Medicine
Weighing up the Ozempic hype – GLP-1 agonists and the obesity epidemic
PUBLISHED IN Hot Topics: APRIL 2024
Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists (GLP-1 agonists) are a class of medications used to manage type 2 diabetes. These medications have also been associated with weight loss, which has significant implications for tackling the increasing global obesity epidemic. A steady increase in obesity is contributing to a range of health issues, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and more. GLP-1 agonists provide a potential tool in the management of obesity, especially in individuals with diabetes.
How do these drugs work to combat obesity?
These drugs mimic the action of GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone that stimulates insulin secretion and reduces glucagon release after meals, sending a signal to the brain that person is full.
One of the earliest examples of this new class of medicine was liraglutide (sold as Saxenda), which was approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for weight loss in 2015.
GLP-1 agonists currently on the market
Beyond Ozempic and Wegovy, both injectables, there is a pill containing a drug called orforglipron, plus a wave of new formulations and compounds under development namely, survodutide, retatrutide, pemvidutide, lotiglipron, and danuglipron.
Some notes of caution
These drugs are not without side effects, including gastrointestinal issues, pancreatitis and – with Ozempic – reportedly suicidal ideation.
Notably, after multiple reports of intestinal blockages following Ozempic use, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has added a new warning to the drug’s label, cautioning users that the drug may be linked to this rare but severe side effect.
