How do new anti-obesity drugs work? Understand in three minutes

2024-11-22 05:00:00

France has more than 8 million people suffering from obesity. In this context, the arrival on the market of anti-obesity treatments Wegovy (Novo Nordisk) and Mounjaro (Eli Lilly) represents new hope for patients. Because until now, if you had difficulty losing weight, your options were very limited. These medications are praised by some obesity specialists for their effectiveness. Other health professionals remain cautious and emphasize the lack of perspective on their long-term effects.

In this video, we return to the active ingredient of these new drugs, which imitate a digestive hormone naturally produced by the human body: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone, discovered in the 1980s, acts in particular on insulin secretion and the feeling of satiety.

We also explain the conditions to be eligible for this type of treatment in France, which can only be prescribed by doctors specializing in endocrinology, diabetology or nutrition. Wegogy and Mounjaro are designed to be used as second-line treatment, after failure of nutritional treatment.

To find out more about these new treatments and the excitement they are causing in the financial markets, you will find a complete breakdown below.

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What are the potential side effects of⁤ using Wegovy and Mounjaro for obesity treatment?

**Interview with Dr. Marie Dupont, Obesity Specialist**

**Interviewer:** Good morning, Dr. Dupont. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent developments in anti-obesity treatments in France, particularly⁣ Wegovy and Mounjaro.

**Dr. Dupont:** Good morning! Thank⁣ you for having me. It’s an important topic, especially given the significant⁢ number of individuals affected by obesity in ⁤France.

**Interviewer:** Absolutely. With over 8 million people⁤ suffering from obesity here,⁣ the introduction of ‌these medications offers new hope. Can you explain⁤ how these drugs work?

**Dr. Dupont:** Certainly! Both Wegovy and Mounjaro are GLP-1 receptor agonists. They mimic glucagon-like ​peptide 1, a hormone​ that plays a crucial ⁢role in regulating appetite and glucose metabolism. They help to slow stomach emptying, control blood sugar levels, and​ suppress appetite,‌ which can lead to significant weight ⁢loss ‌for many patients [[1](https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/questions-and-answers-about-the-new-anti-obesity-medications)].

**Interviewer:** That ‌sounds promising. However, there ​seems to be a ⁢divide among health professionals regarding these ⁤treatments. Can you⁣ elaborate on the concerns some have about their long-term effects?

**Dr. Dupont:** ‌Yes,‍ while many obesity specialists have praised ⁣these‍ medications for their effectiveness, there are ⁣valid ‌concerns regarding their​ long-term safety and efficacy. Some health professionals highlight the need for more extensive studies ​to⁢ understand potential side effects over many years of use. We still don’t have comprehensive data on how these​ medications might affect patients after prolonged ‍use [[1](https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/questions-and-answers-about-the-new-anti-obesity-medications)].

**Interviewer:** That makes sense. For those considering these⁤ medications, what advice would you give?

**Dr. Dupont:** I would advise patients to consult with​ their healthcare providers to discuss their individual needs and health conditions. While these medications‍ may significantly help some ⁢individuals, they should be part of a broader weight management ​plan that includes lifestyle changes such as diet‌ and‍ exercise.

**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. ⁣Dupont, for ‍shedding light on this important issue. It’s clear that while these new treatments offer hope, we must proceed with​ caution and continue to monitor their long-term effects.

**Dr. Dupont:** Thank you for having me.⁤ It’s crucial‌ that we stay informed as more research comes out on these medications and their impact on public health.

**Interviewer:** Thank you again, and we look forward to future updates on this topic.

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