZDs): TZDs, such as pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, improve insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues and reduce insulin resistance.
- Sulfonylureas stimulate insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells, lowering blood sugar levels.
- Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) Inhibitors: increase the levels of incretin hormones, which stimulate insulin release and inhibit glucagon secretion.
Diabetes Drug For Weight Loss Side Effects
Some common side effects associated with diabetes medications used for weight loss include-
-
- Gastrointestinal Disturbances: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Symptoms may occur when starting the medication or adjusting the dose but usually improve as your body adjusts.
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Symptoms of hypoglycemia include shakiness, sweating, dizziness, confusion, and, in severe cases, loss of consciousness.
- Genitourinary Infections may include painful urination, frequent urination, and abdominal discomfort, while symptoms of genital yeast infections may include itching, burning, and unusual discharge.
- Increased Urination and Thirst
- Injection Site Reactions such as redness, swelling, itching, or pain
- Bone Fracture Risk
- Ketoacidosis
- Pancreatitis
- cardiovascular issues.
Other FDA-Approved Weight Loss Medication
What if you don’t want to use diabetic medications for weight loss? Well, several FDA-approved weight loss medications are available if you have difficulty losing weight through lifestyle changes alone.
- Orlistat (Xenical, Alli) – inhibiting the absorption of dietary fats
- Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia) – a combination medication that suppresses appetite and increases feelings of fullness.
- Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave) – a combination medication that reduces appetite and increases metabolism.
Weight Loss Effect: Diabetic Meds vs. Non-Diabetic Meds
Let’s look at the differences between the work and action of diabetic and non-diabetic medications for weight loss.
Aspect | Diabetic Medications | Non-Diabetic Medications |
Mechanism of Action | Impact glucose metabolism, appetite control | Inhibit fat absorption, suppress appetite |
Primary Use | Manage blood sugar levels | Promote weight loss in overweight/obese |
Typical Candidates | Individuals with type 2 diabetes | Overweight/obese individuals without T2D |
Common Classes | SGLT-2 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists, Metformin | Orlistat, Lorcaserin, Phentermine/Topiramate |
Average Weight Loss | Modest (1-4% of body weight) | Moderate (5-10% of body weight) |
Side Effects | GI disturbances, UTIs, hypoglycemia | GI disturbances, dry mouth, headache |
Considerations | It may require titration, monitoring blood sugar | Avoid if pregnant/nursing, monitor BP |
Long-Term Safety | Generally well-tolerated with monitoring | Safety profiles vary; monitor for risks |
Beyond the Medication: Lifestyle Modification For Weight Loss
lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in weight management. Here’s what you may do.
- Balanced Diet: For weight loss, have a balanced diet with vegetables, fruits, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains. Avoid high-calorie, low-nutrient foods like processed/fried foods, refined carbs, and fatty meat.
- Healthy Eating Habits: Awareness of your emotional and behavioral patterns related to food is crucial for weight loss. For instance, overeating when sad, bored, or stressed can impede your progress. Similarly, distractions like eating while watching TV or driving can prevent you from keeping track of your food intake.
- Regular Physical Activity: Exercise promotes weight loss by burning calories and building muscle, which increases metabolic rate and allows the body to burn more calories even at rest. Besides, it improves heart and lung function, making it easier to be active.
- Stress Management: Reduce stress by calming activities like meditation, yoga, or time in nature. Identify stress sources and develop coping strategies. Get enough quality sleep to avoid hormonal imbalance, overeating, and hindering weight loss.
Bottom Line
Which diabetic medication is best for weight loss? Several diabetic medications benefit weight loss; however, Metformin, GLP-1 Agonists, and SGLT-2 Inhibitors are the most popular. Some of them are FDA-approved for weight loss and indeed have shown significant results in losing weight.
At My Concierge MD, you will get a holistic approach to healthy weight management from expert concierge physicians and nutritionists.