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The FDA has approved several weight loss drugs for long-term use. Here is a comprehensive list of these medications, along with key details about their use, effectiveness, and side effects:

1. Bupropion-Naltrexone (Contrave):
   • Use: Combination drug used to manage weight by suppressing appetite and increasing energy expenditure.
   • Side Effects: Nausea, headache, constipation, and potential increase in blood pressure. It carries a warning for potential suicide risk due to the bupropion component.
2. Liraglutide (Saxenda):
   • Use: Originally developed for diabetes management, it is also approved for chronic weight management. Administered as a daily injection.
   • Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, and potential risk for thyroid tumors.
3. Orlistat (Xenical, Alli):
   • Use: Works by inhibiting fat absorption in the intestines. Available over-the-counter in a lower dose (Alli) and by prescription in a higher dose (Xenical).
   • Side Effects: Gastrointestinal issues like passing gas and loose stools. There is a rare risk of serious liver injury.
4. Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia):
   • Use: A combination of a weight loss drug (phentermine) and an anticonvulsant (topiramate). It suppresses appetite and promotes satiety.
   • Side Effects: Increased heart rate, insomnia, nervousness, and potential birth defects if used during pregnancy.
5. Semaglutide (Wegovy):
   • Use: A once-weekly injection that helps control appetite. It was originally used for diabetes management.
   • Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain, and headache.
6. Setmelanotide (Imcivree):
   • Use: Specifically approved for weight loss in individuals with certain rare genetic disorders (e.g., pro-opiomelanocortin deficiency).
   • Side Effects: Skin irritation at the injection site, nausea, diarrhea, and potential mood changes like depression or suicidal thoughts.
7. Tirzepatide (Zepbound):
   • Use: Recently approved for chronic weight management. It activates receptors that reduce appetite and food intake. Administered as a weekly injection.
   • Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and injection site reactions. There are warnings for thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, and gallbladder issues.

These medications are generally recommended for individuals with a BMI of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 or greater with weight-related conditions such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. They are most effective when combined with lifestyle changes like a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity【13†source】【14†source】【15†source】.

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Semaglutide, known under the brand name Wegovy for weight management, is also marketed under the name Ozempic when used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Both medications contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, but they are approved and marketed for different primary indications.

• Wegovy: Specifically approved for chronic weight management in adults who are obese or overweight with at least one weight-related condition. It is administered as a once-weekly injection.
• Ozempic: Approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes to help control blood sugar levels, also administered as a once-weekly injection.

These medications work by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) that targets areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation and food intake【13†source】【15†source】.

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Ozempic tends to get more airtime for several reasons:

1. Primary Indication: Ozempic is primarily marketed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, a condition that affects a significant portion of the global population. Diabetes management is a major public health concern, and medications that offer effective blood sugar control receive considerable attention.

2. Broad Audience: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is high, making medications like Ozempic relevant to a large audience. According to the CDC, more than 34 million Americans have diabetes, with type 2 diabetes being the most common form. This wide target demographic drives more substantial marketing efforts and public interest.

3. Efficacy in Weight Loss: Although Ozempic is marketed primarily for diabetes, its effectiveness in promoting weight loss has garnered additional attention. This dual benefit makes it attractive to both healthcare providers and patients who are managing diabetes and seeking weight management solutions.

4. Marketing Strategies: Pharmaceutical companies often allocate more marketing resources to medications that treat chronic and widespread conditions. Ozempic benefits from aggressive marketing campaigns aimed at both healthcare professionals and the general public, increasing its visibility.

5. Media Coverage: Weight management and diabetes are frequent topics in health media. Ozempic often gets mentioned in articles, news segments, and social media discussions related to both diabetes treatment and weight loss, further boosting its profile.

6. Clinical Studies and Approvals: The extensive research and clinical trials supporting Ozempic’s efficacy and safety contribute to its high profile. The drug’s approval by major regulatory bodies like the FDA for diabetes management adds credibility and widespread recognition.

7. Celebrity Endorsements and Social Media: High-profile endorsements and discussions on social media platforms can significantly increase a drug’s visibility. Stories about celebrities using Ozempic for weight loss or diabetes management often make headlines, amplifying public interest.

Overall, the combination of a broad target audience, effective marketing strategies, and dual benefits for diabetes and weight management contributes to Ozempic’s higher airtime compared to other medications like Wegovy, which is primarily focused on weight management alone.