Study Review- Injectable Weight Loss Medications
Injectable weight loss medications have become popular treatment for those that have type 2 diabetes and obesity or overweight in the last few years. There are multiple different types and brands that have slightly different effective uses.
Research is still evolving around effectiveness, safety, and uses for these types of drugs. Here is a brief overview of current knowledge:
Group Name: Semaglutide
Brand Name: Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus
These mimic the GLP-1 receptor which recognize when sugar is ingested and release insulin to help store the sugars and keep blood sugar down. GLP-1 also helps to promote satiety by slowing down the emptying of the stomach into the intestines for further digestion.
Currently Wegovy is the only FDA approved drug for weight management without diabetes.
Semaglutides help to lower blood sugar and blood pressure by assisting in weight loss.
Group Name: Tirzepatide
Brand Name: Mounjaro
Activates both GLP-1 receptors and GIP receptors for a dual effect. GIP receptors (gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor) help with insulin regulation as well as blood triglyceride levels.
Approved for use for managing blood sugars and type 2 diabetes through weight management. Studies have started for use in weight management without diabetes, but it has not been approved for use yet.
Group Name: Liraglutide
Brand Name: Saxenda, Victoza
Activates the GLP-1 receptors
Saxenda has been approved for weight loss use with or without diabetes
Victoza is only approved for blood sugar management and reducing cardiovascular disease risks
This is not an exhaustive list of all injectable weight and diabetes management drugs.
In ALL cases these drugs are only proven effective for weight loss and symptom management alongside diet and exercise changes. Medications alone are not proven effective for weight loss or symptom management, especially long-term. A study from 2021 found that the combination of exercise and medication did better than either exercise or medication alone. The combination had higher weight loss, higher improvements in insulin sensitivity and A1C levels, and increased cardiorespiratory fitness than either group alone.
Weight regain is expected when a person stops taking the medication, but having developed healthy eating habits and regular exercise can help to minimize this. People that successfully lose a significant amount of weight and show benefits in their other diseases (diabetes, blood pressure, etc.) may be on medications for the rest of their life. If a person does not successfully lose around 5% of their starting weight after 12 weeks it is very unlikely that treatment will be effective and will likely be stopped.
Written by Meghan Hawley, Ellen Byron and Associates
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