All articles tagged with #obesity medication
A study suggests that weight loss achieved through GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound is often reversed within a few months after stopping the treatment, highlighting the chronic nature of obesity and the importance of ongoing management. Experts emphasize that these medications work as intended, but their effects diminish once discontinued, similar to other chronic disease treatments.
The FDA has approved the use of the popular weight-loss drug Wegovy to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attacks, and other serious cardiovascular problems in overweight or obese patients, based on a study showing its effectiveness in lowering heart-related risks. This marks the first medication approved for this purpose and could potentially change the way heart patients are treated. However, the drug carries the risk of serious side effects, and its high cost and limited supply are potential barriers to broader access.
Novo Nordisk's market cap has surpassed Tesla's after successful trial results for its experimental weight-loss-aiding pill, amycretin, which was found to be more powerful than its own Wegovy. The Danish pharma giant's shares soared 8% on the news, making it the world’s 12th most valuable company. The obesity drug industry is heating up, with Novo facing competition from other companies like Eli Lilly and Zealand Pharma, as analysts predict the industry will reach $100 billion in value by the end of the decade.
The weight-loss drug revolution in the United States, particularly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s), could have significant implications for healthcare and the food industry. With an estimated 5 million Americans currently taking GLP-1 drugs for type 2 diabetes or weight loss, the market could potentially triple in the next decade if patients find them effective. Lower obesity rates resulting from these drugs could lead to a decline in chronic diseases, but it also raises questions about the impact on other industries, such as packaged food, beverages, restaurants, and grocery stores. Research suggests that GLP-1 drug users reduce calorie intake, particularly in categories like candy, sugary drinks, and cookies, which decline by 60%. This could prompt changes in menus, supply chains, and acquisition strategies for businesses in the food industry.
A new study presented at the American Heart Association meeting suggests that the weight loss drug Wegovy can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death from cardiovascular issues by 20% among overweight or obese people with heart disease. The study, which followed over 17,000 adults for up to five years, is the longest and largest trial of semaglutide, the compound in Wegovy. The drug's potential to not only treat obesity and diabetes but also lower the risk of other serious diseases linked to obesity could drive demand and pressure insurance companies to cover it more broadly. However, questions remain about how the drug helps the heart and its effectiveness in real-world settings with a more diverse patient population.
Advisers to the World Health Organization will consider adding liraglutide, the active ingredient in certain diabetes and obesity medications, to its list of essential medicines. The drug mimics the effects of an appetite-regulating hormone and stimulates the release of insulin, helping to lower blood sugar and slow the passage of food through the gut. The request to add GLP-1 receptor agonists such as liraglutide came from four researchers at US institutions. WHO’s advisers will make recommendations on which drugs should be included in this year’s list, expected to come in September.