It's the weight loss drug that's taken the market by storm.
Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound and Monjaro are the most common injectables and are taking a bite out of weight loss.
Doctors say it's one of the most proven weight loss drugs but comes with a side of caution.
Nicole Aragon used a similar weight loss drug. At first, it worked, she dropped a lot of weight and fast.
"I was trying everything to get to a lower weight than what I was, I wasn't even hungry," she said.
Like millions of people, Nicole was doing whatever to shed the pounds.
"we're now really looking at obesity as a disease and we treat disease with lifestyle change and medication," said the Chief Medical Officer at Lee Health, Dr Iahn Ghonsenhauser.
Research shows that 1.7% of Americans were prescribed a semaglutide medication in 2023.
The drugs mimic glp-1. It's a hormone your body naturally produces after you eat, so you feel full faster
and much longer. While data shows people are losing weight, it's also taking away from people who need the medication.
"Right now, we are seeing so many people interested in these medications for weight loss, that people who need them for diabetes aren't always able to get them. So, that's a really important consideration," said Dr. Ghonsenhauser.
According to Columbia University's Department of surgery people shed around 15 to 20 percent of their weight, but
some people may lose just 10 percent while taking the medication.
For some people, the medication is working and they are noticing the difference.
"I've lost a total of 130 pounds. You have to be willing to put in the work and it's not just for 20 to 40 pounds," said Sarah Sinkus, who has used the medication for the past two years.
Like any drug, a doctor should prescribe which medication is best for you and your long-term goals.
"For most of these medications for all the data we've seen, you really do have to keep on taking it to maintain the impact. When you stop taking these drugs the weight generally comes back," said Dr. Ghonsenhauser.
However, these medications are not for everyone and can have different effects on the body.
"The havoc that it was doing on my body. I was very jittery as well, and I the headaches. I could barely do anything sometimes," said Aragon.
Doctors say you will notice side effects when taking the medication, some more serious than others,
"The biggest side effect we see from this class of medication is nausea, stomach cramping, And abdominal pain. It can be quite significant and that's the reason most people will stop taking these medications," said Dr. Ghonsenhauser.
Doctors say more research is needed but there could be more benefits to taking the medication than just weight loss.
"I'm at a level now where I'm good where I can lose the weight and keep it off," said Sinkus.
"Do your research and definitely, definitely, if you're going to do something and use something I would say do the lowest dosage possible," said Aragon
Again, if you're still not sure if you want to take a weight loss medication, consult your doctor, talk about your goals, and
together make a decision to benefit you and your health in the end.