The literature widely supports the notion that obesity is linked to various health complications . These conditions indicate the risk of developing terminal complications such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and cardiovascular disease . Cardiometabolic disease starts with insulin resistance, which initially goes unnoticed but can progress to metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, elevated blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and hepatic steatosis. The estimated prevalence of overweight was 31.1%, and obesity was 21.3%, with the highest prevalence being in the age range of 60–79 years, at 41.6% 5,6. Educational inequalities are widespread, with a higher prevalence of obesity in people with lower educational levels . Where to find GLP-1 medicines In terms of constipation, except for Danuglipron, which was lower than the placebo, the incidence rates for other GLP-1RA drugs were similar to or higher than those for the placebo.In simple terms, exercise is related to energy expenditure, and therefore increasing exercise increases energy expenditure and therefore weight loss.Current clinical data has demonstrated that tirzepatide is superior to placebo in improving hemoglobin A1C levels in T2DM patients.But people who take them still have better weight loss results than those who do not take the medicine.With that being said, the risks and benefits for those who use the drugs for weight loss would differ from that for people who are using them for the management of diabetes. Of course, defensive sectors like healthcare and consumer goods have been hurt in 2023 by a surprisingly resilient US economy and by the competitive yields available on many bonds. Many, especially in Europe, have already pivoted towards healthier snacking and sports nutrition. Doctors in the UK can prescribe them for obesity but only for a year. Their use in obesity is being extended to new markets and younger populations. Until recently, obesity was seen more as a lifestyle than a medical condition. In this narrative review, we have explored the varying effects of these agents on essential metabolic parameters such as blood glucose, cardiovascular health, weight management, blood pressure, and lipid profile in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), especially semaglutide (famously known as Ozempic® or Wegovy®), have become very popular in recent years for weight loss, even though their initial indication is for the management of the patient with diabetes mellitus. Many doctors endorse and prescribe compounded GLP-1 weight loss drugs, but others warn explicitly against their use. Public insurance coverage for GLP-1 drugs obesity treatments is spotty in the United States. In England, if you need to take any medication to manage your diabetes, your prescriptions will be free. And make sure you talk to your GP or your diabetes team if you struggle to take Mounjaro. You should only be given a prescription for Mounjaro following an assessment by your healthcare team to make sure that you meet the criteria and that you’ll benefit from its use. It is important that your prescriber completes the same assessment that an NHS healthcare team would carry out. What strategies can be employed to preserve lean body mass and mitigate weight regain after treatment discontinuation? Recent insights into body composition changes, potential psychiatric effects, and perioperative risks highlight the importance of individualized care and ongoing monitoring. Research efforts should focus on understanding the variability in individual responses to GLP-1 RAs, developing predictive models, and integrating these insights into clinical practice.110 Personalized approaches could lead to more effective weight management, improved patient satisfaction, and better long-term health outcomes.111 The study found that 195 individuals lost an average of 13.1 kg of body weight following an eight-week low-calorie diet. Liraglutide is effective in inducing and sustaining weight loss in obese patients, with the added benefit of improved glycemic control . Although weight loss with liraglutide is greater than that observed with orlistat or lorcaserin, it is slightly less than that seen with phentermine/topiramate. Learn how GLP-1s can helpwith more than weight loss However, like all medications, GLP-1s can cause side effects. You must still adopt a healthier lifestyle for long-term weight management success, like eating balanced meals, staying active, and managing stress. For example, combining insulin or other medicines for diabetes with GLP-1s could cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Numerous studies have demonstrated that dietary macronutrient composition is not the most significant contributing factor for weight loss 44,45,46. The search methodology employed in this narrative review was comprehensive and aimed to capture current relevant evidence pertaining to GLP-1 medication use for weight loss and discontinuation of these medications. We aim to provide a balanced discussion of the benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists, as well as the risks and unknown effects. GLP-1 receptor agonist drug therapy is a key focus with consideration of the mechanism of action, clinical trials in weight management, and the potential role of the drug category in weight maintenance. In this review, we examine the health risks of obesity and the overall magnitude of the problem. However, stimulating GLP-1 naturally can provide meaningful benefit — but without the costs and potential side effects or adverse reactions of medication. Eating in this sequence lowers post-meal blood sugar levels by increasing insulin secretion and slowing stomach emptying The order in which you eat in a meal can also influence the stimulation of GLP-1 and post-meal insulin and blood sugar responses. That leads to a more gradual release of glucose (sugar) into the bloodstream, triggering the production of GLP-1. In a diabetic neuropathy model in rats, liraglutide improved pain thresholds and reduced sciatic nerve damage. Another study showed that morroniside increased the production of IL-10 and β-endorphin genes in the spinal lumbar regions and cultured microglia of rats with nerve injuries . Daily administration of morroniside for a week showed consistent pain-relieving effects without developing tolerance. The treatment appeared to counteract the abnormal expression of 591 genes in the spinal cord that had been altered by nerve damage, especially those involved in inflammation, including TNF-α and toll-like receptors. In a study using rats with spinal nerve ligation, exenatide was found to reduce neuropathic pain, specifically by lowering sensitivity to touch (allodynia) 95-97. However, one limitation of the study is that individuals who withdrew from treatment were not followed up . We calibrated CORE using baseline patient characteristics from the LEAD-1 study and assessed the clinical and economic outcomes over three periods (10, 20, and 30 years), including survival rates, the cumulative incidence of cardiovascular, ophthalmic, and renal events, and the cost of medical care. Several studies have investigated the effectiveness of glimepiride in combination with either liraglutide or rosiglitazone for treating T2DM. Others: GIPR/GLP-1R dual agonists and GIPR/GLP-1R/GCGR triagonists MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content. Clinical trial outcomes will determine whether these will be useful either on their own or in conjunction with GLP-1 agonists. Patients have also been reported to take “drug holidays” in which they pause the use of the drug intermittently for special occasions, but there is very little in the literature on this . Sean Hashmi, MD, is an experienced nephrologist and obesity medicine specialist based in Southern California.More common side effects often improve after taking the medicine for a while.And these medications can be expensive and cause unwanted side effects.However, regarding weight loss, the results of using IGBs cannot be compared with bariatric surgery (11).A body composition scan can offer a more precise measurement.Now, they are reshaping the landscape of obesity treatment and metabolic health with impacts that go far beyond the scale.Speak to your healthcare professional for advice before taking Mounjaro if you are breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.Experts still recommend that people avoid using Ozempic unless they have type 2 diabetes. Find out if weight loss medications can actually help you lose weight However, semaglutide is approved for weight loss under the name Wegovy. It's important that people continue to make lifestyle changes to help their weight loss, such as eating right and exercising. The active ingredient in Ozempic, semaglutide, does work for weight loss, according to research. When using Ozempic to treat diabetes, weight loss is a common side effect. GLP-1s, while highly effective, are therefore only one piece of a multidisciplinary health care puzzle. Serious side effects could occur in rare cases, including pancreatitis or gallbladder problems. We usually start with a low dose and slowly increase it to help your body adjust. Most side effects are mild and improve over time. We also check for any health issues that might make GLP-1 meds unsafe for you, such as a history of pancreatitis, thyroid cancer, or some digestive problems. Finally, the safety and glycemic efficacy of tirzepatide as adjunctive treatment in Japanese patients with T2DM who had inadequate glycemic control with stable doses of various oral antihyperglycemic monotherapies were investigated in the SURPASS J-combo study. The study evaluated the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of tirzepatide, a double-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide of glucose and the GLP-1 receptor agonist, as a monotherapy compared to placebo in people with T2DM who had inadequate control with diet and exercise . Adverse events leading to discontinuation of the study product occurred in 5 (3%) out of 199 participants in the semaglutide 2.4 mg group, 3 (3%) out of 100 participants in the semaglutide 1.7 mg group, and 1 (1%) out of 101 participants in the placebo group . In the STEP-5 clinical program, after a two-year follow-up, gastrointestinal adverse events were more frequently reported with semaglutide than with placebo (82.2% vs. 53.9%) . It is not approved for weight loss, but some physicians prescribe it to be used for weight loss. The positive effects of yerba maté (Ilex paraguariensis) in obesity. These foods can help you feel fuller and improve the way your body regulates blood sugar. One of those benefits may be its effects on insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control. When should I call my healthcare provider? Around 12% of U.S. adults were taking GLP-1 medications as of November to lose weight or treat a chronic condition like diabetes, according to a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Meals and snacks with “GLP-1 Friendly” labels on the packaging are becoming more common in U.S. supermarkets as a growing number of Americans try obesity drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound to lose weight. With once-daily oral dosing, Wegovy® pill can provide patients with a practical option as part of their daily routine to help people achieve meaningful weight loss. For commercially insured patients.The complex makeup of obesity might also explain why GLP-1s don't work for many people.The company unveiled its iPhone 16 lineup, the Apple Watch Series 10 and new AirPods, but I thought its new health-care features stole the show.In OASIS 4, common adverse reactions were similar to those previously seen in clinical trials with Wegovy® (semaglutide) injection 2.4 mg, including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.1A hypocaloric diet that causes weight loss leads to a decrease in anorexigenic hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), amylin, cholecystokinin, and PYY while increasing orexigenic hormones such as ghrelin .The FDA currently approves the use of semaglutide and high-dose liraglutide to help treat obesity.New data also suggest that the use of GLP-1 RAs before metabolic or bariatric surgery may help high-risk patients with extreme obesity (BMI ≥ 70 kg/m2) lower the risk of post-operative complications.23 Previous studies have shown that weight loss before surgery can mitigate risk, however conventional lifestyle interventions or older anti-obesity medications have not led to sufficient weight loss to make a difference.24,25 Adoption will also be fueled by the first-ever GLP-1 weight loss pills from both Novo and Lilly. Her experience underscores the potential benefits of such medications when used responsibly as part of a holistic health strategy, offering hope to others struggling with similar issues. This stance highlights a broader conversation about the acceptance of medical aids in weight loss, challenging traditional notions that often prioritise diet and exercise alone. She stated that she is 'done with shame' and now feels comfortable and healthy in her body. 1. Short−acting GLP−1 receptor agonists In contrast, one study showed that exendin-4 did not attenuate remifentanil self-administration or opioid withdrawal symptoms in mice. Several preclinical investigations focused on opioid-related behaviors. In another rodent study, exenatide led to a marked reduction in cocaine-primed reinstatement without impacting sucrose-seeking behavior. They’re powerful tools to support, but not replace, healthy habits. More serious (but rare) risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder issues. Most doctors recommend that candidates have already tried other weight management approaches, including dietary changes and increased physical activity. It seems to reduce body fat in several different ways, including by increasing GLP-1 production in your body. Another review of several studies found that higher doses (over 1,000 mg daily) had more variable results. One review showed that people lost about 4 lbs when taking berberine regularly (500 mg daily). Social media often refers to berberine as “nature’s Ozempic,” with claims that it’ll help you lose a lot of weight. The following six supplements may help your body increase its GLP-1 levels. In defending her decision to use GLP-1 drugs, Gay has been vocal about moving past societal stigma. Many insurers only cover them short-term, and many patients stop taking them after a year, in which case, most of the weight tends to pile back on. Their drug candidates are only in early clinical trials, where on average, they have just a 15% chance of reaching the market. The mechanism for the decrease in GLP-1 secretion is incompletely understood in obese people. QD, One time a day; QW, One time a week; BID, Two times a day; I.V., Intravenous; TID, Three times a day; P.O., By mouth; BMI, Body mass index; T2DM, Type 2 diabetes mellitus; T1DM, Type 1 diabetes mellitus; Subcut, Subcutaneous injection. Herein, it is a significant health challenge that leads to a decline in life quality and life expectancy. Finally, as the study included only English-language publications, there may have been a publication bias. Therefore, the final approved dosages or titration schedules for these medications may be subject to changes, which requires a cautious interpretation of the current findings. Another important concern regarding GLP-1 RA use is potential weight regain upon discontinuation of treatment. Reports submitted to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System have included insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, and depressive symptoms,79 while the European Medicines Agency has flagged cases of depression, self-injury, and suicidal ideation among users of liraglutide or semaglutide.80 However, adverse event reporting systems are inherently limited by underreporting, confounding, and reporting bias, and cannot establish causality. Other emerging indications are based on studies in participants with obesity-related comorbidities or preliminary trials in broader populations. GLP-1 RAs have shown important cardioprotective benefits beyond their role in weight loss. Semaglutide demonstrated a significant decrease in BMI, with a mean reduction of −16.1% from baseline to week 68, compared to the placebo group. It also demonstrated a favorable effect on blood pressure, C-reactive protein, and lipid profiles. Serious adverse effects are uncommon, and the major limitations are cost and the need for daily injections . Liraglutide provides a useful addition to the armamentarium of weight reduction pharmacotherapy. While GLP-1 drugs promote fat loss, rapid weight reduction can lead to 15–25% lean muscle mass loss.“Hey Doctor, I know this person who has been using a shot for weight loss, do you think that’s something I could try?But some healthcare providers prescribe it off-label.Susan Jara is a health communications strategist and writer with more than 15 years of experience transforming complex medical information into clear, accurate, and engaging content for diverse audiences of patients and caregivers.Studies have found that the majority of people who start taking GLP-1s stop taking them within a year, and after stopping, about half begin to take the drug again.As of June 2025, people with the greatest clinical need for treatment will be able to access Mounjaro for obesity via their GP services in England.But researchers are discovering there may be more to these drugs than blood sugar control.In a prespecified secondary analysis from the LEADER trial, liraglutide at doses up to 1.8 mg per day added to usual care resulted in lower rates of development and progression of diabetic kidney disease than placebo .SELECT also showed better cardiovascular outcomes in persons with obesity and without diabetes who had previously undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery . However, some studies suggest that liraglutide may be detrimental to patients with severe heart failure, primarily due to increased heart rate . After a median follow-up of 3.8 years, patients randomized to liraglutide experienced a substantial decline in the primary composite outcome compared to placebo, with a significant decrease in overall mortality and mortality from cardiovascular causes. Furthermore, liraglutide has shown significant improvements in insulin action, cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, weight reduction (including waist circumference), and reproductive function, including increased pregnancy rates in overweight or obese PCOS women . A systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that liraglutide is effective and safe for weight loss in obese, non-diabetic individuals . The combined strategy resulted in greater weight loss than exercise (difference, −5.4 kg) but not liraglutide (−2.7 kg). We anticipate that this review will generate data that will help biomedical researchers or clinical workers develop obesity treatments based on GLP-1R agonists. However, given the safety or effectiveness concerns of anti-obesity drugs, many of the currently used drugs have limited clinical use. Among them, anti-obesity drugs have high compliance rates and cause noticeable short-term effects in reducing obese levels. Diet control, moderate exercise, behavior modification programs, bariatric surgery and prescription drug treatment are the major interventions used to help people lose weight. A medication indicated for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes, which may also be prescribed for weight loss if deemed appropriate by a healthcare provider. In general, studies have found that tirzepatide and semaglutide are the most effective for weight loss. There are two main groups of type 2 diabetes medicines that lower blood sugar and also may lead to weight loss. These medications already have transformed care for millions living with type 2 diabetes and obesity, delivering meaningful health improvements, and their use is expanding. GLP-1 therapies and the broader weight loss drug pipeline offer exciting opportunities to improve health outcomes. Ozempic has a smaller dose of semaglutide than Wegovy.These medications have been game changers in both obesity and diabetes management.In addition, a smoking-cessation trial of dulaglutide included a secondary analysis of alcohol outcomes, reporting reduced weekly alcohol intake, with weaker effects among heavier drinkers.It is thus not surprising that these same side effects of rapid weight loss are seen as a class effect.The study was conducted in 187 locations across 14 countries on five continents, with 3045 participants examined between 20 November 2018 and 30 December 2019 .A 30-week randomized non-inferiority study comparing 2 mg once-weekly EX-LAR with 10 µg twice-daily EX in 295 patients with T2DM.Dulaglutide treatment resulted in a significant reduction in weight gain following smoking cessation. GLP-1 drugs mimic a hormone the body produces after eating, which can decrease appetite. While the exact amount of protein you should aim for is personal, some research suggests a daily intake of between one and 1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight to reduce your risk of losing muscle. This opens the door to making mistakes—ones that could worsen your side effects, affect how much weight you’ll lose, or even cause new health issues. Nunn said that patients tend to gain weight back if they go off the medications, and that McKee’s plan leaves patients without a transition plan in place. Some telehealth vendors have shifted away from offering compounded products. Zepbound, however, is supplied in vial form rather than pens, which adds a layer of complexity for patients self-administering the medication. Some recent studies suggest GLP-1s are not cost-effective at their current prices, and increasing coverage could significantly raise overall spending, highlighting the challenge of balancing costs and benefits. That needs to be done before any firm conclusions can be made, particularly when it comes to comparing side effects. “It’s possible that for the oral medications to be as effective as the injectables, you need to use a more intensive dietary intervention,” Dr. Aronne says. As such, you can use lower doses than oral semaglutide and still have effective medication, Dr. Aronne explains. The pill version is specially formulated to protect it, but only a small amount is absorbed—so popping semaglutide as a pill requires a higher dose than an injection, since some of the medication degrades in your stomach acid. Originally formulated to treat type 2 diabetes, GLP-1s have also been shown to help with cardiovascular disease, serious liver disease, and in the case of Zepbound, sleep apnea. We limited our search to studies from January 1995 onwards, with further relevant studies identified from citations within papers. This is also why developing pharmacologic treatments is challenging without clear targets. This model of body fat regulation was widely adopted in the 1990s with the discovery of leptin 3,4. Also, diet and lifestyle behavior change remain crucial even with GLP-1 medication to achieve and maintain a healthy weight and reduce health risks. Not only are GLP-1 therapies gaining approval for treating a growing number of conditions linked to diabetes and obesity, but ongoing trials are exploring their potential in osteoarthritis, diabetes complications, Alzheimer’s, and even treatment of addiction. The conversation around GLP-1 drugs continues to dominate employer health benefit discussions — and for good reason. It is meaningful to note that GLP-1 agonists have been increasingly examined outside the effects on type 2 diabetes and obesity.When people swallow berberine supplements, they may lose a very modest amount of weight — 2 to 4 pounds, White notes.EQW treatment also led to weight loss, similar to MET, and a decreased risk of hypoglycemia.In 2017, LEADER investigators reported that liraglutide therapy resulted in significantly lower nephropathy events than placebo, although there was no significant difference in retinopathy events.Will you still lose weight while eating mostly pizza, chicken nugs, and bowls of cereal?These medications work best as part of a broader lifestyle approach, not as standalone solutions.Consumers are increasingly turning to the self-pay market due to health insurers restricting coverage of GLP-1s when prescribed for weight loss (as opposed to type 2 diabetes).However, due to the relative expense and scarcity of GLP-1s, online retailers and compounding pharmacies are making alternative formulations available, and many patients are wondering if these alternative formulas are also safe and effective. Find out what the research says about who's at higher risk of developing it and how to slim down with lifestyle changes. Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School. 25 Gut Health Hacks is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive health information from Harvard Medical School. Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! For health care practitioners, in-person sessions may be more successful than remote sessions, but both have value 246,274,275. A supportive weight management team approach considers mood changes and how they can affect quality of life 269,270. Data from the NWCR also suggest successful weight maintainers can spend upwards of one hour per day in light physical activity . However, this treatment strategy is still in the early stages although the National Institutes for Health (NIH) recently has invested in research in the area of personalized nutrition. In the STEP1 trial (100), Wilding et al. recruited 1961 non-diabetic adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 (or ≥27 kg/m2 with more than 1 body weight-related coexisting disease). These patients reduced their initial weight by ≥5% through a low-calorie diet during the 4-12 weeks pre-trial induction period. Researchers believe that nausea/vomiting is related to greater weight loss (90). BMI is calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters (kg/m2) . Obesity is a chronic disease that has become a major concern in recent years, as it can have negative impacts on health, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Artificial intelligence was not used in the study, research, preparation, or writing of this manuscript. Some studies also suggest that GLP-1s may have a role to play in many other disease processes including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, strokes, chronic pain, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and cancer.19 Of note as well, if a patient is undergoing a non-emergent surgery, newer anesthesia consensus-based guidance recommends holding GLP-1s up to a week in advance given possible gastroparesis leading to aspiration risk.18 If a patient is undergoing a surgery, it may be best to have anesthesia give guidance on their preference of preoperative GLP-1 management. For rival GLP-1 drugs Mounjaro (diabetes) and Zepbound (obesity) there is essentially no difference. Covering the drugs for obesity – which it does not currently do – at today’s prices would put a huge strain on US federal health insurer Medicare’s finances, note health economists, even with a li This should boost prescriptions and health insurer coverage of the drugs and suggests GLP-1s may become a mainstay in cardiovascular treatment, another huge market. Previously, there were no really effective weight loss drugs, with bariatric surgery the main option. However, it is important to note that tirzepatide has not been studied in individuals with pancreatitis and is not approved for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. At week 72, the mean percent change in weight was −15.0% with weekly doses of 5 mg tirzepatide, −19.5% with doses of 10 mg, −20.9% with doses of 15 mg, and −3.1% with placebo. Similarly, the SURPASS-2 Study showed that reductions in body weight with tirzepatide were dose-dependent. The SURPASS-4 study investigated the efficacy and safety, with a focus on cardiovascular safety, of the novel dual GIP and GLP-1 RA tirzepatide compared to insulin glargine in adults with T2DM and high cardiovascular risk who had inadequate control with oral antidiabetic agents. This open-label, parallel-group study was conducted in 122 sites across 13 countries between 1 April and 15 November 2019, with 1947 participants assessed for eligibility and 1444 randomized to treatment . More serious concerns include gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying), which has shown elevated occurrence in real-world studies, and rare cases of pancreatitis. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. However, key patents protecting semaglutide are expiring around 2026, opening the door for generic versions. Medications like semaglutide (branded as Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) work by mimicking a natural hormone that controls insulin release and slows digestion. “This shift caused by GLP-1 use is opening new opportunities for food companies to finally build the healthier food system we’ve long imagined," Siegel said. Under the NICE and SMC recommendations, a lower BMI applies to people for people from Black African, African-Caribbean, Asian, South Asian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern backgrounds, who have additional medical conditions that are related to obesity.They also discussed what this means for the future of health, food and nutrition.Big food companies expect the demand for GLP-1 drugs only to grow as the injected medication becomes available in pill form, which happened with Wegovy last week.Obesity treatment is a unique drug category in that it’s one of the few with an active direct-to-consumer segment.These adverse reactions are generally mild to moderate and gradually alleviated in most patients (100, 104).Per Novo Nordisk, the Wegovy pill is available now in many major pharmacies including CVS and Costco, as well as through certain telehealth providers like Weight Watchers and Ro.GLP-1 agonists aren’t safe to take during pregnancy."These life-changing tools will help people connect more deeply & live healthier."The best way to save on GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists is by using your health insurance. 2. GLP1 Receptor Analogs Approved for Weight Loss We anticipate that this study will help biomedical researchers or clinical workers to treat obesity by providing ideas for developing novel drug strategies or scientific research ideas. Jensterle et al. (145) presented the primary outcomes of clinical trial programs called SCALE and STEP and studies on the efficacy of GLP-1R agonists in pediatric obesity. Meanwhile, research on the mechanism and efficacy of GLP-1R/GIPR dual agonists and GLP-1R/GIPR/GCGR triple agonists paves the way to a ground-breaking therapy specific for obesity, which suggests multi-target drugs may have more advantages than a single target. Each was randomized to receive a placebo or one of three daily doses (6mg, 12mg, 36mg) of orforglipron, a new oral GLP-1 drug, in addition to a healthy diet and physical activity. The trial included 3,127 non-diabetic patients with obesity or overweight with obesity-related complications such as hypertension. Ultimately, Dr. Apovian is optimistic about the prospect of more treatment options that are safe and effective for people who are overweight or obese. “About one-third of the people in our study were men, which is higher than we usually see in these types of clinical trials. The weight-loss medications semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) have been game changers for millions of Americans who want to shed extra pounds. Lifestyle interventions, alternative anti-obesity medications, and bariatric surgery offer different approaches for weight loss and may provide useful context for evaluating the overall impact of GLP-1 RAs. While GLP-1 RAs have demonstrated substantial efficacy in promoting weight loss, it is useful to first examine other treatment modalities in obesity management. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have transformed obesity management, offering substantial weight loss and metabolic benefits. However, there was no between-treatment imbalance in suicidal ideation/behavior or depression observed by prospective questionnaire assessments . Reports suggest that liraglutide may cause a deterioration of kidney function, which may be related to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration. Hypoglycemia is likely to occur only in patients with T2DM treated with insulin or sulphonylurea. To reduce these gastrointestinal symptoms, it is recommended to start treatment with a dose of 0.6 mg daily and increase it by 0.6 mg daily every week until reaching the daily dose of 3 mg. A healthier microbiome supports GLP-1 activity and improves insulin sensitivity. It slows gastric emptying, which helps control blood sugar and prolongs satiety. Pharmaceutical versions amplify these effects, reducing appetite and promoting satiety, or a feeling of fullness. It helps regulate blood sugar by stimulating insulin, suppressing glucagon, and slowing digestion. They also discussed what this means for the future of health, food and nutrition. In fact, employers should anticipate the potential that oral GLP-1s may even come at a premium, reflecting their clinical value and market positioning.Novo Nordisk, the company behind Wegovy, is also pursuing an oral version of the drug so customers don't have to take shots.A medication indicated for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes, which may also be prescribed for weight loss if deemed appropriate by a healthcare provider.A healthier microbiome supports GLP-1 activity and improves insulin sensitivity.Those who completed the entire two-year treatment period lost 7.8 kg from the time the weight loss began at run-in.What started with Ozempic has become a new era in weight-loss success with blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound helping fight obesity.Amanda Bynes kicked off her weight-loss journey by turning to Ozempic.It is possible to reduce the risks by eating enough protein and engaging in strength-building exercises, such as weight lifting. GLP-1 agonists have been used to treat type 2 diabetes for about two decades. These drugs also act in the brain to reduce hunger and act on the stomach to delay emptying, so you feel full for a longer time. People with diabetes face higher risk of hearing loss There’s no “best” way to manage Type 2 diabetes or obesity. You can cancel any time in your customer account or by contacting our support team.Please see Henry Meds Terms of Service for treatment-specific cancellation policies. Please refer to your preferred treatment page for pricing options, or visit Programs - Henry Meds. With that in mind, Henry is designed for patients seeking long-term care. Compounded medications do not undergo pre-market review or an FDA-approval process. The medications are compounded in a 503(A) Compounding Pharmacy or 503(B) Outsourcing Facility. This indicates that when evaluating the efficacy of different GLP-1RA drugs, varying treatment durations should be employed to fully reflect the therapeutic potential of each drug. This study found significant variations in the reported onset time of GLP-1RA drugs. Thus, apart from modifying the specificity of drugs to receptors, enhancing their affinity can significantly improve the weight reduction outcomes of GLP-1RA drugs. More data are required to determine whether the weight reduction effects of tri-agonists generally surpass those of dual- and mono-agonists. In summary, the findings suggest that semaglutide/liraglutide provides kidney protective effects, particularly in patients with pre-existing chronic kidney disease. The results showed that semaglutide once a week resulted in significantly greater weight loss than liraglutide once a day . Another trial compared semaglutide once a week to liraglutide once a day in overweight or obese adults without diabetes. The results indicated that semaglutide produced considerably better weight loss over 68 weeks than placebo . GLP-1s can be an effective treatment, but patient response varies. Consult healthcare professionals before starting any medication. These are powerful medications requiring medical oversight, not lifestyle supplements. However, the health and wellness community must prioritize education over trends. The expanding availability of GLP-1 medications represents both opportunity and responsibility. The cultural fear of weight gain and larger body size has insidious origins. Tracy Morgan informed Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager on the Today show that he used the Type II diabetes drug to "cut his appetite in half." After shedding 42 pounds in just four months, Osbourne began her journey to regain 10 pounds and maintain a healthy weight. If you’ve attempted weight loss in the past only to find pounds creeping back onto your frame, you know that it’s rarely easy. In addition, if you use semaglutide or tirzepatide, that doesn’t mean you can forget about following a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Gudzune has patients taking semaglutide and tirzepatide who have reported feeling full on smaller portions, and many describe a reduction in “food noise” (ever-present thoughts about eating and food). These findings provide a reference for developing inclusion and exclusion criteria for future clinical trials on GLP-1RA drugs. Previous studies have shown that the efficacy of weight reduction medications is influenced by baseline weight, with individuals having higher baseline BMI experiencing larger reductions in weight . Additionally, age should be considered as a crucial factor for randomization and balance in the design of clinical trials for weight reduction medications. This process was repeated 10,000 times to estimate the median and 95 % confidence interval (CIs) of the drug effects at each time point for each subgroup. Finally, parameters from the distribution of pharmacodynamic parameters in each subgroup were randomly selected, and drug effects at different time points were calculated. If the influence of covariates was involved, adjustments were made through the inverse operation of the covariate formula to mitigate the effects of uneven distribution across different studies owing to covariate effects. This study established time-course, dose-response, and covariate models for each drug. Search terms included “obesity” and “GLP-1,” and the search was limited to clinical trials published in English. “These medications are designed for long-term use,” Dr. Glickman says. “Some people take way too strong of a dose, and their appetite is effectively being turned off,” says Dr. Glickman. “You want to work with your clinician to really find that balance of an effective dose with minimal side effects.” A good weekly goal is 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (like brisk walking or using the elliptical), two to three days of strength training, and some flexibility work (such as yoga). Other forms of exercise are also important for preserving bone density (something else you can lose while taking a GLP-1), reducing abdominal fat, improving heart health, and more. This drug leads to a weight loss nadir at around 36 weeks with a weight regain that happens at around 52 weeks . Finally, the microbiome has a variety of mechanisms through which it affects obesity, and pre/probiotic therapies could be a helpful addition to a weight loss regimen 58,59. In addition to its effect on body weight, a variety of health benefits have been ascribed to it. Studies assessed a wide range of outcomes, comprising neurobiological, clinical, and behavioral domains. Dulaglutide was exclusively studied in clinical trials for alcohol-related outcomes and smoking cessation, with alcohol intake often assessed as a secondary outcome. Liraglutide and semaglutide were predominantly studied in the context of opioid and alcohol use disorders. Across studies, alcohol was the most frequently investigated substance, followed by cocaine, nicotine, and opioids. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess the quality of studies. GLP-1 agonists demonstrate efficacy for weight loss maintenance, but only while the patient is continuing to use the medication. However, available studies are only seen in rodent studies, but the additive or synergistic effects of GLP-1 and GIP on hunger and satiety require further clinical research . Recent studies have now demonstrated the strongest weight loss effect with the dual agonist for GLP-1 and GIP, upwards of 22% over 1 year . Ultimately, the decision to use GLP-1 medications should be made in partnership with healthcare providers who understand both your health goals and financial situation. Further, these treatments require medical supervision to monitor progress and address any side effects. With the rapid rise in demand, compounded medications have been developed that are more affordable, but can come with risks. Airlines could have weight loss drug manufacturers to thank for savings if passengers become lighter, allowing carriers to spend less money on fuel. Learn about other weight loss medications that are available Instead, talk to your health care provider about starting Wegovy for weight loss. This advancement opens new possibilities for the more than 100 million Americans living with obesity.2 Wegovy® pill was approved on December 22, 2025 and is used with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity for adults with obesity, or with overweight who also have weight-related medical problems, to help them lose weight and keep it off.3 Since the main cause of Ozempic face is rapid weight loss, losing weight more gradually is the best way to prevent it. The drugs trick the brain and stomach into making you feel less hungry and fuller, faster. Using a GLP-1 drug stimulates insulin production so that blood sugar levels don’t fluctuate as much. People with diabetes don’t naturally produce enough insulin to control their blood sugar levels. The primary endpoint of this study was the change in glycated hemoglobin levels from baseline to 40 weeks . The first study, SURPASS-1, was conducted from 3 June 2019 to October 2020 across 52 medical research centers and hospitals in India, Japan, Mexico, and the USA. Currently, there have been eight completed studies related to tirzepatide, a new agonist of GIP and GLP-1 receptors. It was stated that subcutaneous semaglutide and canagliflozin increased diabetic retinopathy and amputation, respectively . "But I think by presenting people with options, they'll pick for themselves with their doctors, and I think we want to have something for everyone," he continued. Those were among the themes that emerged at the annual JPMorgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco during interviews with top brass from Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer and other drugmakers. We also discuss total cost and cost-effectiveness compared to other categories, long-term adherence, barriers to use, and reasons for discontinuation of this drug category. Continue to take your prescribed medicine(s) as usual and do not stop your treatment without first discussing this with your doctor. If you are taking a GLP-1 medicine, make sure you inform your healthcare team including the anaesthetist about this prior to your surgical procedure. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Supriya Rao, MD, doctor in internal medicine, gastroenterology, obesity medicine, and lifestyle medicine, Boston. And try just one supplement at a time, says Undeberg, so you can understand what’s working (or not) or causing side effects. Unlike prescription medications, supplements don’t have to prove that they’re safe and effective, and the FDA doesn’t regulate them the same way.