Obesity doctors assert that medications like Ozempic, originally developed for diabetes, are gaining popularity as effective weight-loss aids due to a dearth of alternative solutions. Recent data also indicates a decreased incidence of cardiovascular issues among certain patients using these drugs.
Semaglutide, available under various brand names such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, belongs to a class known as glucagon-like peptides (GLPs). Initially approved as a diabetes treatment in 2005, these medications have garnered attention for their unintended weight-loss benefits, a revelation dating back to the late 1990s.
Dr. Daniel Drucker, a senior scientist at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, highlights the shift in the medical community’s perception of obesity. Despite skepticism about the significance of weight loss, recent findings suggest a potential transformation in the approach to treating this chronic condition.
Moreover, emerging data reveals that semaglutide not only aids weight loss but also diminishes the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and mortality in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. Dr. Drucker believes this evidence will reshape discussions around the importance of addressing obesity as a medical concern.
Michael Morris, 58, shares his positive experience with Ozempic, noting a gradual weight loss of approximately 40 pounds and improvements in related conditions. The drug’s impact on appetite control has been transformative for Morris, providing a new perspective on food and mitigating the constant feeling of hunger.
Dr. Sasha High, an internal medicine and obesity physician, underscores the genetic component of obesity, emphasizing that individual responses to food vary. She points out that 50 to 70 percent of obesity is genetically determined, affecting factors controlled by the central nervous system.
Dr. Drucker’s research, conducted in collaboration with pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and Novo Nordisk, aligns with recent studies demonstrating favorable outcomes, including weight loss and reduced cardiovascular risks. However, serious side effects, such as stomach paralysis and malnutrition, have been reported in some cases.
Pamela Cole, a patient who experienced adverse effects, emphasizes the need for caution. While Novo Nordisk stands behind the safety and efficacy of GLP-1 medicines, Dr. Drucker acknowledges the importance of vigilance with newer, more potent medications.
Dr. Sean Wharton, an internal medicine specialist researching obesity medicine, acknowledges the current challenges in accessing weight-loss medications like Ozempic on a broader scale. He suggests that until these drugs become more affordable and widely available, they may not significantly impact the obesity epidemic.
In conclusion, while GLP medications, including Ozempic, show promise in addressing obesity, experts caution that they should complement broader initiatives, such as improved access to healthy foods and lifestyle changes, to effectively combat this complex health issue.
