Obesity drugs such as “Wegovy” and “Ozempic” are gaining popularity, but these drugs have no weight loss effect on one in five people, the Associated Press reported on the 23rd (local time), citing experts’ views.
GLP-1 receptor agonists are gaining huge popularity in the obesity treatment market recently. These medications increase insulin production and inhibit glucagon production, lowering blood sugar levels. It also slows down the gastrointestinal tract’s movement, slows glucose absorption and inhibits appetite. These effects are used to treat diabetes and lose weight.
According to the Associated Press, ‘Wegovy’ or ‘Munzaro’ medication had a 15-22% weight loss effect in clinical trials among patients treated with obesity. The proportion of patients classified as ‘non-responders’ to these drugs was approximately 10-15%, as weight loss was less than 5% in clinical trials.
However, as weight loss drugs are on the market in earnest and the number of users has reached tens of millions, it is said that the proportion of non-responders should be increased. Experts told the Associated Press that GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs are not effective in all patients, and that the proportion of non-responders is probably about 20%.
Fatima Cody Stanford, a diabetes expert at the Massachusetts General Hospital, said, “The problem is that we have to explain that each response is different.” Many people are disappointed because there is no change in their weight even though they have administered drugs such as Hugo Bee as a treatment for obesity. Catherine Saunders, an obesity treatment expert at Cornell University Weill Medical School, explained, “Obesity is a very complex disease and should be treated very comprehensively.”
JULIE KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
