Obstetrics and gynecology clinics also prescribe anti-obesity medications, similar to dermatology or internal medicine clinics. Dr. Lee Dong, an OB/GYN specialist, explains that these injections are often helpful for women because weight changes due to endocrine and hormonal factors play a significant role.
What is the difference between Saxenda, Wegovy, and Mounjaro?
All three injections belong to the GLP-1 class, but their administration methods and ingredients differ. Saxenda is an injection given once a day. Wegovy is a medication from the same company that stays in the body longer, so it only needs to be administered once a week. Mounjaro is an injection that contains both GLP-1 and GIP ingredients, and these two components are known to work together to provide a greater body fat breakdown effect.
In studies comparing weight loss effects, Wegovy reported results of 15 to 18 percent weight loss, and Mounjaro reported up to 21 percent. However, Director Lee Dong explains that these figures are results from studies conducted on women overseas, and because obesity levels and underlying disease conditions differ, it cannot be concluded that the same percentage of weight loss will occur.
Why do you feel full and experience slow digestion?
This class of injections does not suppress appetite in the brain like older appetite suppressants. Instead, they work by slowing down gastrointestinal motility to maintain a feeling of fullness for longer. In this process, you may experience bloating, a feeling of incomplete digestion, or worsening constipation.
You should never split doses. Wegovy is effective when the prescribed dose is consistently administered at weekly intervals, and Mounjaro cannot be used again once a pen is used, making it impossible to split doses.
In what cases are they used in obstetrics and gynecology?
Typically, they can help improve insulin resistance in cases of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. When weight is reduced and insulin resistance improves, menstrual cycles may return, which can also be helpful for infertility treatment. During periods when the risk of metabolic diseases increases due to hormonal changes, such as perimenopause or post-menopause, the decision to prescribe is made after reviewing blood tests and hormone tests.
Research beyond obesity treatment
While this class of drugs initially gained attention for obesity treatment, recent research is also exploring their effects on other conditions such as diabetes, depression, and alcohol use disorder. Research on Alzheimer's is also underway, and there have been reports of studies suggesting that taking this medication may slow down aging or extend lifespan. However, Director Lee Dong explains that many of these results are often presented by pharmaceutical companies emphasizing favorable outcomes for themselves, so it is necessary to view them cautiously rather than accepting them as a collection of only positive aspects.
Things to check and inform in advance
- If you are taking birth control pills for contraceptive purposes, you must inform us in advance. Studies suggest that Mounjaro may slow gastric emptying, which could reduce the absorption of birth control pills, potentially decreasing contraceptive effectiveness.
- If you have an upcoming surgery, endoscopy, or health check-up, you should stop the injection at least two weeks beforehand. This is because delayed gastric emptying may mean your stomach is not empty even if you adhere to the prescribed fasting time.
- In the event of emergency surgery, you must also inform us of the last time you received the injection.
Rapid weight loss can affect the gallbladder, and if weight is lost without exercise, muscle mass may also decrease. This is particularly important for post-menopausal women, as muscle loss can become severe enough to make even walking difficult, requiring caution.
Quick Summary
- Saxenda is a daily injection, Wegovy is a weekly injection, and Mounjaro is a weekly injection with added GIP ingredients.
- Mounjaro is reported to have the greatest weight loss effect, but there are individual differences.
- If you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or perimenopausal/post-menopausal metabolic changes, hormone tests should be checked first.
- If you have contraception plans or scheduled surgeries, you must inform us in advance.
Anti-obesity injections are not medications to be taken simply because others are taking them. It is important to consult based on your hormonal status, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, perimenopause, and pregnancy or contraception plans, and then use them safely.