Obesity Treatment Medications — From Side Effects to GLP-1 and Weight Loss Standards
Table of Contents
- How Obesity Medications Have Evolved and Their Safety
- Weight Loss Numbers Seen in Actual Clinical Settings
- Obesity and Metabolism from a Traditional Korean Medicine Perspective
- Key Standards to Keep in Mind When Using Medication
- Healthy Weight Loss Methods You Can Start Today
- Finding the Approach That's Right for You
- References
"Maybe this time I should get some help from medication?" That's a thought that crosses many people's minds whenever they decide to go on a diet. In the clinic too, more and more patients are bringing up the topic of obesity medications, which have been making headlines lately.
How Obesity Medications Have Evolved and Their Safety
Even before the drugs available today came along, obesity medications have existed all along. However, quite a few have been discontinued due to safety concerns. Sibutramine, which was used in the past, was withdrawn from the market in 2010 after research showed it increased the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. The combination therapy using fenfluramine and phentermine was also restricted due to concerns about serious side effects such as heart valve disease.
Through these trial-and-error experiences, drugs that act on the metabolic system—rather than simply suppressing appetite—have been gaining attention in recent years. A prime example is the GLP-1 receptor agonist class. These drugs mimic the body's incretin hormones to induce a feeling of fullness and regulate blood glucose levels. Today, the technology has become so advanced that research is underway on triple agonists that act on GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon simultaneously.
Weight Loss Numbers Seen in Actual Clinical Settings
So how much weight can you actually lose by using these drugs? There is a study in which liraglutide 3.0 mg was administered to adults with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea. According to the researchers, the liraglutide group's mean body weight reduction rate was -5.7%, which was higher compared to the placebo group.
One thing worth noting here is that each person responds differently. In clinical protocols, a common approach is to adjust the dosage if body weight reduction falls below 3%[1] after 12 weeks. This means that not everyone loses weight at the same rate when taking medication—the response speed and magnitude vary depending on each individual's metabolic condition.
Obesity and Metabolism from a Traditional Korean Medicine Perspective
In traditional Korean medicine, obesity is not viewed simply as a state of having gained weight from overeating. It examines whether the body is in a state of "damsup" (dampness accumulation)—where unnecessary waste products have built up inside—or "giha" (qi deficiency)—where the energy to burn fuel is insufficient—starting from potential constitutional causes. Rather than just suppressing appetite with medication, the focus is on creating an internal environment where the body efficiently uses its own energy.
What's interesting is that recent modern scientific research has also confirmed the potential of natural extracts. Studies have shown that mulberry leaf (Morus nigra L.) extract demonstrated anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects in rat models fed a high-calorie diet. The fact that naturally derived ingredients can have a positive impact on metabolism aligns closely with the direction of traditional Korean medicine treatments.
Key Standards to Keep in Mind When Using Medication
If you are considering obesity medication, I recommend approaching it with clear standards rather than jumping in blindly. The WHO (World Health Organization) has recommended that GLP-1-based treatments can be used long-term for more than 6 months alongside lifestyle improvements. However, that does not mean that using them for an extended period is necessarily better.
There is one reassessment criterion that experts often bring up. If body weight does not decrease by at least 5% even at the maximum tolerable dose without any side effects, you should reconsider whether to continue that medication. In such cases, discontinuing the drug or exploring a different strategy tends to be more beneficial for your health.
Healthy Weight Loss Methods You Can Start Today
Medication is ultimately a supplementary measure. If you rely solely on drugs, it is difficult to avoid the "yo-yo phenomenon" in which weight tends to return once you stop taking them. Here are a few practical points I always emphasize in the clinic.
Start by changing the order of your meals. If you eat fiber-rich vegetables first, then move on to protein and carbohydrates, you can prevent blood glucose spikes and feel full for longer. Even if it's just a light walk, developing a habit of moving your body at the same time every day is important. Your metabolism needs to improve so that you can maintain a body that functions well even without the aid of medication.
Finding the Approach That's Right for You
Obesity medications are undoubtedly powerful tools, but a choice made without considering your body's condition can also become poison. Just because something worked well for someone else does not mean it is the right answer for you. I hope you will consult thoroughly with an expert to determine your body type and current metabolic state before making a decision.
Rather than aggressive weight loss, gradually and healthily reducing weight at a pace your body can endure is ultimately the fastest route. I hope that the journey toward a lighter body and mindset than yesterday does not become a source of stress.
If solo dieting feels overwhelming or you need systematic management tailored to your body type, give the Baekrokdam Gambi-jung program a try. You can look forward to more effective and healthier results. At your next visit to the clinic, feel free to share which approach worked best for you.
References
[1] Effect of liraglutide 3.0 mg in individuals with obesity and moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea: the SCALE Sleep Apnea randomized clinical trial. (International journal of obesity (2005), 2016) — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27005405/
References
