A new study published in Nature Medicine has found that Wegovy, a GLP-1 drug, remains effective for weight loss and weight maintenance for up to four years. This doubles the previously estimated effectiveness of these medications for weight loss. The study included over 17,000 adults who did not have diabetes and found an average 4-year weight loss of -10.2% of initial weight, as well as reduced waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio. Other GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic are likely to have similar benefits when it comes to weight loss and maintenance.
Research has shown that slowly tapering off GLP-1 drugs can help prevent rebound weight gain, a common side effect of stopping these medications for weight loss. Regular physical activity has also been found to promote weight management among individuals taking GLP-1 drugs. These medications have become increasingly popular for weight loss and are used by many individuals with diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Traditionally used to treat diabetes and heart disease, GLP-1 agonists like Wegovy have been found to be effective for weight loss as well.
While using GLP-1 drugs may lead to initial weight loss of 10-15% of a person’s original weight, some users may experience a plateau in weight loss after about a year. However, recent studies have shown that patients can maintain weight loss by slowly tapering off their dosage of GLP-1 drugs or by combining the medications with exercise. Overall, the majority of weight loss with these drugs occurs within the first year, with a focus on weight maintenance thereafter.
GLP-1 agonists mimic the body’s naturally occurring hormone, leading to greater feelings of fullness with less food consumption and a reduction in appetite. These medications are effective for weight loss, diabetes management, and heart health. By increasing insulin production after a meal, GLP-1 drugs help control blood sugar levels among individuals with diabetes. Studies have also suggested that these medications may have other mechanisms of action, impacting cardiovascular risk factors positively.
While Wegovy is the only GLP-1 drug approved by the FDA for weight loss, other medications like Ozempic are similarly effective and are approved for diabetes and heart health. Pharmaceutical companies may be hesitant to seek additional approvals for these drugs due to the high demand and production challenges they face. The cost of these medications can be significant, with some patients paying over $16,000 per year for Wegovy. While private health insurance may cover some of the cost, Medicare is not permitted to pay for weight-loss medications.
Despite the high cost of GLP-1 drugs, studies have shown that weight loss and improved health outcomes associated with these medications may lead to long-term cost savings for insurance companies. Bariatric surgery is an example of a treatment that has been shown to save costs in the long run by resolving diabetes and high blood pressure. As additional data supports the cost-effectiveness of GLP-1 drugs, insurance coverage for these medications may increase over time.
