A substantial number of individuals utilizing well-known weight-loss medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy have experienced meaningful weight reduction.
JONEL ALECCIA
AP HEALTH WRITER
November 23, 2024, 6:05AM
Updated 6 hours ago
3 minute read
Unlike the multitude who have rushed for the sought-after weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, Danielle Griffin, a 38-year-old IT professional from New Mexico, navigated the process with ease. She possessed a valid prescription, the required medications were available at her pharmacy, and her health insurance covered nearly all but $25 to $50 of the monthly expenses.
For Griffin, the real challenge stemmed not from accessibility, but from the disappointing realization that the widely publicized medications failed to produce the expected results. “I have been on Wegovy for a year and a half and have only lost 13 pounds,” she lamented, emphasizing her commitment to a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, hydration, and regular exercise. “I’ve done everything right with no success. It’s discouraging.”
In clinical studies, a majority of participants on Wegovy or Mounjaro for obesity management saw average weight losses between 15% to 22% of their body weight, with some individuals shedding 50 pounds or more. However, approximately 10% to 15% of those participants were categorized as “nonresponders,” who reported weight reductions of less than 5%.
As millions have begun using these medications, insights from several obesity specialists shared with The Associated Press indicate that about 20% of patients, equating to roughly 1 in 5 individuals, may not experience the desired results from these treatments. This truth highlights a lesser-known implication of the growing obesity drug market, as medical professionals urge hopeful patients to temper their expectations with the understanding that responses to treatments vary greatly.
“It’s all about explaining that different people have different responses,” emphasized Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an expert in obesity at Massachusetts General Hospital. The medications, classified as GLP-1 receptor agonists, emulate a hormone known as glucagon-like peptide 1. Factors like genetics, hormonal fluctuations, and individual variations in energy regulation within the brain can significantly impact weight loss outcomes and responses to the medications. Conditions such as sleep apnea and certain commonly prescribed drugs, including antidepressants and contraceptives, can also hinder successful weight loss.
“This is a disease that stems from the brain,” Stanford clarified. “The dysfunction may not be the same” among different patients, illustrating the complexity of obesity treatments.
Despite these important considerations, many patients face emotional distress when they begin their scheduled injections and find their weight barely shifts. “It can be devastating,” remarked Dr. Katherine Saunders, an obesity specialist at Weill Cornell Medicine and co-founder of the obesity treatment firm FlyteHealth. “With such high expectations, there’s so much room for disappointment.”
Griffin, who has battled obesity long before starting Wegovy, aimed to lose 70 pounds but found her weight fluctuations minimal even as she experienced decreased appetite and a lowered diabetes risk. “It’s an emotional roller coaster,” she expressed. “You want it to work like it does for everybody else.”
These medications are generally prescribed in conjunction with lifestyle modifications and dietary changes intended to enhance their effectiveness. Medical experts note that it often becomes apparent within weeks whether an individual will respond positively to the medication; initial weight loss can start promptly, with continued improvements seen as dosages increase.
For some patients, however, the anticipated weight loss may never materialize. In other cases, side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may necessitate discontinuation of the medication. Dushay reassures these patients that alternative options still exist, stating, “It’s not game over.”
Switching to a different version within this new class of drugs may yield better results. After struggling with Wegovy, Griffin began taking Zepbound, which interacts with an additional hormonal pathway within the body. Following three months on this alternative medication, she has recorded a modest weight loss of 7 pounds. “I’m hoping it’s slow and steady,” she said with cautious optimism.
Experts also highlight that some individuals may find success with older weight-loss medications, while others can achieve significant progress by adjusting their diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management practices. Finding the right approach typically necessitates collaboration with a healthcare professional specializing in obesity treatment, as Dr. Saunders stresses, “Obesity is such a complex disease that really needs to be treated very comprehensively. If what we’re prescribing doesn’t work, we always have a backup plan.”
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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
What factors contribute to some patients being classified as “nonresponders” to weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy?
**Interview with Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford on Weight Loss Medications and Patient Expectations**
**Host:** Welcome, Dr. Stanford. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the realities of weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy.
**Dr. Stanford:** Thank you for having me. I’m glad to be here.
**Host:** Many patients, like Danielle Griffin, have seen limited success with these medications despite following a healthy lifestyle. Can you explain why some individuals might be categorized as “nonresponders”?
**Dr. Stanford:** Absolutely. The phenomenon of nonresponders—those who don’t experience significant weight loss—can often be attributed to a variety of factors. Genetics plays a huge role, as do hormonal fluctuations and individual variations in energy regulation within the brain. It’s important to remember that obesity isn’t just about what we eat; it’s a complex condition that can involve underlying biological and psychological factors.
**Host:** You mentioned genetic factors. How significant is the role of genetics in determining how effective these medications will be for a patient?
**Dr. Stanford:** Genetics can significantly influence metabolic rates and how bodies respond to different treatments. For some individuals, certain hormonal pathways may not respond optimally to GLP-1 receptor agonists like these medications. Thus, even with the right prescription, their bodies may not react in the expected manner.
**Host:** What do you recommend for patients who might feel discouraged after starting these medications and not seeing the results they hoped for?
**Dr. Stanford:** It’s crucial to set realistic expectations and emphasize that weight loss is a journey that varies widely among individuals. I would advise patients to communicate openly with their healthcare providers about their experience, including their emotional distress. This dialog can help tailor treatment and explore additional strategies that may enhance their weight loss efforts, such as adjusting lifestyle modifications or considering other therapeutic approaches.
**Host:** The emotional aspects of weight loss treatments are also highlighted in this discussion. How can healthcare professionals better support patients who are experiencing disappointment?
**Dr. Stanford:** Support involves more than just prescribing medication; it’s about listening to their concerns and validating their feelings. Emotional support can include counseling resources, support groups, and regular follow-ups to monitor both physical and psychological well-being. This holistic approach can help patients feel more empowered and understood throughout their treatment.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Stanford, for sharing your insights today. It’s clear that while medications like Ozempic and Wegovy offer hope to some, others may face a more complicated journey in their weight loss goals.
**Dr. Stanford:** Thank you for discussing this critical topic. It’s important for patients to know they are not alone and that there are diverse strategies available to support their health journeys.