What doctors should know about popular weight-loss drugs
The rise of weight-loss medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, and tirzepatide has completely changed the conversation around obesity . Once considered a problem of “willpower,” obesity is now recognized as a complex disease —and these drugs are giving patients new hope. But along with promise come serious challenges . The modern weight-loss journey: where science meets lifestyle — but no single pill or plate holds all the answers. Photo by Elena Leya on Unsplash 1. The Surge in Popularity Patient demand is exploding: In a 2023 survey of 346 healthcare professionals (Sermo), 89% saw more patients asking for weight-loss prescriptions. 92% of primary care physicians (PCPs) reported prescribing them. Prescription trends: Wegovy prescriptions in the U.S. jumped from 83,200 in January 2023 to 598,100 in May , before dipping when supplies ran short. Celebrity buzz: Public figures like Oprah Winfrey and Elon Musk have admitted using these medications, fueling curiosity a...