2024-09-05 03:47:33
An advertising poster promoting semaglutide injections in New York City, United States, on June 25, 2024. RICHARD B. LEVINE / NEWSCOM / SIPA
Are we witnessing a turning point in the fight against obesity? After decades of failures in developing effective treatments, the arrival of a new generation of drugs, which displays particularly promising clinical results (15% to 20% weight loss on average), has generated great enthusiasm among patients in recent years. To the point that their manufacturers, overwhelmed by orders, are struggling to meet demand, despite factories running at full capacity.
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With over a billion people worldwide suffering from obesity, including 890 million adults, these treatments have no shortage of potential customers. Especially since these figures continue to grow. In the space of thirty years, the obesity rate has more than doubled among adults and quadrupled among children and adolescents. A godsend for the Danish Novo Nordisk and the American Lilly, the pharmaceutical laboratories behind Wegovy and Zepbound, these new anti-obesity drugs that are so sought after. Moreover, the manufacturers have not had to make much effort to popularize their products. On social networks, euphoric anonymous people, with viral photos before and after treatment, have taken it upon themselves to promote them. As have celebrities, like Elon Musk or Oprah Winfrey, who sing their praises.
Available only by prescription, Wegovy and Zepbound (called “Mounjaro” in Europe) come in the form of pre-filled injection pens, which patients self-administer on a weekly basis, similar to the solutions available in the treatment of diabetes. The coincidence is not fortuitous. They are both part of the family of GLP-1 analogues, which includes semaglutide and tirzepatide, their respective active ingredients, already used for several years as antidiabetics due to their blood sugar-regulating properties.
“A solid scientific basis”
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Because while these products, which also slow gastric emptying and increase the feeling of satiety, are all the rage among obese patients today, they are far from new. The very first GLP-1 analogue, exenatide, was marketed by the American company Lilly in 2005 for the management of diabetes.
In 2014, liraglutide (Saxenda) was the first in this class of drugs to gain approval for the treatment of obesity. “They have since been widely used and already have numerous studies which attest to a solid scientific basis, even if we are still very far from having exhausted all the knowledge on the subject”observes epidemiologist Mahmoud Zureik, head of Epi-Phare, the public agency that measures the effectiveness and safety of drugs.
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GLP-1 obesity
A Turning Point in the Fight Against Obesity: The Rise of GLP-1 Anti-Obesity Drugs
After decades of failed attempts to develop effective treatments, the fight against obesity has finally seen a breakthrough with the arrival of a new generation of drugs, known as GLP-1 analogues. These medications have shown promising clinical results, with average weight loss of 15% to 20%, generating great enthusiasm among patients and overwhelming demand from manufacturers [[1]].
The Growing Need for Effective Obesity Treatments
Obesity is a growing global concern, with over one billion people worldwide suffering from the condition, including 890 million adults. The obesity rate has more than doubled among adults and quadrupled among children and adolescents in just three decades [[2]]. This staggering figure highlights the urgent need for effective treatments to combat this epidemic.
GLP-1 Analogues: A New Generation of Anti-Obesity Drugs
GLP-1 analogues, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, have been used for several years as antidiabetics due to their blood sugar-regulating properties. However, they have also been found to slow gastric emptying and increase the feeling of satiety, making them an effective treatment for obesity [[3]]. Wegovy and Zepbound, developed by Novo Nordisk and Lilly, respectively, are two such medications that have been approved for the treatment of obesity.
A Solid Scientific Basis
GLP-1 analogues have a solid scientific basis, with the first GLP-1 analogue, exenatide, being marketed by Lilly in 2005 for the management of diabetes. In 2014, liraglutide (Saxenda) was the first GLP-1 analogue to be approved for the treatment of obesity. The development of these medications has been a gradual process, with years of research and clinical trials leading to their approval.
The Rise of GLP-1 Analogues
The success of GLP-1 analogues can be attributed to their ability to regulate blood sugar levels, slow gastric emptying, and increase the feeling of satiety. This has led to an average weight loss of 15% to 20% in clinical trials, making them an attractive solution for individuals struggling with obesity.
Celebrity Endorsements and Viral Social Media Campaigns
The popularity of GLP-1 analogues has been fueled by celebrity endorsements, with figures like Elon Musk and Oprah Winfrey singing their praises. Social media platforms have also played a significant role, with viral before-and-after photos and testimonials from satisfied patients promoting these medications.
Challenges in Meeting Demand
The manufacturers of GLP-1 analogues, Novo Nordisk and Lilly, are struggling to meet the overwhelming demand for these medications, despite running their factories at full capacity. This highlights the need for increased production and distribution of these life-changing treatments.
Conclusion
The rise of GLP-1 analogues marks a turning point in the fight against obesity, offering a promising solution to individuals struggling with this condition. With their solid scientific basis, effective results, and growing demand, these medications are set to revolutionize the treatment of obesity and improve the lives of millions worldwide.
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glp-1 obesity drug
A Turning Point in the Fight Against Obesity: The Rise of Semaglutide and GLP-1 Analogues
The fight against obesity has seen a significant shift in recent years, with the arrival of a new generation of drugs that have shown promising clinical results, achieving an average weight loss of 15% to 20%. These drugs, including semaglutide, have generated great enthusiasm among patients and have been hailed as a godsend for pharmaceutical companies such as Novo Nordisk and Lilly.
A Solid Scientific Basis
Semaglutide, a GLP-1 analogue, has been shown to produce clinically significant weight loss and improvements in anthropometric measurements compared to placebo, with sustained weight loss over 4 years [[1]]. GLP-1 analogues, which include semaglutide and tirzepatide, have been widely used and have numerous studies that attest to their solid scientific basis.
GLP-1 Obesity
The first GLP-1 analogue, exenatide, was marketed by Lilly in 2005 for the management of diabetes. In 2014, liraglutide (Saxenda) became the first in this class of drugs to gain approval for the treatment of obesity. These drugs, which slow gastric emptying and increase the feeling of satiety, have been widely used and have already demonstrated their effectiveness in treating obesity.
Oral Semaglutide
Oral semaglutide, taken once per day, has been shown to be effective in reducing body weight in adults with overweight or obesity [[2]]. This oral formulation offers a more convenient alternative to the weekly injection pens, making it a more appealing option for patients.
Two-Year Effects of Semaglutide
A two-year study of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity has shown that the drug produces significant weight loss and improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors, with most adverse events being mild to moderate in nature [[3]].
The Future of Obesity Treatment
With over a billion people worldwide suffering from obesity, these new anti-obesity drugs have a vast potential customer base. The manufacturers of these drugs, Novo Nordisk and Lilly, are struggling to meet demand, despite factories running at full capacity. The rise of semaglutide and GLP-1 analogues marks a turning point in the fight against obesity, offering new hope to those struggling with weight loss.
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