FDA Approval and Updates: What You Need to Know About Weight Loss Shots

Wegovy (based on semaglutide) is an FDA-approved drug for weight loss. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a class of weight loss drugs that mimic a natural hormone in the body to regulate food intake. When administered, Wegovy activates GLP-1 receptors in the brain, delaying gastric emptying and reducing appetite, which can lead to decreased calorie intake and weight loss. It should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for effective weight management.

The Wegovy injection is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in eligible individuals 12 years and older. It can be prescribed for adults with obesity (BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher) or overweight (BMI of 27 kg/m² or higher) with weight-related health issues like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. For pediatric patients (12 years and older), Wegovy is approved for those who classify as obese (BMI 95th percentile or higher for age and sex).

BMI Calculator

Wegovy is also FDA-approved to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death in adults with obesity or overweight with cardiovascular disease.

Saxenda is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist and an FDA-approved weight loss shot. Saxenda can be prescribed to eligible adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related medical issue. It can also be used for children aged 12-17 years who weigh over 132 pounds (60 kg). It is a daily injection given under the skin from a multi-dose pen.

This injection helps with weight loss by reducing appetite and slowing stomach emptying, making you feel full longer and eat less. It mimics a natural hormone that controls blood sugar, insulin, and digestion.

Zepbound received FDA approval for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI of 30 kg/m² or greater) or those who are overweight (BMI of 27 kg/m² or greater) with weight-related medical problems like hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease.

Zepbound is a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, activating both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) hormone receptors. It contains the same active ingredient (tirzepatide) as another popular weight loss medication – Mounjaro, both of which are made by Eli Lilly and Company.

Tirzepatide helps you lose weight and maintain it, and should be combined with diet and exercise for best results. Zepbound decreases your appetite and slows food movement from the stomach to the small intestine, making you feel full quicker and longer. It’s a once-weekly injection under the skin using a pre-filled single-dose pen.