Mayo Clinic Minute: What's the skinny on weight-loss drugs?

Want to lose weight? It's really just basic math. Burn more calories than you take in. The best way to do that is by eating a healthy diet — reducing your calorie intake — and being physically active, which increases the number of calories burned.

While it appears to be simple, many people find it challenging to effectively lose weight and keep the pounds off. Now, Mayo Clinic experts say there is a new tool to help in the battle against obesity, a prescription medication that can curb your appetite.

It's a medication called semaglutide — better known by the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy. Ozempic is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat Type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is now approved to help with weight loss.

It works by tricking your brain and stomach into feeling full, so you don't overeat.

It's a prescription medication. The FDA advises it only for people with a body mass index, or BMI, greater than 30 — or a BMI of 27 or more with a weight-related health condition. A common side effect is nausea.
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