How do medications for medical weight loss work?

The medication works both locally in the stomach and centrally in the brain. It affects satiety, hunger, and appetite through several mechanisms, both directly and indirectly.

The stomach empties more slowly, which leads to an earlier feeling of fullness when you eat. You feel satisfied sooner and eat smaller portions.

In the brain, the medication influences several processes that together reduce hunger and cravings while increasing satiety and lowering appetite. Some patients describe that a so-called “food noise” becomes quieter. They experience thinking about food less than before, which makes it easier not to eat more than needed.

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