"Tirzepatide, semaglutide (Ozempic), and liraglutide are helping people lose meaningful amounts of weight, with some patients shedding up to 16 percent of their body weight. Still, questions about side effects, long term safety, and industry involvement linger. Credit: Shutterstock Three recently released Cochrane reviews conclude that GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic, can lead to meaningful weight loss. However, the findings also highlight concerns about the heavy involvement of drug manufacturers in many of the studies."
"In people with diabetes, particularly those with heart or kidney disease, these medications improved blood sugar levels, lowered the risk of heart and kidney complications, supported weight reduction, and reduced the risk of early death. In recent years, researchers have tested GLP-1 receptor agonists in people with obesity. These drugs copy the action of a naturally occurring hormone that slows digestion and increases feelings of fullness."
Three Cochrane reviews found GLP-1 receptor agonists, including tirzepatide, semaglutide, and liraglutide, produce greater weight loss than placebo and can yield substantial reductions in body weight. The World Health Organization commissioned the reviews to inform upcoming global guidelines on obesity treatment. Evidence gaps remain around long-term health outcomes, full side-effect profiles, and potential conflicts of interest from industry-funded trials. GLP-1 drugs were originally developed for type 2 diabetes, provide cardiovascular and kidney benefits in diabetic populations, mimic a hormone that slows digestion and increases fullness, and are approved in the UK with diet and exercise for weight management.
Read at ScienceDaily
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