Overweight People Lost 35 To 52 Pounds On Newly Approved Diabetes Drug Study Says
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A weekly dose of a medication recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat type 2 diabetes may help adults without diabetes lose weight as well, a new study found.
Tirzepatide, which is sold under the brand name Mounjaro, was studied in people without diabetes in three dosages: 5, 10 and 15 milligrams. Participants with obesity or who were overweight and took the 5-milligram dose lost an average of 35 pounds , those on the 10-milligram dose lost an average of 49 pounds , and participants on the 15-milligram dose lost an average of 52 pounds .
Almost 40% of individuals lost a quarter of their body weight, said coauthor Dr. Ania Jastreboff, codirector of the Yale Center for Weight Management in a briefing for the media.
The data was quite impressive, said Dr. Robert Gabbay, chief medical officer of the American Diabetes Association, who spoke to CNN from the ADAs 82nd Scientific Sessions in New Orleans, where the study results were presented.
The weight loss that they got in this study was even greater than what had been seen in the previous studies of people with diabetes, Gabbay, who was not involved with the study, said.
Review All Medications With A Healthcare Professional
When starting a new medication, its important to review all current medications with a healthcare professional such as the prescribing doctor or a pharmacist. This includes meds that are prescriptions, over-the-counter, and supplements. With Ozempic, this is especially important as there are dose adjustments that may need to occur while using it with insulin or sulfonylureas .
Type 2 Diabetes Drug Tirzepatide Aids Weight Loss In People With Obesity
In a study of people who were overweight or had obesity, but did not have type 2 diabetes, the weekly injectable helped many lose an average of 50 pounds.
Courtesy of Eli Lilly and Company Canva
A once-weekly injectable recently approved to treat type 2 diabetes may hold major potential as a weight loss medication for people with obesity, too, a study suggests.
Overweight or obese participants without type 2 diabetes who took the drug, called tirzepatide , lost an average of nearly 21 percent of their body weight at the highest dose studied. Scientists presented their findings at the American Diabetes Association s annual meeting in New Orleans and published the study in The New England Journal of Medicine.
Definitely, the weight loss in this study is far more what we had ever seen with other FDA-approved medications in term of the absolute amount of weight lost or percentage of weight lost, says Osama Hamdy, MD, PhD, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School and medical director of the obesity clinical program at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston. Dr. Hamdy wasnt involved in the new trial he has received funding from Eli Lilly, the maker of tirzepatide.
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Using Saxenda With Other Therapies
Saxenda is meant to be used as part of a long-term weight management plan. This should include a low-calorie diet plan and increased exercise plan.
Note that you should not use Saxenda with other weight loss products. These include prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as herbal products and weight loss supplements. Its not known if using Saxenda with these products is safe.
Saxenda with meal plans
Your doctor, dietitian, or nutritionist can work with you to develop a healthy, low calorie meal plan that suits you and your lifestyle.
Bidens Hunger Hubbub Ignores The Federal Obesity Fiasco
A new weight-loss shot is being hailed as a game changer with the potential to cut diabetes risk by 50% and fight obesity as a disease for the first time, according to a new study.
The research, conducted by the University of Alabama, found that weekly jabs of the drug semaglutide in overweight and obese research participants caused an average weight loss of 37 pounds.
We have not seen this degree of weight loss with any previous medication, said lead study author Dr. Timothy Garvey in a statement. More than 50% of trial participants are losing 15% of their body weight, and anywhere between a third and 40% of participants are losing 20% of their body weight.
The research results are beginning to close the gap with bariatric surgery in terms of being sufficient to treat or prevent a broad array of obesity complications that impair health and quality of life, according to Garvey, who called it a game changer in obesity medicine with the potential to treat obesity as a disease.
This is good news for Americans fighting a losing battle with fat: Between 1960 and 2010, prevalence of adult obesity in the United States almost tripled, to 36% from 13%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity trials, known as STEP, studied patients who received semaglutide compared to those who received a placebo dose.
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Diabetes Drug Leads To Notable Weight Loss In People With Obesity Study
Experts say the apparent effects of a weekly dose of tirzepatide are potentially game changing
A weekly dose of a diabetes drug appears to lead to significant weight loss in people with obesity, in a development experts have hailed as gamechanging.
Obesity causes 1.2 million deaths in Europe each year, according to the World Health Organization, and the UK has one of the worst obesity rates.
Efforts to tackle the disease have long been focused on diet and exercise, but many people who lose weight this way find they regain it over time.
Now researchers say a diabetes drug, used alongside such interventions, can help people with obesity. Participants in a 72-week trial lost as much as 20% of their body weight.
Writing in the New England Journal of Medicine, an international team report that they randomly split 2,539 overweight or obese participants into four equal groups.
One group was offered a self-administered placebo injection once a week for 72 weeks, while the other three groups were offered either 5mg, 10mg or 15mg of a drug called tirzepatide. All participants were also given regular lifestyle counselling sessions to help them stick to low-calorie meals and at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week.
On average, participants had a body weight of 104.8kg, or 16.5 stone, with 94.5% deemed obese. The majority were white and female, and none had diabetes.
Dr Simon Cork, a senior lecturer in physiology at Anglia Ruskin University, also said there were challenges.
What To Do In Case You Use Too Much Saxenda
Call your doctor if you think youve used too much Saxenda. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you have questions about Saxenda treatment, talk with your doctor. They can discuss weight management options with you. And they can help you decide if Saxenda is a good choice for you.
Examples of questions you might want to ask your doctor about Saxenda treatment include:
- What should I do if Im not losing weight with Saxenda?
- Will I need to keep using Saxenda after reaching my target weight?
- Does Saxenda have any long-term side effects?
Here are some articles about weight management that you may find helpful:
Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
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Questions About Relative Efficacy Price Of Tirzepatide Linger
One drawback of the new trial of tirzepatide for obesity is that it didnt directly compare this drug with other treatment options. Hamdy says head-to-head tests against semaglutide and another similar drug, liraglutide, will be needed to confirm whether tirzepatide is indeed the best medication for obesity. Hamdy has also received funding from Novo Nordisk, maker of semaglutide.
Results from the new trial do suggest that tirzepatide at the highest dose may work as well as bariatric surgery, Hamdy notes. But if tirzepatide wins FDA marketing approval, how much patients use this drug may ultimately come down to is price.
Obesity is a serious disease that may lead to many costly complications, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, Hamdy says. He doesnt expect tirzepatide to be cheaper than other new targeted weight-loss drugs like semaglutide or liraglutide , which retail for more than $1,300 a month, according to prices on GoodRx.
Because of all the health risks of obesity, and how much many patients struggle to lose weight and keep it off, more treatment options are still needed, says Clifford Rosen, MD, a professor at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston and Mainehealth Institute for Research in Scarborough, Maine, who wasnt involved in the study and has no financial ties to companies.
Eli Lilly didnt immediately respond to a request for comment on how soon the company may seek FDA approval of tirzepatide for obesity.
Questions About Using Saxenda
Here are some common questions about using Saxenda:
- What time of day should I inject Saxenda? You can inject Saxenda at the time of day most convenient for you. But try to stick to the same time each day.
- Should I receive Saxenda with food? You can take your dose either with or without food.
Questions for your doctor
You may have questions about Saxenda and your treatment plan. Its important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor.
Here are a few tips that might help guide your discussion:
- Before your appointment, write down questions such as:
- How will Saxenda affect my body, mood, or lifestyle?
Bring someone with you to your appointment if doing so will help you feel more comfortable. If you dont understand something related to your condition or treatment, ask your doctor to explain it to you. Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. And they want you to get the best care possible. So dont be afraid to ask questions or offer feedback on your treatment.
When considering Saxenda treatment, some important things to discuss with your doctor include:
- your overall health
- any medical conditions you may have
- any medications youre taking
These and other considerations are described below.
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Can Tirzepatide Really Help With Weight Loss
In Spring 2022, the FDA approved tirzepatide to help control insulin for patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Yet news stories were more focused on a secondary effect of the drug, known by the brand name Mounjaro: significant weight loss with just a weekly injection. co-director of the Comprehensive Weight Management Program at University of Utah Health, explains how this new drug works and its potential for weight management if it were to be approved for that use.
Interviewer: In spring of 2022, there were some headlines going around almost every news outlet saying that the FDA had finally approved a new weight loss drug, one that would promised 10% to 25% weight loss with little more than just a weekly injection. The drug is called tirzepatide, or a brand name Mounjaro.
Now, it seems a little too good to be true. So, today, we’re going to be looking at what exactly is the drug and what can it actually do for weight management.
Joining us today is Juliana Simonetti. She is the medical co-director of the Comprehensive Weight Management Program at U of U Health. So she knows a thing or two about weight management.
Dr. Simonetti, thank you so much for joining us.
Dr. Simonetti: Yes. Thank you so much for having me here today. I’m very excited to be talking about this new drug.
Interviewer: So why don’t we start there? What is tirzepatide and what does it do to the body?
Are Wegovy Contrave Ozempic Qsymia And Phentermine Alternatives Of Saxenda
Yes, most of these drugs are. Wegovy , Contrave , Qsymia , and phentermine are all alternatives to Saxenda. These are all weight loss drugs.
The exception is Ozempic , which is not used for weight loss. Instead, its used to treat type 2 diabetes.
If youd like to learn more about alternatives to Saxenda, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wegovy
What is the difference between Wegovy , Ozempic , and Rybelsus ?
Wegovy , Ozempic , and Rybelsus all contain semaglutide, but they are used for different conditions. Wegovy is used for weight loss, whereas Ozempic and Rybelsus are used for type 2 diabetes. Like Wegovy , Ozempic is also an injection, but the dose is much lower for diabetes. Rybelsus is a tablet that is taken by mouth. Like other GLP-1 agonists, semaglutide can also lower blood sugar levels by affecting the release of insulin and glucagon, two natural hormones in your body that regulate blood sugar levels.
How much weight can you lose with Wegovy ?
After about 1 year , people who took the maintenance dose of Wegovy along with a lower-calorie diet and exercise lost an average of 10% to 16% of their starting body weight compared to those following a lower-calorie diet and exercise plan only.
How do you use Wegovy ?
What should you do if you forget to take Wegovy ?
If your next scheduled dose of Wegovy is more than 2 days away, take the medication as soon as possible. If your next scheduled dose is less than 2 days away, wait until your regularly scheduled day of the week to take Wegovy .
What should you do if you forget to put Wegovy in the refrigerator?
Can you take Wegovy if youre pregnant?
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How Does Ozempic Help You Lose Weight
In the SUSTAIN clinical trials, semaglutide consistently demonstrated blood sugar control and weight loss in participants with Type 2 diabetes and obesity. Ozempic was found to reduce appetite and food cravings. Additionally, it lowered relative preference for fatty, energy-dense foods. These findings were incredibly important in people with Type 2 diabetes as its crucial for diabetes management to maintain healthy body weight. And in some instances, the bodys ability to control blood sugar may even return to normal with proper weight management.
Further studies were conducted to focus on Ozempic and weight loss aside from diabetes management. The Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity program was conducted to study people without diabetes and either overweight or obese. The study used once weekly semaglutide dosed at 2.4 mg. The results showed a weight loss of 14.9% from baseline after 68 weeks of semaglutide in addition to lifestyle changes. More specifically, about 70% of participants achieved a weight loss of at least 10%, about 50% achieved a weight loss of at least 15%, and about 33% of participants lost at least 20%. For reference, after one to three years after sleeve gastrectomy , there is an approximate 20% to 30% weight loss.
Ozempic dosing can be preferable to other weight-loss medications as its dosed as a once-weekly injection versus a daily, twice daily, or three times daily dosing of some other medications.
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How To Use Saxenda
Your doctor or pharmacist will have given you advice on how to use your medicine. Carefully follow all the directions. They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
If you do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for help.
Your doctor will start you on a diet and exercise programme. Stay on this programme while you are using Saxenda®.
Saxenda® is supplied as a pre-filled pen containing liraglutide. The Saxenda® pen can give doses of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg or 3.0 mg.
What Should I Know About Saxenda Vs Victoza
Saxenda and Victoza have the same active drug,* liraglutide. But these prescription drugs have different uses. While Saxenda is prescribed for weight loss and management, Victoza is prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes.
To learn more about these drugs, see this detailed comparison. Ask your doctor if you have questions about how Saxenda and Victoza are alike and different.
* An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.
Your doctor will explain how you should use Saxenda. They will also explain how much to receive and how often. Be sure to follow your doctors instructions.
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Who Should Take Semaglutide
While the value of semaglutide for an individual is a judgment
Dr. Klein described such people as having evidence of abnormal blood lipids, blood pressure, abnormal glucose tolerance tests, for example, or a little bit high fasting glucose.
Dr. Garvey made the case for prescribing semaglutide to individuals who are obese but do not show signs of being at risk for diabetes.
I kind of speak about the complications in two ways. One is cardiometabolic. The other one is biomechanical. Complications are due to carrying around a heavy body mass over a longer period of time, like sleep apnea, like osteoarthritis, gastroesophageal reflux, urinary incontinence, immobility, issues that kind of deal with quality of life, he said.
Dr. Garvey said ll of those are reasons to treat someone as well.
Trulicity Vs Ozempic And Other Glp
Remember that Trulicity isnt FDA approved for people without Type 2 diabetes, and we dont have information about using Trulicity in people without diabetes. But there are other GLP-1 agonists that are FDA approved for weight loss.
Currently, the only GLP-1 agonists approved for weight loss are Wegovy and Saxenda . Semaglutide is also available as Ozempic and Rybelsus and liraglutide is available as Victoza. But both are only FDA approved for use in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Wegovy and Saxenda are used to promote weight loss in people with a body mass index of at least 30 kg/m2. They can also be used in people with a BMI of at least 27 kg/m2 and a weight-related health condition, like high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
There are no studies directly comparing Trulicity to any other forms of semaglutide or liraglutide for weight loss. But research has shown that Wegovy is more effective for weight loss than Saxenda. If youre interested in trying a GLP-1 agonist for weight loss, talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of these medications.
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