2023-11-16 12:54:42
New weight loss drugs…promises and warnings
Some people struggling to lose weight have found help from several FDA-approved weight-loss medications, such as bupropion, naltrexone (Contrave), and phentermine (Adipex). Adipex-P), phentermine, topiramate (Qsymia), and orlistat (Xenical, Alli).
On average, these medications can help people lose between 5 percent and 7 percent of their body weight, when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
Today, a new class of drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes has gained attention, thanks to its impressive weight loss results – in many cases, 10 percent to 20 percent of body weight. They are called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
A tale of two properties
Two GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and are included in formulations specifically designed for weight loss in people who do not suffer from diabetes: liraglutide (Saxenda) and semaglutide. semaglutide” (Wegovy).
It should be noted that over the years, versions of drugs containing lower doses of these same active ingredients, known respectively as “Victoza” and “Ozempic,” have been used to help people with diabetes control their blood sugar levels. .
About this, Dr. Enrique Caballero, an endocrinologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, affiliated with Harvard University, said: “These drugs can lead to significant weight loss, when taken in conjunction with the adoption of healthy lifestyle changes by people who suffer from obesity.” “Overweight or obese, whether they have type 2 diabetes or not, but doubts still surround the question of whether the drugs are safe for all individuals who want to lose 10 to 20 pounds (4.5 to 9 kg) of their weight.”
Action of new drugs
GLP-1 agonists work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone that is naturally released through the digestive system in response to food intake.
In this regard, Dr. Caballero said: “The drugs stimulate the body to produce more insulin following eating, which limits the rise in blood sugar levels following eating meals, which is very important for individuals who suffer from type 2 diabetes.”
In addition, these drugs contribute to regulating appetite, by sending signals to the brain to tell it that the body feels full, which prevents overeating.
It is important to remember that these drugs are only approved for individuals who meet certain criteria. Specifically, Wegovi and Saxenda are intended for adults who have been diagnosed with obesity — meaning they have a BMI of 30 or higher — or those with a BMI of 27 and at least one weight-related health condition. Such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes. The other two versions of these drugs – “Victoza” and “Ozempic” – are intended for people who suffer from type 2 diabetes.
However, this has not prevented some doctors from prescribing these medications “off-label” for weight loss, meaning they are used for a different purpose than explicitly intended. On this, Dr. Caballero explained, “There is not enough evidence to know whether these drugs are useful or dangerous for people who do not meet the FDA standards.”
The biggest problem remains that many people see new medications as a quick fix. “It is important to remember that all weight loss medications are recommended as an aid within a comprehensive strategy centered around a healthy meal plan and regular physical activity,” Dr. Caballero explained. “People who stop taking these medications often regain the weight unless they decide to make an active and sustained change in their eating habits and physical activity.”
Know the negative aspects
When discussing with your doctor whether GLP-1 agonists are worth exploring, it’s important to be aware of their potential drawbacks; You may experience various digestive side effects, including gas, bloating, indigestion, nausea, or irregular bowel movements, but such problems usually resolve within a few weeks, according to Dr. Caballero. He added: “Usually, the lowest possible doses of these medications are given at first, and then they are gradually increased until the chance of side effects in people decreases.”
Another downside is cost; These medications are expensive – regarding $1,000 to $1,500 per month. It should be noted that even if you are eligible to use them, the medications are not covered by the American “Medicare” program for treating obesity, although “Victoza” and “Ozambic” are covered by the “Medicare” program, as are the majority of insurance companies for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Finally, it should be noted that the drugs are administered by injection into the arm, stomach, or thigh using a pen-like device equipped with a small needle no wider than two hairs on the human head (Semaglutide is administered weekly, while Liraglutide daily).
In addition, semaglutide, which is prescribed to diabetic patients, is now available in the form of a daily tablet called Rybelsus. It is worth noting that you should wait between 30 minutes to an hour following taking it before eating and drinking.
These drugs help regulate appetite by sending signals to the brain to tell it that the body feels full
Promising new drugs
Other types of GLP-1 agonists may soon become available. A recent trial, funded by the Eli Lilly Foundation, which produces tirzepatide (Mounjaro), concluded that regarding half of the participants who suffer from obesity and type 2 diabetes lost approximately 15 percent of their body weight while taking this drug. .
Also, preliminary research suggests that retatrutide, a trigonal hormone receptor agonist (acting on glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors, gastric polypeptide-1 inhibitors, and CGCR), may lead to loss of weight. Weight loss by up to 25 percent in people with diabetes. The Food and Drug Administration approved terzepatide to treat type 2 diabetes in May 2022, and is currently reviewing whether it should be approved to treat obesity.
* Harvard Dissertation “Men’s Health Monitor”… Tribune Media Services
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