GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Are Still High in Demand: What to Know About These Blockbuster Medications

Obesity rates are on the rise globally. With more people struggling with this chronic disease, more information about the impacts of excess body weight is coming to light. 

Obesity can lead to health problems like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, some types of cancers, and even 15% memory impairment. With the impacts of excess weight becoming an increasingly pressing concern, the popularity and demand for weight loss drugs have skyrocketed over the past few years. The class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists have become some of the most popular weight loss solutions for those with obesity. 

Approximately 6% of US adults, or 15.5 million people, report using or having used injectable weight loss drugs to reduce weight. Despite their popularity and more people becoming aware of them, there's still confusion about what they can do and how effective they are. 

Here's what you need to know about these blockbuster GLP-1 weight loss medications:

How GLP-1 drugs work

GLP-1 agonist drugs like semaglutide were initially used for type 2 diabetes management, but many of them have recently gotten approval for weight loss and obesity treatment. These medications mimic the hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) in the body, activating receptors in the brain that respond to it. It prompts the release of more insulin and inhibits glucagon to control blood sugar spikes when eating. A GLP-1 agonist for weight loss also works by curbing appetite and slowing stomach emptying. By feeling full longer, food consumption is reduced and encourages weight loss. The GLP-1 agonist's effects can last up to 14 hours in the body, allowing the effects to last longer compared to the naturally occurring GLP-1, which lasts around two to three minutes upon release. 

Qualifications for weight loss drugs

Currently, GLP-1 weight loss drugs are approved to treat people with obesity and are not a weight loss solution available for everybody. As obesity is a chronic disease, it requires long-term treatment to improve patients' health and lower the risk of or manage the impacts of weight-related health issues as a result of excess body fat. Qualified individuals who can take these medications are those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and over, which is classified as obesity. People with a BMI of 27 and higher who have a weight-related medical condition can also be prescribed a GLP-1 weight loss medication. 

The effectiveness of GLP-1 medications

The GLP-1 drugs have generated much buzz for their effectiveness. They have been shown to help people lose a large percentage of body weight without surgery. Semaglutide medications like Ozempic and Wegovy can lead to an average weight loss of 15% body weight. This is a significant jump from the weight loss people can achieve with earlier weight loss drugs, which can help people lose an average of 5% to 10% body weight. Other GLP-1 agonists like tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) may also be more effective for weight loss than semaglutide, with a weight loss close to an average of 15% to 20%. 

While the drug also mimics the GLP-1 hormone, it is also a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist, which also triggers insulin production and feelings of fullness. However, GLP-1 drugs are not a magic bullet for weight loss. Their efficacy is enhanced when paired with a healthy lifestyle program that includes a nutritious diet, regular physical activity, sleep and stress management, and more. 

Future advancements

With the demand for GLP-1 drugs still high, more of these medications are being developed to meet patients' needs and facilitate more effective weight loss. Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Zepbound are major leaders in the market, and both companies are working on follow-on drugs and oral medications. Pharmaceutical company Roche is also studying the effectiveness of their new weight loss drug called CT-388. Phase 1 trials have shown they can help patients lose nearly 19% body weight. The market for GLP-1 weight loss drugs will continue to grow as long as demand soars, and there are no signs of slowing down.