Injectable Weight Loss Drugs Provide Additional Health Benefits

In recent years, injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications such as Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) have gained widespread attention as effective tools for weight management. These drugs were originally developed and approved to treat type 2 diabetes. In that capacity they were marketed as Ozempic and Mounjaro, respectively. Their journey from diabetes treatment to weight loss medication is a story of scientific discovery and clinical observation, culminating in recognition that they also positively impact a variety of health conditions, including cardiovascular disease.

While their ability to promote weight loss is groundbreaking, the fact that these GLP-1 medications provide additional health benefits is especially noteworthy for people dealing with multiple obesity-related health concerns. “The inflammatory nature of excess visceral fat is the foundation of many cardiometobolic diseases—including type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, coronary artery disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and some cancers,” says Mohini Aras, MD, Weill Cornell Medicine, Comprehensive Weight Control Center, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism.

Obesity in the U.S.

These medications are not for women who would simply prefer to be a dress size smaller. They are indicated for people who are 30 to 50 pounds or more overweight and have a BMI of 30 or above. Roughly 40 percent of the U.S. population has obesity, and over 30 percent are overweight. “For the vast majority of patients, diet, exercise, and other lifestyle modifications is not sufficient to lose and maintain significant weight loss. These medicines work in concert with diet and activity to treat obesity and improve obesity-related health complications,” says Dr. Aras.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

GLP-1 medications help regulate appetite, promote a feeling of fullness, and improve insulin sensitivity, which collectively contribute to significant weight reduction. The average weight loss with Wegovy is 10 percent to 15 percent of a person’s body weight. Even better: This weight loss is accompanied by significant reductions in hemoglobin A1c levels, a marker of blood sugar control. Additionally, studies show that Wegovy has favorable effects on cardiovascular health, with participants experiencing lower blood pressure and reduced levels of cholesterol, which when elevated can contribute to heart disease. Semaglutide showed a 20 percent risk reduction in heart attack and stroke in high-risk individuals. This is particularly important for postmenopausal women, who face an increased risk of cardiovascular events due to hormonal changes.

Zepbound targets both GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors, which means it has a dual mechanism of action that supports weight loss and blood sugar control. In clinical trials, some patients experienced up to a 22.5% reduction in body weight. “The biggest fallacy is that weight is under willful control. We have failed people with obesity for decades, and now there are finally great quality medications that are remarkably effective for weight loss and improvement in health,” says Dr. Aras.

Administration and Access

People who take Wegovy and Zepbound inject a pre-measured dosage with a single-use applicator weekly. You should expect to take it indefinitely. “Obesity is a chronic medical disease. From the clinical trials, we know that if we stop the medication there is a risk of weight regain within one year. We have to plan for these medications for the long term just as we do for other chronic medical diseases,” says Dr. Aras.

The popularity of these medications has led to shortages, in some cases making it difficult for people to get their prescription filled. Similarly, some people who do not have insurance coverage for these drugs cannot afford the high out-of-pocket cost, which is roughly $900 to $1,400 per month. Companies that market compounded versions of these medications have sprung up in response to this demand. These compounded versions are not FDA approved. “We understand where this desperation to seek alternatives comes from. However, I would be extremely cautious of compounded [versions] as we cannot assure the safety, quality, or efficacy of these medications,” says Dr. Aras.

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