GLP-1 Drugs Show Sustained Weight Loss Benefits in Recent Studies

Recently, GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have become extremely popular for weight loss. A recent survey finds that 1 in 8 people in the United States have taken one of these medications for weight loss, 6 in 10 of whom were people with diabetes or cardiovascular disease.  

Now, a new study published May 13 in Nature Medicine, says that Wegovy remains effective for losing weight and maintaining weight loss for at least four years, doubling the previous estimate. These findings are likely true for Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonists. 

Only Wegovy has been approved for weight loss by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), though “off-label” use of GLP-1 medications for weight loss is widespread. The reported weight loss from GLP-1 drugs can range from 10% to 15% of a person’s original weight. 

The new study, known as the SELECT trial, found weight loss to be in the lower end of this range, in part due to variations in its study cohort: People who are more overweight when they begin taking the drugs lose more weight quickly.

Many users of these drugs experience a slowing in weight loss after about a year, often referred to as an Ozempic or Wegovy plateau which is why it was discovered that once a person stops taking GLP-1 agonist, they regain the weight automatically.

However, another recent study presented May 12–15 found that patients taking semaglutide (the active ingredient in some GLP-1 drugs) maintained weight loss by slowly tapering down their dosage. 

Some researchers say that when people start taking semaglutide type drugs like  Wegovy or Ozempic, the majority of their weight loss occurs within the first year, or the first year and a half. And then after that, they don’t lose more weight, they just keep it off.GLP-1 agonists mimic the body’s naturally occurring hormone.

It slows the passage of food in the digestive tract, resulting in a greater sense of fullness with less food. GLP-1 drugs also help reduce appetite. Based on several different GLP-1 chemicals, these drugs have slightly different ways of addressing diabetes, heart disease, and weight loss. 

The injectable Wegovy and Ozempic and the tablet-based Rybelsus are based on the chemical semaglutide, while other products, such as the injectable Saxenda and Victoza, are liraglutide drugs. Mounjaro and Zepbound are also injectable and contain tirzepatide, which mimics two intestinal hormones: GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). 

GLP-1 medications also help manage diabetes by increasing the production of insulin after a meal. This helps control blood sugar. 

Only Wegovy is approved for weight loss, but other GLP-1 drugs are similarly effective and are approved for diabetes and heart health.A pharmaceutical company only receives approval for a specific use by conducting studies and supplying supporting evidence. This can cost more than they consider worth spending.