However, some potential additional effects beyond weight loss could hypothetically contribute to some clinical outcomes, but evidence from human studies is lacking. The DURATION-5 trial investigated the effects of once-weekly (ExQW) versus twice-daily (ExBID) glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonism for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. Overall, these findings demonstrate the efficacy of semaglutide in promoting weight loss and improving cardiometabolic risk factors, which may have implications for the management of obesity and related disorders. A pooled analysis of two clinical trials, SUSTAIN6 and LEADER, was conducted to assess the impact of semaglutide administered once a week and liraglutide administered once daily on renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Owing to their inadequate performance, several agonists, such as albiglutide, have been withdrawn from the market.He says GLP-1 drugs are remarkably effective in countering this pattern.Your body should respond by naturally lowering hunger and cravings and automatically moving toward a healthy weight!From my dietitian's perspective, the food choices people make on these medications often worsen the problem.On average, people with diabetes taking the highest dose (15 mg) of Mounjaro lost 15.7% of their body weight by the end of the study. GLP-1 analogs and GLP-1R agonists can exert hypoglycemic effects and reduce weight. Weight-loss surgery effectively reduces weight and complications in patients with severe obesity; however, weight gain is a common complication following surgery (10). A systematic review and meta-analysis proved that weight loss had been shown to prevent and mitigate obesity-related complications (9). Lifestyle and behavioral interventions aimed at reducing calorie intake and increasing energy expenditure have limited effects because complex and lasting hormonal, metabolic and neurochemical adaptations can prevent weight loss and promote weight recovery (8). This review describes evidence from previous research on the effects of GLP-1R agonists on obesity. Dulaglutide was exclusively studied in clinical trials for alcohol-related outcomes and smoking cessation, with alcohol intake often assessed as a secondary outcome.Having patients track intake and physical activity has been shown to be helpful.If you’re ready to start your weight loss journey with GLP-1, consult your healthcare provider to determine the best GLP-1 dose for your needs.The reviews, which examine the effects of three weight loss drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, have found that all three drugs result in clinically meaningful weight loss compared with placebo.These studies generally show improvements in overall health and some specifically show their potential to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.Various diabetic rodent models have demonstrated that administration of GLP-1 receptor agonists inhibits the development of hypertension, reduces urine albumin levels, and leads to histological improvements in renal morphology (91–94). The “GLP-1 response” refers to the effects that GLP-1 has on the body. Here’s what to ask your healthcare team about GLP-1 medications. Your doctor will recommend the best option based on your health, lifestyle, and treatment goals. 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. Second, the data used in this study were derived from literature summaries rather than individual patient data, limiting our ability to access complete patient information and thus affecting the accuracy of our analysis of the factors influencing efficacy. This is particularly true for drugs with few reported efficacy data points, making it challenging to accurately estimate their ET50 values. Particularly, the safety profiles of GLP-1RA drugs that are still under development require further investigation with larger samples. Providers often prescribe GLP-1 agonists with other medications to achieve the best blood glucose management. These combined effects often result in weight loss. If you have Type 2 diabetes, the medications help manage your blood sugar by triggering your pancreas to release more insulin. In other words, GLP-1 medications bind to GLP receptors to trigger the effects (or roles) of the GLP-1 hormone. There’s also a similar class of medications called dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists. When it comes to prescription drug interventions, however, many weight loss medications have led to their fair share of controversy over the years. Whether you're looking to lose those few stubborn pounds and tone your body or tackle a bigger weight loss goal, there are many reasons you may feel stuck on your weight loss journey. Wegovy is available at a higher dosage than Ozempic, and in clinical trials, it has been more common for people to report side effects while using it. However, due to recent shortages of Wegovy access, many people who are interested in using this drug for weight loss have turned to Ozempic. Even though semaglutide is the active drug in both cases, Wegovy is not approved to treat patients with type 2 diabetes. In clinical trials, semaglutide has shown a significant reduction in HbA1c levels (a measure of blood sugar control) and has been highly effective in helping people lose weight. This hormone helps regulate blood sugar levels and reduces appetite, making GLP-1 agonists very useful for people with diabetes and those looking to lose weight. GLP-1 agonists are a class of medications that have become essential in treating type 2 diabetes and helping with weight loss. 2.2. Liraglutide GI events like nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and dyspepsia were the most frequently reported adverse effects; however, these symptoms were mild to moderate in their intensity and were most often reported during dose escalation. However, the pivotal 36-week Phase 2 trial showed a larger range of mean loss, from −9.4% to −14.7%, across doses, confirming robust dose-dependent effects.5 Waist circumference, systolic blood pressure (BP), triglycerides, and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) improved significantly, indicating broad cardiometabolic improvements. Together, the effects of stimulating insulin, reducing glucagon, and delaying gastric emptying improve glycemic control, resulting in a favorable hypoglycemia profile.4 Search terms included “obesity” and “GLP-1,” and the search was limited to clinical trials published in English. This study addresses these knowledge gaps by collecting and analyzing literature to establish time-course, dose-response, and covariate models to compare the therapeutic characteristics of different GLP-1RA drugs . For those unable to control their weight through lifestyle changes or additional comorbidities, pharmacological treatment is often essential 9,10. According to the WHO, approximately 1.9 billion adults are overweight, with over 650 million with obesity . Two GLP-1 receptor agonists (RAs) currently approved for weight loss are liraglutide and semaglutide. GLP‑1 therapies are redefining obesity treatment, shifting the focus from weight loss alone to improving body composition, metabolic health, and overall patient outcomes. In recent years, GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide and tirzepatide have emerged from the diabetes field to transform obesity treatment. Weight regain often occurs after treatment termination, irrespective of whether the weight loss is obtained with medication or lifestyle-based interventions.19,39 Given the many people who initiate obesity pharmacotherapy worldwide but also terminate treatment again,14, 15, 16, 17 off-treatment assessments are imperative to elucidate the real-world potential of pharmacotherapy and are clinically relevant. In this study, we investigated whether weight loss and improved body composition were preserved better at 1 year after termination of active treatment with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, supervised exercise program, or both combined for 1 year. In human studies, ginseng did seem to improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes, but larger and longer studies are needed. These days, it seems like more people are taking GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist medications, like Wegovy and Ozempic, to lose weight. As the popularity of weight-loss drugs continues to boom, it has opened the door for scammers eager to dupe people into buying fake versions of the medications. 1. Weight Loss Evidence from Clinical Trials in Diabetics and Non-Diabetics The Mayo Clinic Diet helps you achieve lasting weight loss with custom meal plans and proven strategies. Discover how long it will take to reach your weight loss goals with our free weight loss calculator. The program offers a range of meal plans, tools, and exercise plans, thus making it the perfect companion to weight-loss medications. These medications are designed to treat obesity. The same effect on insulin regulation and appetite happens when GLP-1 receptor agonists come into play. The non-inferiority of weekly exenatide compared to daily injectable liraglutide over a 26-week treatment period was not established in a study involving 911 participants. The trial aimed to compare the effects of ExQW and ExBID on glycemic control, body weight, and safety over 24 weeks. Evaluable patients who switched from once-weekly sitagliptin to exenatide showed substantial improvements in HbA1c (−0.3 ± 0.1%), fasting blood glucose (−0.7 ± 0.2 mmol/L), and weight (−1.1 ± 0.3 kg). Therefore, Lixisenatide as an add-on to basal insulin may become a preferred treatment intensification option, achieving significant glycemic targets with fewer hypoglycemic events without weight gain compared to basal-plus or basal-bolus in inadequately controlled insulin-treated patients 133,134. The GetGoal-S trial showed that Lixisenatide reduced HbA1c and body weight in people with poor glucose control on metformin plus sulphonylurea. Knowing what to expect and how to manage these effects can make your experience with these medications smoother and less stressful. Emerging research also suggests that these medications may have additional benefits for brain health and other conditions. GLP-1 agonists offer a range of benefits beyond blood sugar control. There are so many different weight loss drugs, supplements, diets and lifestyle regimes out there that it can quickly become overwhelming. 13.8 per cent did not experience clinically significant weight loss. What about GLP-1 weight loss for non-diabetic patients? If you’re looking for how to lose weight without exercise and diet, GLP-1 agonist medications for type 2 diabetics and those with obesity might be something your doctor recommends to you. Kessler worries about people taking the drugs going too far in the other direction – from overeating to malnutrition. He says if you're trying to lose weight, with or without drugs, protein is key, because it increases feelings of fullness. "They have changed the landscape of weight loss," says Kessler. He also breaks down the science behind obesity, and what makes these drugs so effective. Treating Obesity However, tirzepatide injections show weight loss in clinical trials. These injections help control blood sugar and are FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Some forms of GLP-1 drugs are also prescribed for weight loss support. These medications are often prescribed for type 2 diabetes and help your system make more insulin for better blood sugar control. What to know about the Wegovy pill The 12 GLP-1RA drugs were categorized based on receptor specificity into mono-agonists, dual-agonists, and triple-agonists.Trials, such as the SCALE and LEADER trials, demonstrate that GLP-1 liraglutide and semaglutide may lead to weight management from 4% to 15%.The underlying reasons for the weaker response for both GLP-1 RAs in people with diabetes compared to cohorts without diabetes are unclear, although there are some hypothetical explanations .Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s or GLP-1RAs) are a class of medicines that work by mimicking a natural hormone released after eating.And 76% of people taking the Wegovy pill achieved at least a 5% weight loss, compared with 31% of those receiving a placebo.This action helps reduce your appetite and can lead to weight loss.Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.A study examining over 460,000 patients who were prescribed GLP-1 agonists found that 22% developed nutritional deficiencies within 12 months of starting treatment. That would allow them to target the root causes of obesity the same way chemotherapies can target specific cancers. Within a few years, doctors say, there will also be ways to determine an individual's obesity factors. One of the GLP-1 drugs - Ozempic - worked briefly. Results from other studies haven’t found a link between semaglutide and suicidal thoughts. “A dramatic adjustment of body weight can trigger biological and psychological responses that can influence suicidal ideation,” says Amira Guirguis, a professor of pharmacy at Swansea University in the UK. Other worrying side effects being reported are mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. As we learn more about the drug in the long term, are we beginning to discover that these weight-loss drugs have a dark side? In some cases, semaglutide has led to malnutrition, gastric issues, mental health issues and eye problems. Also, knock down of the preproglucagon gene in the NTS has been shown to result in hyperphagia and weight gain . Satiation signals, produced by activation of gastric mechano-receptors when the stomach is distended, are relayed via the vagal nerves to the NTS in the brainstem. Administration of atropine, a muscarinic receptor antagonist in humans after an oral glucose load diminishes the magnitude of early GLP-1 release, an effect independent of gastric emptying . Liraglutide has a black box warning for thyroid C cell tumors , therefore this therapy is contraindicated for patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. Since GLP-1RA therapy has been shown to reduce preference for fatty foods , GLP-1RA therapy might be preferred for patients who would find it difficult to avoid fatty foods under normal circumstances. Importantly, orlistat is contraindicated in patients with chronic malabsorption syndrome and cholestasis , conditions that require avoidance of fatty foods. If you’re considering GLP-1 agonists for weight loss, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider to see if they’re the right option for you. For many people, these medications offer an effective way to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, which can lead to better overall health and well-being. GLP-1 agonists aid in weight loss through a combination of appetite control, slower digestion, improved insulin sensitivity, and stable blood sugar levels. Members of the panel are drawn using probability sampling methods, and the data are weighted to reflect the demographic diversity of the U.S. population. Since 2020, the number of prescriptions made for these drugs has more than tripled (Jain, 2023). Lilly was among the first companies to launch a direct-to-consumer platform in 2024 offering its obesity drug Zepbound at a discount, and Novo followed more than a year later. The industry has made strides toward improving drug access for patients, and executives expect that will continue. Who it’s NOT for And when we do treat this as a sprint, I think patients are likely to get off of medication much faster.” Users start with a low dose of these medications and gradually increase it over time until they reach a targeted dose. Given the heterogeneity, a more consistent approach to measurement and reporting of body composition in future research would be beneficial. Change in body weight at 48 weeks was assessed as a secondary endpoint. The primary endpoint was change in body weight from baseline to 32 weeks. “Overall, we believe that these data show that mazdutide is effective in producing weight loss across all of the doses studied,” Stanley H. Hsia, MD, FRCPC, FACE, a principal investigator for Velocity Clinical Research in Huntington Beach, California, said during a presentation. Interestingly, GLP-1 RAs work better for weight loss in people without diabetes. Novo Nordisk will start rolling out the first-ever GLP-1 pill for weight loss in the U.S. on Monday, the company announced, marking a new chapter of obesity treatment in the U.S. She is passionate about helping patients achieve healthy, sustainable weight loss. I am off all pain medications along with numerous other health benefits that came with the weight loss. Even with highly effective GLP-1 medications, achieving safe and sustainable weight loss requires losing fat while preserving muscle and metabolic health. This last nutrient is especially important when losing weight, since you’re shedding muscle along with fat. Will you still lose weight while eating mostly pizza, chicken nugs, and bowls of cereal? One reason is the increasing popularity of these medications being prescribed in a nonpersonal way. But if you’ve started taking a GLP-1 to lose weight, you may be feeling a little lost, almost like you’re being left to figure things out on your own. Think about how it feels when you’re prescribed most medications. Current applications see these receptor agonists being used more regularly for obesity management leading to decreasing appetite sensations and feelings of hunger while conversely increasing satiety post-consumption. The effectiveness of medications observed in clinical trials does not show the same results in the real world, at least due to the lower adherence of patients, discontinuation of the therapy, and the lack of representativeness in participating in clinical trials. Yet, numerous antiobesity medications have noticeably fallen short due to their mediocre therapeutic impact and inferior performance over prolonged usage, coupled with intolerable side effects . A groundbreaking treatment is making waves in the UK, offering new solution options for individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity aiming for substantial weight reduction.Before starting treatment, it’s essential to understand how they work, their benefits, risks, and realistic expectations.Leveraging this pathway, treatments can effectively curb hunger and enhance satiety, ultimately reducing caloric intake.Importantly, the glucose-dependent mechanisms of action of both therapies mean that their beneficial effects come with low risk of hypoglycaemia, particularly when not used with sulphonylureas or insulin .The EASD and the ADA Consensus Report recommend that GLP-1-RAs be used as second-line therapy for most people with T2DM after metformin 57,96.And so when employees realize you’re not going to cover that, they will find other alternatives and places to get GLP-1 agonists which are a 1/4 of the cost or less.” -Human Resource Representative, large manufacturerBut they’re just one part of a larger treatment plan.By 2024, Ozempic had surpassed Trulicity, also approved for type 2 diabetes (not obesity) to make up the largest share of GLP-1 prescriptions and spending (39% in 2024). When combined with a healthy diet and exercise, they are powerful tools for managing obesity. Instead, they’re designed to be part of a broader, clinically guided weight management plan. If you’re interested in getting started on your weight loss journey, check out our guide to GLP-1s and find out if you’re eligible to join Calibrate. It is important to consult with a clinician before starting a GLP-1 medication for weight loss to make sure it’s right for you. At Calibrate, if you do experience any side effects, your clinician will work with you to mitigate them and (as always) make sure you’re titrating your medicine at a pace that works best for your body. Compensatory changes in the levels of weight-regulating hormones such as leptin, ghrelin, peptide YY, and gastric inhibitory peptide can counteract diet-induced weight loss, highlighting the difficulty in maintaining weight loss through diet alone .GLP-1 RAs are currently used in treating patients with T2D and consistently result in weight loss, in addition to lowering blood glucose levels.In a separate trial, adolescents lost an average of about 16 percent of their starting body weight.Other outcomes related to metabolic health were changes from week 0 to 104 in fat mass, lean mass, waist and hip circumferences, HbA1c, fasting glucose, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, resting heart rate, and plasma levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides.US product information for semaglutide also notes pulmonary aspiration has occurred in patients receiving GLP 1 receptor agonists undergoing procedures with general anaesthesia or deep sedation.Nausea and vomiting are less frequent in patients receiving EX-LAR than in patients taking EX (114).GLP-1s specifically target visceral adiposity, making this a crucial marker of treatment success. Many people who take these medicines also see their blood pressure improve. These medicines work in the kidneys where they help take extra sugar out of the blood that then goes out of the body in urine. But until more long-term studies are done, the risk to humans isn't known. What's ahead for the weight-loss drugs known as GLP-1s in 2026 Another potential use for GLP-1 agonists is in treating conditions related to metabolism, like fatty liver disease. This could be particularly helpful for people who have trouble remembering to take their medication or who don’t like needles. Another potential innovation is the use of wearable devices that deliver GLP-1 agonists through the skin. In LEAD 2, there was a step-wise increase in the magnitude of both total weight loss (0.9, 2.0, and 3.2 kg) and the relative contribution of LBM (33%, 40%, and 47%) when liraglutide was prescribed at 0.6, 1.2, and 1.8 mg once-daily for 26 weeks . We included studies using DXA, BIA, ADP, MRI, or CT to measure body composition in any human study population before and after 2 or more weeks of GLP-1RA and/or SGLT2i therapy. In large cardiovascular outcome trials, several GLP-1RAs (liraglutide, semaglutide, exenatide once-weekly, albiglutide and dulaglutide) have shown compelling cardiovascular protection in the form of reduced risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, along with some renal benefits 2,3. They are not intended for casual weight loss or for individuals without a medical need for intervention.When administered at a dose of 300 mg, twice a day, patients reported side effects such as nausea and vomiting.In clinical trials, people taking these medications often lose a significant amount of weight compared to those who do not.Treatment discontinuation due to gastrointestinal events occurred in a minority of patients, and overall, serious adverse events were similar to those with the placebo.3,5The best way to save on Wegovy or Mounjaro is to use your health insurance.Everlywell offers health and wellness solutions including laboratory testing for wellness monitoring, informational and educational use. As we stand on the cusp of breakthroughs in obesity treatment, GLP-1 agonists appear poised to play a significant role in shaping the future landscape of weight management strategies. Furthermore, GLP-1 agonists offer health benefits that transcend weight management, including improved glycemic control and potential protective effects against cardiovascular diseases. Leveraging the natural effects of GLP-1, these agonists encourage weight loss through various pathways, including enhancing satiety and promoting better glycemic control. GLP-1 agonists bind to GLP-1 receptors, enhancing insulin secretion and decreasing glucagon production, which aids in controlling blood sugar levels. Let’s delve into the mechanics of how GLP-1 agonists facilitate weight loss. This blog post delves deep into the intricacies of what are GLP-1 agonists for weight loss? Long-Term Use and MaintenanceMany patients find that continuing GLP-1 or using a lower maintenance dose after achieving their weight loss goals can help sustain results and prevent weight regain. Lixisenatide works by stimulating insulin release and slowing down digestion, which helps to control blood sugar levels after meals. Ozempic is used for treating type 2 diabetes, and it is taken once a week. Semaglutide is one of the newer GLP-1 agonists and is available under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy. Another long-term study, STEP 5, compared once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 2.4 mg to placebo (along with behavioral treatment) for two years in individuals with obesity or overweight and at least one weight-related comorbidity but no diabetes .Rachel Nania is an award-winning health editor and writer at AARP.org, who covers a range of topics including diseases and treatments.Because our study did not include patients using structured weight loss interventions, our findings may better reflect the expected range of weight loss in the real world.20One further study reported a small increase (0.3 kg) in LBM after 52 weeks of treatment in individuals with T2DM .Very easy process and I feel supported medically through this weight loss journey!So far, in the long run, obesity prevention and treatment strategies-whether at the individual or group level, have not been very successful (8).A systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that liraglutide is effective and safe for weight loss in obese, non-diabetic individuals .GLP-1s for weight loss work best when combined with lifestyle tweaks around food, sleep, exercise, and emotional health. Conversely, for conditions like sleep apnea, the cost of GLP-1s may be higher than that of established non-drug treatments. For example, in cases such as MASH, GLP-1 therapies may represent a lower-cost treatment option compared to other approved drug therapies. It’s important to recognize that the cost dynamics of GLP-1 treatments can vary depending on the indication. The presence of DTC channels is putting additional pressure on manufacturers and PBMs to deliver more favorable pricing and value to employer-sponsored health plans. The authors also emphasized that the wider use of these drugs should consider social and commercial determinants of health, including access, affordability and insurance coverage, to avoid deepening existing health inequities among people living with obesity. They are currently used in most countries for weight management alongside a reduced calorie diet and exercise in people with obesity, or people who are overweight with weight-related health problems. More recently, GLP-1 receptor agonists have been trialled in people with obesity. The newly acquired treatment is a clear potential competitor to retatrutide because it similarly uses a three-pronged approach to promoting weight loss and regulating blood sugar. Lilly in December released the first late-stage data on an injectable drug called retatrutide, the highest dose of which achieved more than 28% weight loss at 68 weeks among patients who stayed on the treatment. As the first original research drug in the field of diabetes in China, it has been recommended for meal injection and approved for the hypoglycemic intervention of T2DM (40), especially for patients with poor blood glucose control by metformin alone. The possible mechanisms of weight loss caused by GLP-1R agonists is shown in Figure 1. Many clinical trials have proven GLP-1R agonists’ effectiveness and safety in treating or preventing obesity (14). Records were excluded during screening if they were press releases, news reports, not relevant drug/indication/population, preclinical study, reviews, case reports, not a randomized trial, or not in humans. In contrast to other AOMs, which either suppress appetite or inhibit fat absorption , GLP-1RAs reduce body weight in a number of ways, decreasing appetite and hunger, and increasing satiety, resulting in reduced energy intake 24–26. BID two times a day, BMI body mass index, BMOD intensive behavior modification, GLP-1RA glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist, IBT intensive behavioral therapy, NR not reported, OAD oral antihyperglycemic drug, PT phentermine-topiramate, QD once-daily, TID three times per day Type 2 Diabetes Management Once you’ve reached your weight loss goals, your doctor may prescribe a smaller dose or advise you to take your current dose less frequently. It’s approved for type 2 diabetes by the FDA, but some doctors may prescribe it off label for obesity. After starting one of these medications, people who constantly think about what to eat next often report feeling like a “switch just gets turned off,” says Dr. Saleh. “There’s probably 50 years of research, and they’ve been available for 20 years — longer than most people realize,” says Rekha Kumar, MD, an endocrinologist and obesity medicine expert at Weill Cornell Medical College and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. These medications were initially created to treat type 2 diabetes and have been extensively researched for several decades. Studies in animals show that curcumin can improve blood sugar control by increasing GLP-1 release.Further, liraglutide treatment led to a significant reduction in alcohol consumption in rodents with high baseline alcohol intake.You may need to show proof of participation in a physician-supervised weight-management program.For Type 2 diabetes treatment, you’ll likely need to provide proof of your diagnosis.GLP-1 agonists can be very effective for people with type 2 diabetes, particularly those who also need help managing their weight.It falls into a class of drugs alongside Wegovy and Mounjaro (which are approved for weight-loss) that mimic the hormone GLP-1, which your body uses to tell your brain that you’ve eaten enough. 95% of diets fail because they don’t address the root cause of weight gain—your biology. GLP-1 medication is most effective when combined with intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) for habit change across food, exercise, sleep, and emotional health. These medications include FDA-approved Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, Saxenda®, and several others. This comprehensive approach empowers members to not only lose weight, but to sustain their results for lasting impact. At Calibrate, we go beyond medication by pairing GLP-1s with accountability coaching and a structured curriculum across food, sleep, exercise, and emotional health. • Contraindicated in people with a personal/family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2 (NCBI, 2024). • Facial fat loss due to rapid weight reduction (Harvard Health Publishing, 2023). Obesity should be viewed not merely as an aesthetic issue, but as a persistent health condition. Why Weight Matters for Kidney Health Understanding the physiology of glucagon-like peptide 1 is the first step in understanding the mechanism and potential benefits of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists.During this time, adults taking a weight loss drug in clinical trials lost an average of about 10 percent of their starting body weight, and they lost an additional eight percent within 15 months.The study confirmed that tolerability in the one-stage group was at least similar to two-stage escalation, with the frequency of nausea/vomiting and hypoglycemia being lower in the one-stage regimen .Starting at low doses may help circumvent these, says Kushner, who also notes that these side effects can usually be alleviated if people eat low-fat foods, smaller portion sizes, and a balanced meal plan.Although the prevalence decreases temporarily in those aged 10–19 years, there have been consistent increases in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the WHO European Region, and no Member State is on track to reach the target of halting the rise in obesity by 2025.More participants who had previously received combination treatment had a weight loss of at least 10% of initial body weight one year after treatment termination (week −8 to 104) compared with participants who had received placebo (odds ratio OR 7.2; 95% CI, 2.4; 21.3) and liraglutide (OR 4.2; 95% CI, 1.6; 10.8) (Fig. 3D and Table S7).Besides lowering blood glucose and reducing weight (incredibly visceral fat), GLP-1R agonists can also lower blood pressure, improve blood lipid disorder, and reduce fatty liver (16, 140). With just 5% weight loss, there is noticeable improvement in health and reduced risk of complications. Notably, vital signs should be reviewed as there may need to be adjustments of other medications as the benefits of weight loss come through, especially blood pressure medications. Given that the gastrointestinal side effects are transient, and patients continue to lose weight it is likely not the side effects causing the weight loss.8 Semaglutide is indicated for weight loss in pediatric patients over the age of 12 with obesity. Beyond financial loss with fake weight loss drugs, they can also pose a serious health threat, as they could have the wrong ingredients, so experts say it's not worth the risk. Popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy work by artificially increasing levels of a natural anti-obesity/anti-diabetes hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). GLP-1RAs aid in weight loss by regulating the gut-brain axis and interacting with leptin, while weight loss can alleviate the harmful effects of obesity on the body, particularly in knee OA, by reducing joint loading and inflammation. GLP-1 weight loss programs provide access to glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists through telehealth platforms. On its website, the company points to a study that found people taking 1 milligram of semaglutide, less than half of the maximum dose, lost an average of 16% of their body weight over 64 weeks. Similarly, we could not examine effects of dulaglutide 3.0 or 4.5 mg in our sample due to the timing of FDA approval for these two dosages (September 2020). These results are nearly identical to ours despite the fact that the study took place in the United Kingdom. Participants who had weight data in the 72-week window were similar to those who did not (Table S4). Based on this clinical trial, the FDA approved Wegovy to help lower the risk of MACE for people with heart disease and who are considered to be overweight or obese. And people who used Wegovy for the entire study lost nearly 21% of their body weight. A clinical trial found that people taking the higher dose had lost 19% of their body weight on average after using it for about 16 months. But a clinical trial compared the weight-loss results for people without diabetes taking Zepbound (which contains tirzepatide) to those taking Wegovy. These medications can be expensive, and insurance coverage for weight loss varies widely. It’s clear that these medications can offer benefits that reach far beyond the number on the scale, supporting overall health for many people. Most of this weight loss occurs within the first 68 to 72 weeks of treatment, so patience and consistency are key. Tirzepatide, used in medications like Mounjaro and Zepbound, showed even greater results, where participants in some trials lost up to 22.5% of their body weight. They boost insulin release, slow stomach emptying, and reduce appetite, which improves blood sugar control and eventually results in weight loss. Semaglutide follows closely, delivering 15-20% reductions in studies. Personal health conditions guide selection. Accessibility through telehealth expands options for many. These gastrointestinal symptoms are often mild to moderate in severity and tend to diminish over time as the body adjusts to the medication. The availability of an oral formulation offers an alternative for patients who prefer or require an oral medication over injections. One exception to the injectable formulations is semaglutide (Rybelsus), which is available as an oral tablet. Ingredients like green tea extract, which can increase metabolic rate, and fibers that promote satiety can be integral in maintaining weight loss. This transition period offers an opportunity to build lasting, healthy routines that support ongoing weight management and overall health. GLP-1 medications operate by augmenting the body’s insulin response, suppressing appetite, and slowing gastric emptying. This blog discusses the common hurdles encountered post-medication and natural strategies to maintain weight loss and manage appetite. In rare cases, GLP-1 agonists may cause serious side effects, including allergic reactions, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and kidney disease.refref Understanding GLP-1 ’s MechanismGLP-1 is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means it mimics the natural hormone GLP-1 in the body. Make sure to combine any supplements and drugs with healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating a diet with a wide range of vitamins and minerals, regularly exercising, getting enough sleep and managing your stress. This just goes to show that the best diet and exercise routine differs between people, as what constitutes as healthy for each of us is different — no comparisons here, thanks!