GLP-1 drugs may lower risk of 10 obesity-related cancers, study shows

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Lindsey Wang, researcher at the School of Medicine, discussed her new research showing that weight-loss drugs, including Ozempic, are linked to a lower risk of cancer. “Most notably, we observed a significant risk reduction across multiple gastrointestinal cancers,” Wang said. “This broad spectrum of effects is significant given the often poor prognosis associated with these cancers.”

Credit: The Daily

Team Metabolic Health

Obesity,Oxidative Stress,Stress

Study reveals that an 11-week, very-low-calorie ketogenic diet significantly reduces body fat and improves glucose metabolism in obese individuals, while also lowering oxidative stress markers, indicating better overall metabolic health.

A study published in the journal Free Radical Biology and Medicine demonstrates the impact of a multiphase, very-low-calorie ketogenic diet on serum markers of oxidative stress in individuals living with obesity.

Calorie-restricted diets with high levels of nutraceuticals and phytochemicals have been found to reduce obesity-related complications and increase life expectancy through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Important observations The analysis of baseline characteristics identified dyslipidemia as the most frequent comorbidity among participants. All of them were physically active; however, their activity levels were low.

Regarding metabolic effects, the intervention was found to improve glucose and lipid metabolism, with no changes in serum total protein and albumin levels. Study significance The study finds that intake of a multiphase, very-low-calorie ketogenic diet for eleven weeks has positive health effects, as demonstrated by reduced body weight and fat mass and improved glucose and lipid metabolism. These positive health effects are associated with reduced serum oxidative stress markers and improved serum redox balance.

Credit: Head Topics (UK)

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Maintaining optimal blood sugar levels is crucial for overall health, especially for those dealing with diabetes or weight management issues. The constant battle against fluctuating glucose levels can leave individuals feeling drained, overweight, and overwhelmed. Fortunately, Gluco6 has emerged as a beacon of hope for those seeking a natural solution to these challenges. This revolutionary product promises to help regulate blood sugar and aid in effective weight loss. With a unique blend of ingredients, Gluco6 aims to address the underlying issues contributing to blood sugar spikes while promoting a healthier lifestyle. This comprehensive review will explore what Gluco6 is, how it works, its key ingredients, benefits, pricing options, testimonials, and much more. By the end of this review, you will have a thorough understanding of Gluco6, allowing you to decide whether this product is the right fit for you.

What is Gluco6?

Gluco6 is a dietary supplement that supports healthy blood sugar levels and assists in weight loss. It leverages a scientifically backed formulation that targets the body’s insulin response and glucose metabolism, providing relief from the complications associated with high blood sugar. Gluco6’s unique approach is centered around addressing an often-overlooked issue known as “GLUT-4 Overwhelm.” This condition occurs when the pancreas is overworked due to high sugar intake and processed carbohydrates, leading to poor insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation.

By utilizing a potent blend of Mediterranean plants and supernutrients, Gluco6 helps combat GLUT-4 Overwhelm and promotes the natural balance of blood sugar levels and overall metabolic health. This product is particularly beneficial for individuals who have struggled with weight management, sugar cravings, and energy levels. Gluco6 has gained popularity among health enthusiasts and individuals seeking a practical solution to their blood sugar challenges. Its formulation promises to yield visible results in weeks, making it a compelling option for those looking to enhance their health and well-being.

Does Gluco6 Work?

The effectiveness of Gluco6 stems from its innovative formulation, designed to support the body’s natural processes rather than merely masking the symptoms of blood sugar imbalance. Many users report noticeable improvements in blood sugar levels and weight management after incorporating Gluco6 into their daily routine. The product’s ability to enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce glucose spikes is attributed to its carefully selected ingredients that synergize the body’s metabolic functions.

Clinical studies and user testimonials indicate that consistent use of Gluco6 can substantially improve blood sugar control, with many experiencing less frequent spikes and crashes throughout the day. This stability is crucial for those who are insulin-resistant or struggling with Type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, the product’s ability to curb sugar cravings enhances the weight loss benefits, which often sabotage dietary efforts. Overall, while individual results may vary, the collective feedback strongly suggests that Gluco6 is a viable option for anyone looking to manage their blood sugar levels and achieve their weight loss goals effectively.

Gluco6 Benefits

Improved Blood Sugar Control

One of Gluco6’s hallmark benefits is its ability to maintain stable blood sugar levels. The unique blend of ingredients, including Sukre, chromium, and Gymnema, targets various aspects of glucose metabolism to ensure that blood sugar remains consistent throughout the day. Many individuals experience significant fluctuations in their blood sugar levels, leading to fatigue, irritability, and cravings for sugar-rich foods. Gluco6 addresses these issues by enhancing insulin sensitivity, allowing the body to utilize glucose more effectively.

Users often report that they experience fewer energy crashes and a more stable mood, which is critical for overall well-being. Improved blood sugar control not only helps in the management of diabetes but also supports weight management efforts by minimizing the cravings that often accompany blood sugar spikes and drops. This stability promotes a healthier lifestyle, allowing individuals to make better dietary choices without the constant interference of fluctuating glucose levels.

Effective Weight Loss

Weight loss is a common concern for many individuals battling blood sugar issues, and Gluco6 addresses this need head-on. Enhancing insulin sensitivity and promoting better glucose metabolism helps the body utilize stored fat effectively, leading to weight loss over time. Gluco6’s ingredients work harmoniously to suppress sugar cravings, making it easier for users to adhere to their weight loss goals without the constant temptation of unhealthy snacks.

Moreover, Gluco6’s energizing properties help improve physical activity levels, further supporting weight loss efforts. By combining these effects, Gluco6 provides a multifaceted approach to weight loss that goes beyond fad diets and temporary solutions. Instead, it offers a sustainable method for individuals to achieve and maintain a healthy weight while effectively managing their blood sugar levels.

Reduced Sugar Cravings

One of the most challenging aspects of managing blood sugar levels is overcoming sugar cravings. Gluco6 tackles this issue by incorporating ingredients like gymnema and chromium, which have been shown to effectively reduce the desire for sugary foods. Gymnema, often referred to as the “sugar destroyer,” actively blocks the sweet taste receptors on the tongue, providing immediate relief from cravings.

By addressing the psychological and physiological factors that contribute to sugar cravings, Gluco6 empowers users to make healthier dietary choices. This reduction in cravings not only aids in weight management but also promotes better blood sugar control, creating a positive feedback loop for users. With fewer cravings, individuals can focus on nourishing their bodies with healthier foods that support their overall well-being, making Gluco6 an invaluable ally in the quest for a balanced lifestyle.

Enhanced Energy Levels

Maintaining high energy levels is essential for daily productivity and overall quality of life. Individuals dealing with blood sugar problems often experience fatigue due to spikes and crashes in glucose levels. Gluco6 counteracts this by providing ingredients designed to support sustained energy throughout the day. For instance, TeaCrine enhances cognitive function and mood, ensuring users feel alert and focused.

The product’s ability to stabilize blood sugar levels means that energy levels remain consistent without the drastic fluctuations that can lead to lethargy. Users frequently report feeling more energetic and less tired, enabling them to engage more effectively in physical activities and daily tasks. This renewed vitality is beneficial for physical health and positively influences mental well-being, creating a holistic improvement in lifestyle.

Antioxidant Support

The presence of antioxidants in Gluco6 adds another layer of health benefits to the product. Ingredients like green tea and cinnamon are rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress is linked to various health issues, including inflammation and chronic diseases, making supporting the body’s defenses crucial.

By incorporating antioxidants, Gluco6 helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. This protection is significant for individuals with blood sugar imbalances, who are often at greater risk for oxidative stress. Improved antioxidant support can lead to better overall health, aiding recovery and enhancing the body’s natural resilience. This comprehensive approach ensures that users manage their blood sugar levels and bolster their overall health.

Heart Health

Heart health is a significant concern for individuals managing blood sugar levels, as diabetes and high blood sugar can elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease. Gluco6 supports heart health through its carefully selected ingredients, promoting healthy circulation and lowering inflammation. Components like green tea provide cardiovascular benefits by improving lipid profiles and reducing plaque buildup in the arteries.

Additionally, the weight loss benefits associated with Gluco6 can further enhance heart health. As individuals shed excess weight, they often experience lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart-related issues. By prioritizing heart health in its formulation, Gluco6 addresses blood sugar concerns and contributes to a healthier heart, promoting long-term wellness for its users.

Credit: Peninsula Daily News

Team Metabolic Health

For many people, reaching their mid-40s may bring unpleasant signs the body isn’t working as well as it once did. Injuries seem to happen more frequently. Muscles may feel weaker.

A new study, published in Nature Aging, shows what may be causing the physical decline. Researchers have found that molecules and microorganisms both inside and outside our bodies are going through dramatic changes, first at about age 44 and then again when we hit 60. Those alterations may be causing significant differences in cardiovascular health and immune function.

The findings come from Stanford scientists who analyzed blood and other biological samples of 108 volunteers ages 25 to 75, who continued to donate samples for several years. 

“While it’s obvious that you’re aging throughout your entire life, there are two big periods where things really shift,” said the study’s senior author, Michael Snyder, a professor of genetics and director of the Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine at Stanford Medicine. For example, “there’s a big shift in the metabolism of lipids when people are in their 40s and in the metabolism of carbohydrates when people are in their 60s.”

Lipids are fatty substances, including LDL, HDL and triglycerides, that perform a host of functions in the body, but they can be harmful if they build up in the blood.

How ‘bio hackers’ are exploring options to reverse aging

The scientists tracked many kinds of molecules in the samples, including RNA and proteins, as well as the participants’ microbiomes.

The metabolic changes the researchers discovered indicate not that people in their 40s are burning calories more slowly but rather that the body is breaking food down differently. The scientists aren’t sure exactly what impact those changes have on health.

Previous research showed that resting energy use, or metabolic rate, didn’t change from ages 20 to 60. The new study’s findings don’t contradict that.

The changes in metabolism affect how the body reacts to alcohol or caffeine, although the health consequences aren’t yet clear. In the case of caffeine, it may result in higher sensitivity. 

It’s also not known yet whether the shifts could be linked to lifestyle or behavioral factors. For example, the changes in alcohol metabolism might be because people are drinking more in their mid-40s, Snyder said.

For now, Snyder suggests people in their 40s keep a close eye on their lipids, especially LDL cholesterol.

“If they start going up, people might want to think about taking statins if that’s what their doctor recommends,” he said. Moreover, “knowing there’s a shift in the molecules that affect muscles and skin, you might want to warm up more before exercising so you don’t hurt yourself.”

Until we know better what those changes mean, the best way to deal with them would be to eat healthy foods and to exercise regularly, Snyder said.

Dr. Josef Coresh, founding director of the Optimal Aging Institute at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, compared the new findings to the invention of the microscope. “The beauty of this type of paper is the level of detail we can see in molecular changes,” said Coresh, a professor of medicine at the school. “But it will take time to sort out what individual changes mean and how we can tailor medications to those changes. We do know that the origins of many diseases happen in midlife when people are in their 40s, though the disease may occur decades later.”

The new study “is an important step forward,” said Dr. Lori Zeltser, a professor of pathology and cell biology at the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. While we don’t know what the consequences of those metabolic changes are yet, “right now, we have to acknowledge that we metabolize food differently in our 40s, and that is something really new.”

The shifts the researchers found might help explain numerous age-related health changes, such as muscle loss, because “your body is breaking down food differently,” Zeltser said.

Credit: NBC News

Metabolic Health Team

Scientists at Texas A&M AgriLife Research discovered that reduced folate intake could improve metabolism and promote longevity in older adults. Their study found that middle-aged animals on folate-limited diets transitioned better between carbohydrate and fat metabolism, maintained energy levels, and exhibited no adverse health effects, suggesting potential metabolic benefits from reduced folate in later life.

While an excess of vitamins is always harmful, in some cases less of it may be more beneficial. The same applies to folate intake, as scientists in a recent research found eating less of it could bring more benefits in older adults.

Among the factors that play a huge role in slowing down the ageing process, diet plays an important role. Adding the right foods to your diet with the right mix of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fibre has an anti-ageing effect.

However, when it comes to choosing foods for healthy ageing, one must also stay updated on latest research.

Role of folate in overall health

In a recent study published in Life Science Alliance, scientists from Texas A&M AgriLife Research discovered that eating less folate is linked to healthy metabolism in aging animal models. Folate or folic acid found in dark green leafy vegetables, orange, lemon, melons, nuts and seeds, and pea among other foods, is crucial for red blood cell formation and healthy cell growth and function. It is particularly important for children, young adults, and pregnant women as it plays an important role in growth processes.

Folic acid supplementation is considered important before and throughout pregnancy. It is important for development of foetus. According to research, folic acid supplements taken before to conception may help reduce birth abnormalities, including significant neural tube disorders like spina bifida, encephalocele, and anencephaly. Prenatal vitamins with 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid can help prevent brain and spinal cord birth abnormalities.

Cutting folate could boost longevity in older adults

In this study, researchers sought to study the impact of cutting folate intake in lesser-studied age groups. Researchers cut folate from diet of animal models at an age corresponding to human middle age. Another group continued with a diet inclusive of folate.
It was found that the female folate-limited models were able to transition more quickly between carbohydrate metabolism and fat metabolism across night and day compared to females on folate-rich diet.

“Optimal folate intake may vary depending on an individual’s age. While higher folate is crucial during early life for growth and development, a lower intake later in life may benefit metabolic health and longevity,” said Michael Polymenis, Ph.D., professor and associate head of graduate programs in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, who led the study. Polymenis said that when one sleeps, their metabolism burns fat while when awake and active, carbohydrates are burnt for quicker energy. However when one gets older, it takes “longer to switch between these fat-burning and carbohydrate-burning states, but this metabolic plasticity seems to be better maintained in animal models on a folate-limited diet.”

As per this study, the males on folate-limited diets registered an overall increase in their metabolic rate during active periods, potentially helping them to maintain energy levels and physical activity.
Heidi Blank, Ph.D., first author of the study, said the folate-limited group could maintain their weight and body fat in old age compared to the other group. Also, the folate-limited models showed no signs of anemia or other negative health consequences, as per the study.

How much folate should you eat daily?

Folate or Vitamin B9 is an inseparable part of your diet. It plays a crucial role in red blood cell formation and for healthy cell function. It is important to take around 400 gm of folate. Folate is even more important during pregnancy and the dosage for expecting mothers ranges from 400 to 1,000 mcg per day. This nutrient should be available in the body for reducing risk of birth defects of brain and spine.

Folate and vitamin B12 are micronutrients required for essential metabolic functions. The metabolism of both vitamins is closely intertwined. Deficiencies of folate and vitamin B12 are common clinical conditions with significant subclinical and clinical health consequences. Several studies show that individuals with low levels of these micronutrients tend to have elevated markers of oxidative stress

Should you eat vitamins daily?

The benefits of long-term vitamin use have not been established conclusively. A new NIH study published in JAMA Network Open, didn’t find any association between regular multivitamin use and a lower risk of death in healthy US adults. However, one should include multivitamin in their diet on advise of their healthcare provider.

Credit: The Times of India

Team Metabolic Health

From making us feel satiated to inducing better metabolic health, here are the many benefits of having a protein-packed breakfast. The morning breakfast should be power packed to fuel the body for the entire day ahead. Having a nutritious breakfast is mandatory to start the day right. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dietitian Ridhima Khamersa, founder of Ridhima Khamersa Diet Clinic, said, “Breakfast is the first meal of the day and extremely rampant to kick start our metabolism. Eating a well-balanced meal complete in all macros keep us healthy and energetic for the day.” Here are some of the benefits of adding the right amount of protein to breakfast, explained the Dietitian.

“Eating a well-balanced meal complete in all macros keep us healthy and energetic for the day,” said Dietitian Ridhima Khamersa. (Unsplash)

Satiety and appetite regulation:

People who consume a protein rich breakfast have greater satiety and reduced calorie consumption in their subsequent meals. A high-protein breakfast raises the level of the appetite-regulating hormone peptide YY (PYY), which makes us feel satiated for a long time.

High energy levels and cognitive development:

Including a protein rich breakfast in the morning keeps your energy levels up in the morning and also improves cognitive function. A meal high in protein maintains a stable level of blood glucose levels and reduces the dips in energy levels as seen after consuming a high carbohydrate meal.

Better metabolic health:

When you consume a breakfast loaded with protein, it raises the body’s thermogenesis, the mechanism by which the body generates more heat and burns calories. This rise in the body’s metabolism aids in the body’s weight management too.

Muscular growth and recovery:

A protein loaded meal provides all the essential amino acids that are needed for muscular growth and recovery.

Reduction in cravings:

Eating a meal rich in protein makes is crave less sugary and fatty foods during the rest of the day. This happens due to regulation of blood glucose levels and increased satiety, reducing the chances of cravings.

Protein rich foods contain amino acids that are the precursors of neurotransmitters such as dopamine or serotonin, having an important role in mood enhancement.

Heart health:

Having a protein rich meal has shown to reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) while raising the levels of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol).

Healthy protein breakfast includes besan chilla, dal chilla, eggs, quinoa, hung curd sandwich, sprouts, beans and paneer sandwiches.

Credit: Hindustan Times

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Though traditionally used to treat diabetes and lower blood sugar levels, a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists can also decrease appetite and promote weight loss, making their use for shedding weight increasingly popular.

Some brands are prescribed off-label for weight management, while others are Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for weight loss for people with obesity or overweight.

Read on for everything you need to know about GLP-1 agonists including how they work, whether or not they’re effective and who might be a good candidate for these medications.

What Are GLP-1 Agonists for Weight Loss?

GLP-1 agonists are a class of medications used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. Only two types of GLP-1 agonists are approved for chronic weight management for people with overweight or obesity (without type 2 diabetes): Wegovy and Saxenda. Other GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic, are approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but may also be prescribed off-label for weight loss in some cases. Ozempic is the same chemical compound as Wegovy, but packaged as Ozempic for the treatment of diabetes.

Keep in mind that all GLP-1 agonists should be used alongside diet and exercise to promote long-term weight loss, and like all weight loss medications, these drugs are intended for long-term use in order to be effective. Weight regain is likely after you discontinue use of the medication.

How Do GLP-1 Agonists Work for Weight Loss?

GLP-1 agonists work by mimicking the effects of a hormone called GLP-1, which is produced naturally in the body in response to food consumption. This hormone is involved in regulating insulin secretion, feelings related to hunger and the emptying of the stomach. GLP-1 agonists bind to GLP-1 receptors in the body, thereby resulting in the same effects.

“By activating receptors in the pancreas, [GLP-1 agonists are] able to regulate insulin and control blood sugar,” explains Spencer Nadolsky, D.O., an obesity specialist physician based in Portage, Michigan and medical director of Sequence, an online weight loss program. “But they also activate receptors in the brain to curb appetite and in the gut to slow stomach emptying.”

A GLP-1 agonist can impact satiety and cravings to support weight loss, he adds. “It helps you eat fewer calories by making you feel more satisfied with decreased cravings.”

How Effective Are GLP-1 Agonists for Weight Loss?

“Studies demonstrate that a GLP-1 agonist along with a diet and exercise program will result in up to 15% body weight loss,” says Jason Balette, M.D., a bariatric surgeon at Memorial Hermann in Houston, Texas. “The patients in these same studies with diet and exercise alone lost on average about 2.4% body weight.” (note that this study was funded by Novo Nordisk, a pharmaceutical company that produces GLP-1 agonists).

One study comparing the effects of the GLP-1 agonists semaglutide and liraglutide—both of which are approved specifically for weight loss—found that participants (all of which did not have diabetes but did have obesity) lost an average of 15.8% and 6.4% of their body weight, respectively, after 68 weeks[1]. Another study on the effectiveness of liraglutide found that 62% of participants lost at least 5% of their body weight after six months, while around 17% experienced at least 10% weight loss[2].

Who Is a Good Candidate for GLP-1 Agonists for Weight Loss?

“GLP-1 agonists are not intended for individuals looking to lose a few pounds,” says Dr. Nadolsky. He explains that you must meet specific FDA guidelines and criteria to qualify for a prescription, including having a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30 or a BMI of at least 27 with at least one weight-related condition, such as high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.

GLP-1 agonists are also not recommended for certain groups, including people who are pregnant, those with digestive conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or gastroparesis and individuals with a family or personal history of pancreatitis or thyroid issues, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia or medullary thyroid cancer. A doctor can help determine if you might be a candidate for a GLP-1 agonist based on your medical history and weight loss goals.

Credit: Forbes

Team Metabolic Health

Obesity is among the world’s most common health conditions, but for years medicine had few effective approaches to offer short of surgery. That’s why there’s been so much excitement about a new class of drugs that’s helping patients shed dozens of pounds at far lower risk — and generating billions in revenue for pharmaceutical companies.

The mania over these drugs is drawing responses from businesses as varied as airlines, dialysis centers and big box chains, sending stock markets into a frenzy. Novo Nordisk A/S’s Ozempic was publicized by Hollywood, where it also became a punchline, and now Eli Lilly & Co. is making a splash with Zepbound. The next frontier is weight loss drugs that can be taken by mouth rather than injected. Some doctors are even prescribing the drugs to treat a leading cause of infertility in US women.

Credit: Bloomberg

Team Metabolic Health

A version of this article first appeared in CNBC’s Healthy Returns newsletter, which brings the latest health-care news straight to your inbox. Subscribe here to receive future editions.

Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have so far dominated the booming market for a class of weight loss and diabetes drugs. 

But Eli Lilly may be starting to gain an edge over its Danish competitor in the two-horse race to capitalize on the soaring demand for those treatments, also known as GLP-1s. 

That became clear last week after the pair reported their respective second-quarter earnings. 

“Lilly is pulling ahead in the metabolic duopoly,” BMO Capital Markets analyst Evan Seigerman said in a research note Thursday. 

On Aug. 7, Novo Nordisk trimmed its full-year profit outlook after reporting that quarterly sales of its weight loss injection Wegovy came in well below Wall Street’s expectations. The disappointing result came due to higher-than-expected price concessions to pharmacy benefit managers, which negotiate drug discounts with manufacturers on behalf of insurers, executives said on a conference call last week. 

Revenue from its blockbuster diabetes drug Ozempic also failed to meet estimates for the period. The company’s stock plunged. 

Still, Novo Nordisk slightly increased its guidance for full-year sales growth. 

Eli Lilly’s quarterly report one day later was an entirely different story. The Indianapolis-based company’s weight loss injection Zepbound and diabetes treatment Mounjaro smashed expectations for the second quarter.

An Eli Lilly & Co. Zepbound injection pen, March 28, 2024. (Bloomberg/Getty Images)

Eli Lilly hiked its 2024 revenue outlook by $3 billion and raised its full-year profit guidance on the strong performance of Zepbound and Mounjaro and “improved clarity” into the company’s production expansions for those drugs. 

Unlike Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly benefited from higher U.S. prices of Mounjaro in the quarter as use of savings card programs for the drug decreased. Executives said they expect “stable pricing” for Mounjaro and Zepbound across the last two quarters of 2024. 

Eli Lilly shares closed more than 9% higher Thursday. 

Credit: CNBC

GLP-1RAs may be more effective for patients with immune diseases and type 2 diabetes than DPP-4 inhibitors, as per analysed health records.

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Certain diabetes medications such as Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic (semaglutide) reduced the risk of death and heart attacks in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), who also have type 2 diabetes (T2D).

The study, conducted by Arthritis Research Canada, analysed electronic health records from 10,855 adult patients with various autoimmune diseases and T2D taking either glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists GLP-1RAs or dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) in British Columbia over two years.

Those who took GLP-1RAs had fewer major cardiovascular events (MACE) and deaths compared to those taking DPP-4i, a common type of T2D medication. For every 1,000 people, 8.5 deaths occurred in the group on GLP-1RAs, versus 17.9 in the cohort with DPP-4i. This means that the risk of dying was about half as high with GLP-1RAs compared to DPP-4i’s.

IMIDs such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and lupus, often cause chronic inflammation that can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease. This inflammation can also contribute to insulin resistance, a key factor in developing T2D.

Patients with immune diseases and type 2 diabetes taking GLP-1RAs had a lower chance of death compared to those taking DPP-4is. (Image: Shuttercock)

Certain diabetes medications such as Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic (semaglutide) reduced the risk of death and heart attacks in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), who also have type 2 diabetes (T2D).

The study, conducted by Arthritis Research Canada, analysed electronic health records from 10,855 adult patients with various autoimmune diseases and T2D taking either glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists GLP-1RAs or dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) in British Columbia over two years.

Those who took GLP-1RAs had fewer major cardiovascular events (MACE) and deaths compared to those taking DPP-4i, a common type of T2D medication. For every 1,000 people, 8.5 deaths occurred in the group on GLP-1RAs, versus 17.9 in the cohort with DPP-4i. This means that the risk of dying was about half as high with GLP-1RAs compared to DPP-4i’s.

IMIDs such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and lupus, often cause chronic inflammation that can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease. This inflammation can also contribute to insulin resistance, a key factor in developing T2D.

GLP-1RAs mimic the effects of the GLP-1 hormone, helping to regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are the two biggest players in the space, with many other pharma companies jumping on the bandwagon.

Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide is marketed as Ozempic for T2D, and Wegovy for obesity. Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide is called Mounjaro when packaged as a medication for diabetes, and Zepbound for weight loss. The GLP1-RA market is booming, with Lilly’s Mounjaro and Novo’s Ozempic pulling in $5.16bn and $13.9bn in 2023 respectively, according to the respective companies’ financials. The companies are now looking for expanded labels to increase the reach of the blockbuster drugs.

In March 2024, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a label update for Novo’s Wegovy to include its use as a measure to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in adults with heart disease who are diagnosed as obese or overweight. However, their effects on individuals with autoimmune diseases have not been thoroughly investigated, as per Arthritis Research Canada, which sponsored the study.

The findings suggest that GLP-1-RAs may offer a critical advantage in managing diabetes and cardiovascular risk in patients with inflammatory arthritis, said the principal investigator of the study and senior research scientist with Arthritis Research Canada, Dr Antonio Aviña-Zubieta.

In the announcement accompanying the study results, Aviña-Zubieta said: “Given the increased risk of heart disease in this population, the study highlights the potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists as a preferred treatment option for diabetes, paving the way for improved health outcomes and longevity.”

Credit: pharmaceutical-technology.com

Generic version of Victoza, an injectable diabetes medication, launched in late June

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Ozempic, Wegovy and other GLP-1 medications have gained widespread popularity for weight loss and diabetes control in recent years — but the spike in demand has made it difficult for some people to get the drugs.

To help eliminate supply chain snafus, the first-ever generic GLP-1 — a duplicate of Victoza — launched on June 25.

Manufactured by Novo Nordisk and distributed and sold by Israel-based Teva Pharmaceuticals, Victoza is an injectable medication intended to treat type 2 diabetes. It has also been shown to promote weight loss in certain patients, although that is not its intended use.

OZEMPIC AND WEGOVY COULD DOUBLE AS KIDNEY DISEASE TREATMENT, STUDY SUGGESTS

While Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide and Mounjaro has tirzepatide, Victoza has liraglutide as its active ingredient.

“By launching an authorized generic for Victoza (liraglutide injection 1.8mg), we are providing patients with type 2 diabetes another option for this important treatment,” said Ernie Richardsen, SVP, head of U.S. commercial generics at Teva, in a press release from the company.

The first-ever generic GLP-1, a version of Teva Pharmaceuticals’ Victoza, launched in late June 2024. (Getty Images)

The new authorized generic is the exact same medication as brand-name Victoza, but without the brand name on the label and sold at a lower price point, explained Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, the senior director of Pharmacy Content at GoodRx in St. Louis, Missouri.

OZEMPIC, WEGOVY MAY BE LINKED TO STOMACH PARALYSIS AND OTHER DIGESTIVE ISSUES IN LARGE-SCALE STUDY

Just as Wegovy is a higher-dose version of Ozempic to treat obesity, there is a higher-dose version of Victoza — sold under the brand name Saxenda — but a generic version is not yet available.

“This is a positive step forward to making GLP-1 agonist medications more accessible and affordable,” Billingsley told Fox News Digital via email. 

Victoza is manufactured by Novo Nordisk and distributed and sold by Israel-based Teva Pharmaceuticals. (Getty Images)

This class of drugs has a growing list of beneficial applications beyond just treating type 2 diabetes, Billingsley noted, but their cost can be a barrier for many people to access them.

“In general, authorized generics are usually priced at a discount, potentially making them a more affordable option for some people,” she said. 

AMID ADHD DRUG SHORTAGE, FDA APPROVES GENERIC VERSION OF MEDICATION: ‘OPPORTUNE TIME’

“However, some insurers may still prefer brand-name Victoza, even with a lower-cost authorized generic available.”

Patients should check with their insurance provider to confirm which options are covered and what they can expect to pay, Billingsley advised.

This class of drugs has a growing list of benefits, but cost can be a barrier for some patients. (Getty Images)

Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and longevity expert, agreed that the availability of the first generic GLP-1 is “great news.”

The generic’s lower price point is particularly beneficial for people who have chronic conditions like diabetes, Osborn noted — “where long-term medication use is necessary to prevent downrange effects like vascular disease, strokes and heart attacks, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, and obesity, the latter of which is also a ‘gateway disease,’” he said. 

OZEMPIC AND OTHER GLP-1 DRUGS COULD REDUCE ARTHRITIS SYMPTOMS IN SOME, EXPERTS CLAIM

Teva’s wholesaler acquisition cost (WAC) for the generic will be 13.6% lower than with Victoza, Teva told Fox News Digital. 

“As a reminder, WAC pricing does not account for the price discounts offered to customers and is not reflective of our final net price, which can be even lower,” the company added. 

Differences between liraglutide and semaglutide

There are some differences between the generic version of Victoza and Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonists, doctors noted.

The new drug’s active ingredient is liraglutide instead of Ozempic’s semaglutide — and it is approved for use in both adults and children age 10 and older who have diabetes.

Semaglutides are not yet approved for children.

While semaglutides like Ozempic are given once each week, liraglutide medications require daily dosing because they have a shorter half-life. (iStock Getty Images)

There are also dosing differences — while semaglutides like Ozempic are given once each week, liraglutide medications require daily dosing because they have a shorter half-life, the doctor said.

“Each medication has pros and cons,” Osborn said. “At base level, however, the molecules are similar and subserve identical bodily functions — appetite suppression and the promotion of insulin secretion from the pancreas.”

The most common side effects of liraglutides include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, indigestion and constipation, according to the company’s release. Other, more serious side effects are possible.

Credit: Fox News

Team Metabolic Health

A small clinical trial suggests that drugs like Ozempic could potentially be used not just for diabetes and weight loss but to protect the brain, slowing the rate at which people with Alzheimer’s disease lose their ability to think clearly, remember things and perform daily activities. The results need to be borne out in larger trials, which are already underway, before the medicines could receive approval for the disease.

Liraglutide is approved for diabetes as Victoza. (Getty Images)

The study, of 204 people with Alzheimer’s disease in the United Kingdom, found that those taking the diabetes drug liraglutide – an earlier medication in Ozempic’s class, which are known as GLP-1 receptor agonists – had 18% slower cognitive decline over the course of a year compared with those taking a placebo.

The trial’s main goal, though – changing the rate at which the brain metabolizes glucose – was not met, which researchers suggested could have been a result of its small size. The findings were shared Tuesday at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Philadelphia and haven’t yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.

“We’ve known for some time through animal work that GLP-1 has a different type of activity in the brain,” said Dr. Maria Carrillo, chief science officer and medical affairs lead for the Alzheimer’s Association, which was not involved with the research. “This study really demonstrates for us the possibilities that are there.”

In addition to the benefit for cognition, the study found that the drug was associated with 50% less volume loss in several areas of the brain, according to a news release from the Alzheimer’s Association. Those findings add to hope that larger trials being run by Ozempic’s maker, Novo Nordisk, will be successful, Carrillo told CNN.

Beyond diabetes and weight loss

GLP-1 drugs have exploded in use in recent years for diabetes and weight loss, and they have shown benefits for a wide range of other health conditions, such as protecting the heart and kidneys, reducing sleep apnea and potentially helping with addiction.

Studies in animals have suggested that in the brain, the medicines can reduce neuro-inflammation, tamp down on toxic proteins known as amyloid and tau, improve insulin resistance and increase synaptic function, or the transmission of impulses between cells, said Dr. Paul Edison, professor of neuroscience at Imperial College London, who led the trial.

“This is the first study that actually looked at a relatively large number of patients for whether there is any neuroprotective effect in Alzheimer’s disease,” Edison said.

The trial enrolled predominantly people with mild Alzheimer’s disease, measured by a test known as the Mini-Mental State Examination, a scale that goes up to 30. Those with a score of 21 to 26 are considered to have mild Alzheimer’s disease, and the majority of participants in this study had a score of about 22, although some had scores down to 17, indicating moderate Alzheimer’s, Edison said.

It excluded patients with diabetes to try to control for any effects of that disease, which is itself a risk factor for Alzheimer’s.

Edison and his team ran the trial using liraglutide, a daily injection sold under the brand names Victoza for diabetes and Saxenda for weight loss, because it’s similar to the GLP-1 hormone found in humans, he said, and it was on the market for diabetes when the study started about a decade ago.

Ozempic, which uses the active ingredient semaglutide, was approved in the US for diabetes in 2017 and subsequently in the UK, and its counterpart for weight loss, Wegovy, was approved in the US in 2021. They are given as injections once a week.

The GLP-1 drug class also includes Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro and Zepbound, which use the active ingredient tirzepatide, which mimics not just the hormone GLP-1 but another called GIP. And a snowballing number of additional companies are trying to develop even more powerful drugs. Already, the existing medicines are in shortage as the companies try to keep up with soaring demand.

Competing in Alzheimer’s

Lilly already has a business in Alzheimer’s, gaining approval this month of a treatment called Kisunla that clears buildups of amyloid plaques from the brain. But it hasn’t announced any trials of its GLP-1 drugs in Alzheimer’s.

Lilly told CNN that it “continues to evaluate future development options for tirzepatide but has not announced development plans for Alzheimer’s at this point in time.”

Novo Nordisk, which sells liraglutide and semaglutide, has portrayed its Alzheimer’s trials as a long-shot bet. Its CEO, Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen, told CNN last year that “Alzheimer’s is one of the most difficult diseases to study, and there’s been a long list of failed drug development.”

“So I would just caution,” he continued, “that this is probably the most risky trial that we have ever undertaken.”

Novo Nordisk is running its trials using a daily pill form of semaglutide, with results expected as soon as the fall of 2025. An oral form is already on the market for diabetes under the brand name Rybelsus.

When it announced the studies in 2020, the Danish drug giant said it planned to enroll about 3,700 people with early Alzheimer’s disease, with a main treatment period of about two years.

The company said in a later investor presentation that its decision to start the phase three trials was based on data including real-world evidence studies showing lower risks of dementia among people on GLP-1 medicines, analyses of effects seen in other clinical trials and animal studies showing that the drugs are associated with improved memory function, reduced neuroinflammation and systemic anti-inflammatory effects.

Earlier this month, a review by researchers at the University of Oxford of US patient records found that semaglutide was associated with a lower risk of cognitive problems and nicotine dependence. It was designed to assess whether the drug could have negative effects on the brain and, instead, found the opposite.

GLP-1 drugs can have side effects, though, primarily gastrointestinal problems like nausea and vomiting. In the liraglutide trial in Alzheimer’s, those effects were most common.

The study received some funding from Novo Nordisk, in addition to the Alzheimer’s Society UK and others.

Although more work needs to be done to prove that GLP-1 drugs could help people with Alzheimer’s, Carrillo heralded the potential for the medicines to be used not just by themselves but potentially in combination with recently approved drugs that clear amyloid plaque buildups from the brain.

“There’s a lot of hope, not only for a positive semaglutide trial but also for the ability to be able to combine that with a monoclonal antibody FDA-approved today,” she said.

Credit: CNN

Lilly’s tirzepatide has shown its worth in another prominent disease as the company races to establish more manufacturing capacity for the drug. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Team Metabolic Health

Eli Lilly’s dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide has already demonstrated its benefits in patients with diabetes, obesity, sleep apnea and fatty liver disease. Now, Lilly is eying another major market with positive results from a trial in patients with heart failure (HF).

In the phase 3 SUMMIT trial, Lilly’s tirzepatide reduced the risk of adverse HF outcomes—such as hospitalization or cardiovascular death—by 38% compared with placebo. The study enrolled 731 patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and obesity.

Besides meeting that primary endpoint of a reduction in HF outcomes, Lilly said tirzepatide improved patients’ HF symptoms and physical limitations versus placebo, the trial’s other primary endpoint. For that endpoint, investigators used the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Clinical Summary Score.

For patients with HFpEF, the heart’s left ventricle becomes stiff and doesn’t allow the heart to fill properly between beats, affecting blood flow. HFpEF cases make up nearly half of all heart failure cases, according to Lilly. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, inability to exercise and swelling.

Importantly, nearly 60% of HFpEF patients also live with obesity, Lilly’s senior vice president of product development, Jeff Emmick, M.D., Ph.D., said in a statement.

In addition to the trial’s two primary endpoints, tirzepatide met all secondary endpoints, including one measure of improvement in exercise capacity, Lilly said. Further, patients on tirzepatide lost significantly more weight—15.7% on average prior to treatment discontinuation—compared to 2.2% for placebo.

Lilly said it plans to share the results at an upcoming medical meeting and submit them to a peer-reviewed journal.

Eli Lilly invests additional $5.3B for production of diabetes, obesity drugs in Indiana

Lilly’s tirzepatide is already approved in Type 2 diabetes as Mounjaro and obesity as Zepbound and is set to make serious blockbuster sales in those two indications alone. The company plans to submit the SUMMIT study results to the FDA and other regulators “starting later this year,” Lilly said in its release, potentially adding to the drug’s sales trajectory. 

On the market, tirzepatide is going up against Novo’s rival GLP-1 drug semaglutide, which is branded as Ozempic and Rybelsus in diabetes and Wegovy in obesity. A year ago, Novo touted semaglutide’s benefits in a late-stage trial in patients with HFpEF, and the FDA approved a cardio label expansion for the drug in March.

Facing seemingly unlimited demand for the rival medicines, Novo and Lilly have spent billions in recent years building global manufacturing capacity. For Lilly, high tirzepatide demand prompted the company’s recent decision to pledge more than $9 billion to expand in its home state of Indiana.

Credit: https://www.fiercepharma.com/

A new study from Ashoka University highlights the adverse effects of high-carbohydrate diets, using fruit flies to draw parallels to human health. The findings suggest potential risks and call for revised dietary guidelines.

Team Metabolic Health

The experiments were conducted on fruit flies to essentially understand the negative effects high-carbohydrate diets could have on human health. (Photo: Getty Images)

Researchers at Ashoka University, Haryana, have shed light on the significant negative impacts of a high-carbohydrate diet with potential implications for human health.

The study, conducted at the Integrated Genetics and Evolution Laboratory (IGEL) at the Department of Biology, has been published in the peer-reviewed journal Ecology and Evolution.

The experiments were conducted on fruit flies to essentially understand the negative effects high-carbohydrate diets could have on human health.

“Our study found that a high-carbohydrate diet in fruit flies led to several negative effects. It reduced their lifespan, accelerated functional decline, and impaired late-life physiology and behaviour,” co-author of the study Dr Sudipta Tung told IndiaToday.

Fruit flies are commonly used in biomedical research, especially genomic research, providing important indications of how a process might unfold in mammals or humans.

For instance, around 75% of the genes which are known to cause illnesses in humans, also occur in these flies, and they possess more than 90% of the genes that can trigger cancer in humans.

The research highlighted that flies on a high-carbohydrate diet exhibited shorter lifespans, decreased locomotor activity in older males, and compromised gut health in older females.

Additionally, the high-carbohydrate diet delayed developmental time and decreased reproductive output, indicating significant detrimental effects on both early-life and late-life stages.

Dr Tung emphasised the relevance of these findings to human health despite the simplicity of fruit flies compared to humans.

“Although fruit flies are much simpler organisms than humans, they share many genetic and physiological similarities, making them valuable models for studying basic biological processes,” he said.

The study suggests the importance of diet composition and the potential risks associated with high-carbohydrate intake.

This includes metabolic diseases, reduced physical activity, and impaired health in later life.

“Understanding these mechanisms in detail in fruit flies can help us explore how macronutrient composition affects human health. This knowledge could lead to improved dietary recommendations and public health guidelines and inform strategies to combat growing concerns about metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity,” Dr Tung added.

The findings from this study also have significant implications for current dietary recommendations and public health guidelines.

Dr Tung suggested that public health guidelines might need to emphasise not just the caloric content of diets but also the macronutrient composition to prevent metabolic disorders and promote healthy ageing.

“Reducing excessive carbohydrate intake and ensuring a balanced diet with appropriate protein levels could be crucial in mitigating health risks and improving health span,” he advised.

Looking ahead, Dr Tung outlined several next steps for his research, which could influence future studies or clinical trials related to diet and ageing in humans.

The researcher said that the study aims to contribute to more accurate risk assessments for metabolic disorders in large-scale cohort studies and conduct cross-species comparisons to validate findings and explore their relevance across different species.

Ultimately, he plans to design and implement dietary intervention studies and clinical trials in humans to test the impact of macronutrient composition on ageing and metabolic health.

“By advancing our understanding of how diet influences health and ageing, our research can inform future studies and clinical trials, leading to improved dietary guidelines, public health strategies, and personalised nutrition plans aimed at promoting long-term health and preventing diet-related diseases,” Dr Tung concluded.

Credit: India Today

Obesity drugs are also not one-time miracle solutions for weight loss. But in recent years, the development of such drugs globally has been game-changing.

Team Metabolic Health

The development of various weight loss drugs has been a game changer for obesity treatment in recent years, especially in the US and Europe. But these drugs are yet to be commercially available in India, with pending regulatory clearances and high demand abroad delaying their arrival in the country.

But this might soon change. Last week, in a first, an expert committee of India’s drug regulator gave the green light to the drug tirzepatide. Following a review of this recommendation, the drug will be given final approval by the regulator, allowing its manufacturer, Eli Lilly, to launch the product in the Indian market.

Diabetes drug for weight loss

In 2017, the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) approved Danish pharma giant Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic, with the active ingredient semaglutide, to manage type 2 diabetes. Soon, doctors in the US saw an interesting side-effect — weight loss.

They started prescribing Ozempic off-label (the practice of prescribing a drug for a different purpose than what has been approved) to treat obesity. A social media frenzy followed, with influencers flooding TikTok and Instagram with posts about their dramatic weight loss transformations, all courtesy Ozempic.

This made Novo Nordisk explore semaglutide as a weight loss drug for people without diabetes. In 2021, the company released Wegovy, a semaglutide injection, as an FDA-approved obesity treatment. The key difference between Ozempic and Wegovy: the maximum approved dose of semaglutide is slightly higher with Wegovy than Ozempic. Currently, there is a global shortage of both drugs amid soaring demand.

Weight loss drug tirzepatide, marketed by US pharma giant Eli Lilly as Zepbound, is on the cusp of getting regulatory approval in India.

In November 2023, Eli Lilly, another US pharma major, got FDA approval for the drug Zepbound to treat obesity. This came just over a year after its type 2 diabetes medication, Mounjaro, was launched. Like Ozempic, Mounjaro too led to weight loss among users, and began to see rampant off-label use. Zepbound and Mounjaro contain tirzepatide as the active ingredient. Both face shortages in the global market.

Semaglutide vs tirzepatide

The FDA has approved Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) for chronic weight management in adults. These drugs can be prescribed to those who are obese (with a body mass index of over 30), or overweight (with a BMI between 27 and 30), and have at least one other health condition related to their weight (such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes).

Both are administered as under-the-skin injections, and are intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. The dosage is increased gradually, reaching a maximum dosage of 2.4 mg for semaglutide and 15 mg for tirzepatide. This does not, however, mean that the latter is ‘stronger’ than the former.

Semaglutide and tirzepatide are polypeptides, small proteins that boost the levels of naturally-occurring hormones in the body, including that of glucagon-like-peptide 1 (GLP-1), which control weight through the brain and digestive tract.

Higher GLP-1 levels, released in the gut, spark a reaction by stimulating neurons that alter gut function, leading to a sense of fullness. This process also taps into a brain mechanism that lights up neural pathways, triggering the sensation of satiety — the feeling of being satisfied and having had enough to eat.

They also help manage glucose levels, making them an effective treatment for diabetes.

Semaglutide only targets GLP-1 receptors. On the other hand, tirzepatide also boosts a second hormone: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). The GIP also regulates weight through receptors in brain and fat cells. Eli Lilly claims that the combined action of GLP-1 and GIP enhance each other’s effects.

Promising global trials

Global trials for Zepbound have yielded promising results. The phase three trials involved 2,539 participants, each randomised to receive either a placebo or one of three doses of tirzepatide: 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg.

Over the course of 72 weeks, those on the 5 mg dose lost 15% of their body weight on average, while the 10 mg group shed 19.5%. The 15 mg group achieved a remarkable 20.9% weight reduction — this translates to someone weighing 75 kg shedding more than 15 kg. About 91% of individuals on the 15 mg dose achieved a weight loss of at least 5%. In stark contrast, the placebo group had an average weight reduction of only 3.1%.

This sustained weight reduction was accompanied by improvements in all prespecified cardiometabolic measures.

Zepbound got regulatory clearance in India based on data from these trials, in which Indians took part as well. But the aforementioned expert committee has imposed a crucial rider — the company will have to conduct a phase IV, post-marketing surveillance trial to scrutinise side effects that might have been missed in previous trials, and the drug’s efficacy among India’s diverse population.

Some side effects of the drug

According to the company, Zepbound’s most common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, indigestion, injection-site reactions, fatigue, allergic reactions, belching, hair loss, and heartburn.

Eli Lilly specifically highlights the risk of thyroid tumours, including thyroid cancer. “Watch for possible symptoms, such as a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath,” the manufacturer says. Individuals cannot use Zepbound if they, or any family members, have ever had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a type of thyroid cancer, or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), a rare, inherited disorder that affects the endocrine glands.

Zepbound is a prescription medicine. It cannot — and should not — be used for cosmetic weight loss.

Weight back if drug is stopped

Obesity drugs are also not one-time miracle solutions for weight loss — data from trials indicate that these drugs need to continue to be taken for their weight loss and other effects to last.

In Wegovy’s STEP 1 extension trial with 327 participants, those using Wegovy for 68 weeks achieved a remarkable average weight loss of 17.3%, compared to just 2.0% for those on a placebo. But after stopping the medication, by week 120, Wegovy users had regained most of their weight — effectively seeing an average weight loss of only 5.6% compared to 0.1% for the placebo group. Improvements in heart and metabolic health seen during the treatment period also tended to revert to baseline levels once the treatment was stopped.

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At the end of the day, obesity is a complex, chronic, and progressive disease which has to be managed throughout one’s life.

Credit: Indian Express