Melinda Mayo's Prescription Weight Loss Journey with Wegovy and More

Melinda Mayo's Weight Loss Journey with Prescription Medications

Melinda Mayo became a public figure when she lost over 100 pounds using prescription weight loss medications. Her incredible transformation sparked interest in understanding these drugs and who they can help.

Mayo's weight loss journey began when she tipped the scales at over 300 pounds. After years of failed dieting attempts, she spoke to her doctor about using prescription meds to treat her obesity.

The Role of Prescription Drugs in Weight Management

For some people, prescription medications can be a helpful part of a comprehensive weight loss plan when combined with diet, exercise, and behavior changes. They are not a "magic pill" but one potential tool.

These drugs are designed for those with health conditions related to being overweight or obesity, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. They are meant to be used along with lifestyle modifications for long-term health.

How Prescription Weight Loss Drugs Work

There are several ways these medications promote weight loss. The most common prescription drugs work by:

• Suppressing appetite - Makes you feel fuller faster so you eat less
• Increasing satiety - Helps you feel satisfied with smaller portions
• Blocking fat absorption - Prevents some dietary fat from being absorbed
• Raising energy expenditure - Boosts calories burned through thermogenesis

Different drugs utilize one or more of these mechanisms to influence weight in different ways.

Weight Loss Medications Mayo Originally Took

When she first began her weight loss journey, Mayo took phentermine along with diabetes drug metformin. Here's an overview of how these drugs work for weight management:

Phentermine

Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that dampens hunger signals. It stimulates the release of norepinephrine and dopamine to reduce appetite. It's for short-term use only, approved for a few weeks.

Metformin

Metformin helps improve insulin sensitivity and reduce glucose production by the liver. This makes it easier for cells to uptake blood sugar. Modest weight loss of about 5% may occur due to appetite suppression.

Together, these two medications helped Mayo lose around 50 pounds initially. But she eventually hit a plateau and sought an alternative option to continue her progress.

Wegovy - The Drug Behind Mayo's Viral Success

In 2021 when Mayo lost over 100 pounds, she attributed much of her success to the new medication Wegovy. This drug garnered attention as Mayo's dramatic results spread on social media.

Wegovy contains the active ingredient semaglutide, a compound that mimics the appetite-reducing hormone GLP-1. It stimulates insulin production, slows stomach emptying, and increases feelings of fullness.

In studies, most people taking semaglutide lost 5-15% of their body weight over 68 weeks. Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management along with diet and exercise.

Who is a Candidate for Weight Loss Drugs?

Prescription medications are meant for certain populations who have struggled to lose weight through other means. They are generally for individuals:

• With a BMI over 30 (class 1 obesity)
• With a BMI over 27 (overweight) and an obesity-related condition like Type 2 diabetes or hypertension
• Who have not been able to lose enough weight through diet, exercise, and behavior changes alone
• Without a history of certain medical conditions that may be aggravated by the drugs

A doctor will help determine if you are a suitable candidate based on examination and medical history.

Other Popular Prescription Weight Loss Drugs

In addition to phentermine, metformin, and Wegovy, some other prescription medications used for obesity and weight loss include:

Orlistat

Sold as Xenical or Alli, orlistat blocks enzymes needed to digest fat. Undigested fat can't be absorbed and gets excreted instead. It promotes modest weight loss of about 5%.

Qsymia

A combination of phentermine and topiramate, Qsymia suppresses appetite and makes you feel fuller faster on less food. Most people lose 5-10% of their weight on this drug.

Contrave

Contrave contains naltrexone and bupropion, both of which alter chemical signals in the brain tied to hunger and behavior modification. It can help sustain 5-10% total weight loss.

Saxenda

Like Wegovy, Saxenda contains semaglutide to stimulate insulin, suppress appetite, and slow digestion. Average weight loss is 5-10% over 12 months.

The Newest Options - Zepbound and Mounjaro

Two of the latest prescription drugs approved for treating obesity are Zepbound (bupropion and zonisamide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide).

Mounjaro helps regulate blood sugar and appetite by activating receptors for GLP-1 and other gut hormones. Patients in trials lost up to 25% of body weight over 72 weeks.

Zepbound combines bupropion's effects on dopamine levels with zonisamide's serotonin activity. In studies, participants lost 10-15% of body weight on Zepbound.

Key Considerations for Prescription Weight Loss Medications

These drugs can be helpful tools when used correctly under medical supervision, but there are some important factors to keep in mind:

• Results vary - Some people lose more weight than others.
• Lifestyle changes are still required - The drugs alone won't make you lose weight.
• Side effects may occur - Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and headache are common.
• Long-term use is often needed - Weight may be regained once you stop taking medication.
• They are not for everyone - Those with certain conditions cannot use these drugs safely.
• Close medical monitoring is required - Doctors need to assess your progress regularly.

Following dosage guidelines carefully and adhering to recommended diet and exercise helps promote weight loss while minimizing risks.

The Bottom Line on Prescription Weight Loss Drugs

Medications like Wegovy can help people struggling with obesity and weight-related health issues who have not succeeded through conventional means alone. They are appropriate for certain candidates under medical supervision.

These drugs should be used along with improved nutrition, physical activity, and behavior changes for long-term wellness. They are not quick fixes and results depend on the individual. Consult a doctor to see if prescription meds could aid your weight loss efforts.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.