Experts Warn Against Over-Reliance on Obesity Medications
Health specialists are urging caution concerning the use of medications for weight loss. They state that these drugs are tools to be used carefully, within the right context, and not as standalone solutions for obesity.
Understanding the Shift in Approach
Over 47% of people in Hyderabad are considered obese, a concerning figure that is linked to severe health issues like diabetes and heart disease. The popularity of medications such as oral semaglutide and tirzepatide reflects a shift in how we address weight management. However, they are not shortcuts, emphasized Dr. Khizer Hussain Junaidy, a general physician and diabetologist at Caspian Healthcare.
“The rising popularity of anti-obesity medications oral semaglutide, tirzepatide, and now injectable semaglutide reflects a shift in how we approach weight management from purely behavioural interventions to scientifically-backed pharmacotherapy. The real risk isn’t the medicine but it’s the mindset. The danger lies not in the molecules themselves, which are generally safe when prescribed appropriately, but in the assumption that medication alone can replace diet and movement. Patients may expect miraculous results without changing their habits, which can lead to disappointment, early discontinuation, or relapse.
—Dr. Khizer Hussain Junaidy, General Physician and Diabetologist, Caspian Healthcare
A recent study showed that nearly 42% of adults in the United States are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, highlighting the urgency of informed approaches to weight management.
The Role of Medications and Lifestyle
Dr. Khizer Hussain pointed out that although side effects of these medications are common, they are usually manageable. These include nausea and constipation. The medications suppress appetite, but they do not teach portion control. Therefore, they should be integrated into a structured, supervised weight management plan.
Dr. Mujeeb Afzal, a consultant endocrinologist at Renova Bibi Cancer Hospital, Malakpet, confirmed that, whilst effective, the medications must be used cautiously. He also stated that people often regain weight after stopping them. Therefore, lifestyle changes remain the safest and most sustainable strategy for managing obesity.