Smoking Cessation

The newest FDA-approved treatment for weight management and type 2 diabetes.

Includes tirzepatide, a medication that acts on two important hormones: GLP-1 and GIP.

This dual-action approach helps suppress appetite while also supporting better blood sugar regulation.

Intended to deliver improved results when used alongside lifestyle modifications.

Approved for weight management in adults who are overweight or obese.

Contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist medication.

Works by mimicking a natural hormone that influences the brain’s appetite regulation centers.

Supports reduced hunger and calorie consumption to encourage long-term weight loss.

Although oral and injectable weight loss medications can contain the same active ingredient (like semaglutide), their chemical formulations are specifically tailored to their method of delivery. Injectable medications are administered directly into the bloodstream, while oral medications must withstand the digestive process, resulting in different designs to maintain their effectiveness.

Key distinctions include:

• Injectables bypass the digestive tract, allowing for more efficient absorption; oral medications often require absorption enhancers.
• Oral tablets are formulated with protective coatings and carriers to withstand stomach acid.
• Injectables are often chemically more stable, especially for peptide-based drugs.
• Injectables generally allow for higher drug levels in the blood.
• Oral tablets contain more excipients (binders, coatings, etc.) than injectables.

Oral weight loss medications can be effective, but they don’t always function identically to injectable treatments. Even when containing the same active ingredient, oral medications are absorbed differently, which can slightly impact how much of the drug is available to work in the body.

That said, for many individuals, oral options offer a convenient and clinically effective alternative.

Key points:

• Oral medications may deliver lower drug levels into the bloodstream compared to injectables.
• Higher oral doses are often used to make up for reduced absorption.
• Clinical trials show that oral semaglutide (like Rybelsus) can produce weight loss comparable to injections in some individuals.
• For those who prefer to avoid injections, oral treatments provide an effective option when taken as directed and consistently.

There are compelling reasons to embark on the journey of smoking cessation:

- Improved Health: Quitting smoking reduces the risk of serious health problems such as lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

- Increased Life Expectancy: Studies show that quitting smoking can add years to your life, enhancing overall longevity and quality of life.

- Enhanced Respiratory Function: Quitting smoking leads to improved lung function, making it easier to breathe and engage in physical activities.

- Financial Savings: The cost of smoking adds up over time. Quitting smoking not only saves money on tobacco products but also reduces healthcare expenses related to smoking-related illnesses.

- Protecting Loved Ones: Quitting smoking not only benefits your health but also reduces exposure to secondhand smoke, safeguarding the health of your family and friends.

The timeline for experiencing positive health effects after quitting smoking varies from person to person:

- Within 20 Minutes: Blood pressure and heart rate start to decrease, leading to improved circulation.

- Within 48 Hours: Carbon monoxide levels in the blood decrease, allowing more oxygen to reach the body's tissues.

- Within 72 Hours: Lung function begins to improve as bronchial tubes relax and airways open, making breathing easier.

- Within 2 to 12 Weeks: Circulation and lung function continue to improve, enhancing physical stamina and reducing coughing and shortness of breath.

- Within 1 to 9 Months: Cilia (hair-like structures) in the lungs regain normal function, leading to better lung clearance and a decreased risk of infections.

- Within 1 Year: The risk of coronary heart disease is significantly reduced compared to that of a current smoker.
Within 5 Years: The risk of stroke and various cancers (mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, etc.) decreases.

- Within 10 Years: The risk of dying from lung cancer is about half that of a current smoker, and the risk of other smoking-related cancers continues to decline.

- Within 15 Years: The risk of heart disease approaches that of a nonsmoker.

Various evidence-based treatments are available to assist individuals in their journey to quit smoking:

- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): NRT provides controlled doses of nicotine to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. It includes nicotine gum, patches, lozenges, inhalers, and nasal sprays.

- Prescription Medications: Certain prescription medications, such as varenicline and bupropion, can help reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

- Behavioral Support: Counseling, individual or group therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can provide strategies to cope with triggers and develop healthier habits.

- Mobile Apps and Online Programs: Digital tools and apps offer interactive support, track progress, and provide motivation to quit.

- Mindfulness and Stress-Reduction Techniques: Practices like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help manage stress and reduce the urge to smoke.

While quitting smoking is the best approach for improving health, some individuals may consider alternative options to reduce harm:

- E-cigarettes (Vaping): E-cigarettes deliver nicotine through vapor, potentially reducing exposure to harmful chemicals found in traditional cigarettes. However, long-term health effects are still being studied.

- Nicotine-Free Alternatives: Smokeless tobacco products and nicotine-free vape products offer options for individuals seeking to avoid nicotine while replicating the smoking experience.

- Behavioral Therapies: Engaging in behavioral therapies, support groups, and counseling can aid in reducing tobacco use and transitioning to a smoke-free lifestyle.

- Gradual Reduction: Gradually reducing the number of cigarettes smoked each day can be a step toward quitting. However, this method may not be effective for everyone and should be approached with caution.

In conclusion, smoking cessation is a crucial step toward achieving improved health and overall well-being. Quitting smoking offers numerous benefits, from better lung function to a decreased risk of serious illnesses. Various treatments and alternatives are available to support individuals on their journey to quit smoking, and the positive health effects begin to manifest shortly after quitting. Consulting healthcare professionals and utilizing evidence-based strategies can greatly enhance the chances of successfully quitting smoking and enjoying a smoke-free life.

Read more about Smoking Cessation on NHS website, following the link below:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stop-smoking-treatments/