Weight loss medications explained
UT Health Austin primary care physician shares what drugs like Ozempic do and how to decide if they’re right for you
Reviewed by: Felipe De Jesus Flores, M.D.
Written by: Lily Vining
As the new year brings renewed health goals, many people are turning to prescription weight loss medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound to help shed pounds. These drugs have made headlines for their ability to support meaningful weight loss, but are they right for you?
Weight management is about more than a number on the scale. “We want patients to feel empowered, not overwhelmed,” says Felipe De Jesus Flores, M.D., an internal medicine specialist in UT Health Austin’s Primary Care Clinic. “Weight can be a sensitive topic, but your doctor is here to support you, not judge you.”
How do these medications work?
Drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) are part of a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs were originally developed for diabetes but are now Food and Drug Administration-approved for weight loss in certain patients.
“These medications mimic a natural hormone that helps regulate hunger and digestion,” says Flores. “They make you feel fuller for longer, which helps reduce appetite and food intake. Over time, that can lead to meaningful weight loss.”
They also help control blood sugar and may offer other health benefits, including support for kidney and cardiovascular health.
Who are they for?
GLP-1 medications aren’t for everyone — and they’re not designed for short-term or cosmetic use.
“These drugs are intended for people with obesity or weight-related health conditions,” says Flores. “That usually means a BMI over 30, or over 27 if you have conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea.”
Your doctor will also consider factors like your medical history, medication tolerance and readiness for lifestyle changes. Flores notes that some patients with conditions like kidney disease may benefit from these medications, but they require close monitoring.
“If you’re at a healthy weight and just want to drop a few pounds for an event, these aren’t the right option,” he adds. “In that case, the risks outweigh the benefits.”
Risks and side effects
While often well tolerated, GLP-1 medications are not risk-free. “They can cause side effects like nausea, constipation or fatigue, especially when taken at higher doses,” says Flores. In rare cases, they’ve been associated with pancreatitis or thyroid issues, and they’re not recommended during pregnancy.
Dosing starts low and increases gradually, which is why close follow-up with your doctor is important. “We see patients regularly to monitor how they’re doing and adjust if needed,” Flores says.
More than a medication
Even when GLP-1s are appropriate, medication is just one piece of the puzzle. “You still have to do the work — eating well, moving more, getting enough sleep,” says Flores. “Otherwise, you may lose weight but miss out on other aspects of health.”
Flores often helps his patients identify simple, realistic changes for weight loss naturally: cutting sugary drinks and alcohol, swapping meals for lower-calorie options and finding physical activities they enjoy. “The goal is long-term, sustainable health,” he says. “Not just weight loss for a vacation or wedding.”
Why primary care matters
Flores emphasizes that the best place to start the conversation is with your primary care doctor. “It’s easy to find these medications online now, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe to start them without guidance,” he says.
At UT Health Austin, patients receive personalized support — from dietary counseling and exercise recommendations to regular lab monitoring. “Sometimes people think they’re a candidate, and they are,” says Flores. “Other times, we find they just need support with lifestyle changes.”
If you’re wondering whether a weight loss medication is right for you, don’t hesitate to bring it up. “You should feel safe asking your doctor,” says Flores. “We’re here to help you explore your options and support your health goals, whatever they look like.”
For more information about UT Health Austin’s Primary Care Clinic or to schedule an appointment, call 1-833-UT-CARES (1-833-882-2737) or visit here.