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2026 Weight Loss Drug Set to Outperform Ozempic and Zepbound: What You Need to Know

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Innovative Weight Loss Treatments

Achieving a Healthy Weight: A Future of Possibilities

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Recent advancements in obesity treatments have introduced highly effective medications, with the prospect of even more potent experimental treatments set for testing in 2026.

“We are witnessing an ambitious new phase in obesity treatment that promises improved health outcomes for numerous patients,” states Laura Heisler from the University of Aberdeen, UK. “Obesity is linked to severe health complications, including cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. A modest 5% reduction in body weight can significantly decrease these health risks.”

The first major weight loss drug, semaglutide, was initially approved as a diabetes treatment in 2017 under the name Ozempic. In 2021, it received approval for weight management as Wegovy.

Semaglutide functions by imitating the natural hormone GLP-1, which binds to brain and pancreatic receptors, helping to curb appetite and slow gastric emptying. Alongside its weight loss benefits, semaglutide has demonstrated positive cardiovascular effects and potential in managing conditions like substance addiction. However, common side effects like nausea can lead to discontinuation of the drug.

In 2023, Tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro for diabetes, secured approval for weight loss under the name Zepbound. Enhancing semaglutide’s effectiveness, Tirzepatide operates by mimicking both GLP-1 and another hormone, GIP, which is involved in energy management. Like semaglutide, it has comparable side effects.

In clinical trials, semaglutide resulted in an average weight reduction of 14% over 72 weeks, while participants using tirzepatide achieved a 20% reduction. Notably, regaining lost weight is common once the medication is stopped.

Looking ahead, more dual-action and even triple-action medications are in development. A promising candidate for 2024 approval is Kaglisema, which merges semaglutide with Caglilintide, a drug that stimulates fullness through amylin mimicry.

In a trial with over 3,400 adults, those taking Kaglisema achieved a weight loss of 20% after 68 weeks, outperforming both semaglutide (15%) and Caglilintide alone (12%), indicating strong potential.

Additionally, a drug named amicretin is undergoing development. Similar to CagliSema, it mimics both GLP-1 and amylin, but uses a single molecule that binds to both receptor types.

In preliminary trials involving 125 participants, amicretin users experienced an average weight loss of 24% after 36 weeks, suggesting superior effectiveness compared to tirzepatide, although final-stage trials won’t commence until 2026.

Moreover, the “triple G” drug letartortide activates three hormones to facilitate fat release: GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon. In a study of 338 individuals, those on the highest dose experienced an average weight loss of 24% after 48 weeks. Results from late-stage trials will be crucial for assessing letartortide’s approval timeline, expected in late 2026 or beyond.

It’s important to note that weight loss results from various clinical studies aren’t directly comparable due to differences in participant criteria, study durations, and dosages. Moreover, average results can mask significant variability in individual responses to GLP-1 drugs; while some experience negligible effects, others see remarkable weight loss.

As many as 100 new weight-loss drugs are currently in development for 2026 and beyond as companies strive to capture a share of the lucrative market. These innovations often focus on diverse combinations of existing targets, such as GLP-1, GIP, glucagon, and amylin receptors, or explore new mechanisms entirely.

Research is also addressing adverse effects, such as the evidence indicating some weight loss from GLP-1 drugs may come from muscle rather than fat. For instance, a recent trial earlier this year combined semaglutide with bimagrumab, a muscle growth inhibitor, seeking to counterbalance these effects.

“The prospect of emergent, highly effective drugs with fewer side effects is indeed exciting,” says Heisler.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Exploring the Potential of Testing Ozempic in Healthy Individuals

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Essential Credit: Photo by Photo Elliott/Abaca/Shutterstock (15320742p) This image, captured on May 26, 2025, displays the production line of medicines (including injection solutions and pens for Ozempic, Wegovy, etc.) during a ministerial tour of the Novonordisk Factory in Chartor, France. Illustration - Novo Nordisk Factory - France, Chartre - May 26, 2025

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Mark Twain famously remarked, “If you were born at the age of 80 and gradually refined down to 18, life would be perpetually joyous.” The quest for youth has captivated stories and myths throughout the ages; what if we could finally achieve it?

Recent research indicates that the GLP-1 medication Ozempic, containing semaglutide, might effectively reverse biological aging by around three years. This effect is notably observed in the brain, suggesting that medications like Ozempic could help mitigate conditions such as dementia. Additionally, it seems to reduce inflammation tied to various health concerns, including heart disease, chronic pain, and depression.

Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, semaglutide has changed the landscape of obesity treatment. It’s important to highlight that its anti-aging effects are particularly noted in individuals with HIV-related fat hypertrophy, though researchers believe its benefits may extend to a broader population.

Ozempic seems to have eradicated the inflammatory system associated with numerous health conditions.

It’s intriguing to consider whether we should all be using these drugs to reverse aging and reap the rewards of better health. However, we cannot assume this is wise without substantial evidence from large placebo-controlled trials involving healthy individuals. Conducting such studies may be contentious, as there are potential side effects to monitor. Moreover, when supplies are limited, it’s crucial to prioritize those in dire need.

Nevertheless, it appears that a number of healthy individuals are already utilizing these medications—largely “off-label”—without clarity on their safety. Future research should unveil a clearer understanding of these risks and provide insights into how weight loss affects muscle mass retention.

As the array of health advantages associated with these drugs continues to expand, it may be time to investigate their efficacy in healthy individuals, aiming to determine if they genuinely have the capacity to slow aging rather than speculating about youthful elixirs.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Ozempic: A Potential Key to Reversing Your Biological Age

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Growing evidence of Ozempic’s extensive health benefits

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Ozempic, a medication for type 2 diabetes, has been linked to a deceleration in aging, with credible evidence emerging to support this claim.

Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, both of which contain semaglutide, have been increasingly recognized for their impact on obesity and are being researched for various conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, addiction, and dementia.

Previously, scientists speculated on their potential to slow biological aging, based primarily on animal studies and observational human data. However, recent clinical trial results offer direct evidence, according to Varun Dwaraka from Trudiagnostic, a diagnostics company based in Lexington, Kentucky.

To evaluate a drug’s impact on biological aging, researchers utilize epigenetic clocks, which highlight patterns of DNA methylation—a chemical modification that influences gene activity. These patterns evolve with age and can be adjusted by lifestyle factors, including diet. Essentially, an individual’s biological age might differ from their chronological age.

Dwaraka and his team examined 108 epigenetic clocks in individuals with HIV-related fat hypertrophy, a condition leading to excess fat accumulation and hastened cellular aging. In a randomized controlled trial, one group received Ozempic weekly for 32 weeks, while the control group received a placebo.


Using blood samples collected pre- and post-trial, the researchers determined the biological ages of 84 participants. “By the study’s conclusion, individuals administered semaglutide were, on average, biologically 3.1 years younger,” states Dwaraka. The placebo group showed no noteworthy changes. “Semaglutide not only decelerates aging but may also reverse it in certain participants,” he adds.

The research revealed that various organs and systems, particularly the heart and kidneys, exhibited slowed biological aging, with the most significant influences noticeable in the inflammatory system and brain.

Dwaraka attributes this phenomenon to semaglutide’s role in fat distribution and metabolic health. Excess fat surrounding organs can release pro-aging molecules that modify the DNA methylation of crucial age-related genes. Semaglutide effectively curtails low-grade inflammation, which is another contributor to epigenetic aging.

While the findings originated from individuals with HIV-associated fat hypertrophy, many of the biological pathways impacted by semaglutide are not unique to HIV. “Thus, similar effects on epigenetic aging may be expected in other populations,” asserts Dwaraka.

It’s not surprising that such drugs can decelerate aging, says Randy Shealy from the University of Michigan School of Medicine, as they alleviate metabolic stress on various cells and diminish inflammation—key drivers of aging throughout different cell types. However, he posits that much of the benefits arise from semaglutide improving overall health rather than direct cellular effects.

It remains to be seen if semaglutide should be taken to maintain biological youth. “It’s premature to widely recommend it as an anti-aging therapy,” Dwaraka cautions. Nonetheless, he believes this study will accelerate ongoing efforts to repurpose existing medications for age-related challenges, expediting approval processes while mitigating the risk of unforeseen side effects. “Semaglutide could become a leading candidate in this arena,” concludes Dwaraka.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

You Can Lose Weight Without Regularly Using Medications Like Ozempic

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Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications might not need as frequent dosing as currently prescribed

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Individuals using GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic can still achieve weight loss despite facing difficulties in obtaining their prescriptions.

Medications like Semaglutide, marketed under the names Ozempic and Wegovy, have transformed obesity treatment, yet the increasing demand has led to significant supply shortages. In the U.S., changes in insurance coverage for these drugs can lead to confusion. For instance, CVS Caremark, which assists insurers in managing their prescription plans, recently discontinued coverage for Eli Lilly’s Zepbound, linked to the GLP-1 drug tilzepatide.

To investigate the impact of this confusion, Kaelen Medeiros and a colleague from a New York firm analyzed data from over 6,000 participants in the U.S. who enrolled in their program for a year between 2021 and 2024.

The program provided access to an app delivering bi-weekly lessons aimed at optimizing lifestyle choices such as nutrition and physical activity. Additionally, participants enjoyed regular one-on-one consultations with a health coach who assisted in applying these lessons. For an extra charge, all participants received GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic, mainly on a weekly basis.

By the program’s conclusion, 73% of participants experienced at least one disruption in GLP-1 access, defined as missing the medication for a minimum of 13 weeks. These participants received, on average, eight months’ supply of GLP-1 over the year-long trial. Participants lost an average of 14% of their body weight, compared to a 17% reduction among those who did not face such disruptions. The findings were shared at the Endocrinology Society’s annual general meeting in San Francisco on July 14th.

A similar rate of weight loss was observed in the program’s second year, regardless of the consistency of GLP-1 supply. “Although this confusion is concerning, it’s encouraging to see significant clinically relevant weight loss achieved despite it,” Medeiros remarks.

“This study is promising,” says Priya Jaisinghani from NYU Langone Health, New York. However, further research is needed to assess how the health coaching and lifestyle lessons provided to participants influenced weight loss, she notes. The researchers didn’t measure the engagement levels of participants in this segment of the program. Medeiros pointed out that variations in adherence might have impacted the outcomes.

Some participants also took metformin, a medication for type 2 diabetes that can aid in weight loss. Nevertheless, metformin is associated with only about a 2% reduction in body weight.

Topics:

  • Medical drugs /
  • Weight loss

Source: www.newscientist.com

Four Foods That Enhance Ozempic Weight Loss (and Ones That Hinder It)

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There are no specific foods that are prohibited while using Ozempic (semaglutide), which is prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes and may assist in weight loss.

However, the following recommendations can help maximize your weight loss efforts and promote a sustainable, healthy diet over time.

Foods to Increase…

1. High-fiber foods

Fiber slows the digestion process and enhances the effectiveness of Ozempic in emptying the stomach, helping you feel full longer and preventing blood sugar spikes.

Examples of high-fiber foods include vegetables (like leafy greens, carrots, broccoli, etc.), fruits (such as apples, berries, oranges, etc.), and whole grains like oats.

High-fiber options like oats and fruits can slow sugar release and support gut health – Credit: Zeljkosantrac

2. Lean protein

Incorporating lean proteins such as chicken, fish, and plant-based proteins helps stabilize blood sugar levels.

3. Healthy fats

Sources of healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil provide sustained energy and assist in blood sugar regulation without causing spikes.

4. Low-glycemic foods

Foods with a low glycemic index, such as sweet potatoes and non-starchy vegetables, can help prevent rapid increases in blood glucose levels.

Processed and fried foods may exacerbate the side effects of semaglutide, including nausea – Credit: Alexander Spatari via Getty

Foods to Reduce…

1. Sugary treats

Candies, pastries, sodas, and other sweet snacks can cause spikes in blood sugar and contribute to nausea and other digestive issues.

2. Processed and Fried Foods

These foods are typically high in unhealthy fats, salts, and preservatives, which can worsen nausea and interfere with blood sugar control.

3. Spicy Foods

Due to the delayed gastric emptying caused by Ozempic, spicy or heavy foods may lead to nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort.

4. Alcohol

Individuals taking Ozempic may experience reduced alcohol tolerance, so it’s wise to be mindful of consumption. Additionally, alcohol contains calories that won’t aid in weight loss.

This article addresses the question posed by Jamil Pierce from Surrey: “What are the best and worst foods to eat while on Ozempic?”

Please reach out to submit your questions to Question @sciencefocus.com or message us via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (please include your name and location).

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Doctors Share Tips to Avoid “Ozempic Face”

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Initially created to manage diabetes, the emergence of drugs like Ozempic has sparked a weight loss phenomenon.

As these medications gain popularity for individuals with high body mass index, a new cosmetic issue has emerged: “Ozempic Face.”

This term refers to the sagging and indentations in the face that some individuals encounter after significant weight loss. Whether through medication, diet, or lifestyle modifications, losing weight reduces fat in all body areas, including the face.

Facial fat is essential for providing structure, volume, and youthful contours. Its absence can lead to a sunken appearance, making the face seem older as skin may droop and wrinkles become more prominent.

This concern isn’t exclusive to weight loss medications; it also occurs with any form of rapid weight reduction. However, drugs like Ozempic tend to facilitate quicker weight loss, giving your body less time to adjust.

Avoiding this issue can be challenging, as the body doesn’t fully control fat loss locations, but there are methods to mitigate more drastic effects.

Gradually lose weight: Slow weight loss allows for a better adaptation period for skin changes, lessening the risk of noticeable sagging.

Maintain hydration: Staying hydrated enhances skin elasticity and helps maintain its shape as fat diminishes.

Nourish the skin: A solid skincare regimen, including moisturizers, may assist.

“Ozempic Face” refers to the sagging and hollowness that some experience after substantial weight loss.

Some online sources suggest that options like fillers, Botox, and other cosmetic treatments may help restore volume and lift in the face; however, these also carry risks and aren’t always effective.

Ultimately, weight loss aspirations—regardless of whether they’re achieved through medication or other methods—should prioritize health over mere aesthetics.

If you’re concerned about changes to your facial appearance, consult your doctor or dermatologist to discuss a balanced weight loss approach.

This article addresses your inquiry (you’ll receive an email from Asad Iravani) about the possibility of developing “Ozempic Face.”

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The Era of Ozempic is Just Starting.

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Just a year ago, hype was being built around semaglutide drug Ozempic and Wegovy, so the conversation revolved around the possibility of “end obesity” by helping people lose a lot of weight.

Then there was talk about how the appeal for semaglutide weight loss caused a shortage in people who needed it to treat diabetes, and which celebrities got it. Despite the topic, these treatments were still somewhat exotic.

There is no more talk of shortages today. In fact, it’s easier than ever to get these medications from an online pharmacy if you have the funds and a proper BMI. At the speed of lightning, the jab has become a common name. You or someone you know may be taking it often.

Some data show that one in eight people in the US tried one of the new generation of weight loss pills. In the UK, they have taken about 1 in 7 people or have family and friends. It’s fair to say we live in the Ozempic era, and it changes much more than our collective waistline.

Many people experiment with small amounts of weight loss medication, is this a good idea?

This special report clearly looks at the new normality and the questions it raises. These treatments refer to traditional approaches to weight loss, particularly exercise (see Why exercise is more important than ever when taking weight loss medications). Drugs people see “GLP-1 drugs are the beginning – the next powerful drug is expected”)? Over the past year, studies have been found that examined the benefits of other conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and addiction. So how do they affect the brain beyond appetite regulations (see “Do GLP-1 drugs really tell us about the brain’s reward system?”)?

Many people are experimenting with taking them at lower doses, which is a good idea (“I’m getting an increase in microdeficient GLP-1 drugs, does that work?”)? We also ask what all of this means for society as a whole (see “Unexpected Effects of Society Transformed by Weight Loss Drugs”) and what comes next (see “GLP-1 Drugs Is the Beginning – The Powerful Drugs You Expect Next”).

What’s clear is that the new boom in weight loss pills is just the beginning. In another year, things can look very different again.

topic:

  • obesity/
  • Weight loss drugs

Source: www.newscientist.com

Strong evidence of Ozempic and Wegoby reducing alcohol consumption

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People report lower alcohol cravings when using semaglutide

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According to the first randomized clinical trials of drugs for this purpose, semaglutide appears to help people who are truly obsessed with alcohol reduce their intake.

Semaglutide, sold under brand names including Wegovy and Ozempic, uses the work by mimicking the intestinal hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), so the technical term is GLP-1 receptor It's an agonist. This drug was first used to treat type 2 diabetes, but to reduce appetite, Wegovy is also approved for weight loss 8 countries. Semaglutide also offers tips to help with an extraordinary number of medical conditions.

Regarding alcohol use, there was a 2024 survey that 84,000 people injected Ozempic or Wegovy because of a lower risk of alcoholism. The results were promising and showed correlation rather than causality.

But now, Christian Hendershot The University of Southern California and his colleagues completed the first randomized clinical trial of the effects of semaglutide on alcohol use disorders.

Their trial involved 48 US people diagnosed with the condition, of which 34 were women and 14 were male. Half received a weekly low-dose injection of semaglutide for 9 weeks, and the rest received a placebo injection.

Semaglutide patients no longer consumed drinks per drinking session, reducing their weekly alcohol cravings compared to placebo drinks.

“There was no evidence of any significant adverse effects or safety concerns for drugs in this population. Overall, we found that it reduces the amount of alcohol people consume across several different drinking outcomes,” Hender said. Shot says.

“The results are promising.” Long Xu at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Ohio. “Despite the small sample size, this randomized clinical trial highlights the therapeutic potential of semaglutide in the treatment of alcohol use disorders.”

ziyad al-aly At Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, the study added ” yet another evidence of GLP-1RAS . [GLP-1 receptor agonists] It could help with addiction disorders.”

He needs greater research to answer questions about whether people will increase their drinking, especially when they leave semaglutide, particularly what the long-term impact is, and whether people will increase their drinking. He says. Bone and muscle mass.

The study should be treated as a promising first evidence, says Hendershot, but more research is needed. People should not start taking semaglutide due to alcohol problems, he says.

“This is the first study like this and people are excited about it, but we have approved effective drugs for alcohol use disorders, so more research has been conducted. Until now, people are encouraged to pursue and approve the existing medicines there right now,” says Hendershot.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

61 incredible transformations your body will undergo with Ozempic

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A recent comprehensive study has uncovered the significant health benefits and potential drawbacks of Ozempic and Wegovy. Groundbreaking research has shown that weight loss medications, such as Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) like Ozempic and Wegovy, can have a total of 61 effects on the body, most of which are positive.

These drugs function by imitating the hormones naturally created in the body to regulate appetite, thereby promoting a sense of fullness and reducing hunger.

“Given the novelty and increasing popularity of these medications, it is crucial to thoroughly investigate their effects on various bodily systems to gain a comprehensive understanding of their benefits and risks,” said the study’s lead researcher, Dr. Ziyad Al Ali, an Assistant Professor at the School of Medicine, University of Washington, USA.

The research team, led by Al-Aly, discovered that these weight loss drugs could lower the risk of 42 health conditions while increasing the risk of 19 others.

The Positive Effects of Weight Loss Drugs

Published in Nature Medicine, the study analyzed data from 2 million individuals with diabetes, with approximately 216,000 using GLP-1RAs and the rest on other diabetes medications that do not include GLP-1RAs. The results suggested numerous health benefits for those using weight loss drugs, including a decreased risk of cardiovascular issues like blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes, aligning with previous research findings.

Additionally, beyond the known benefits, researchers discovered potential advantages in unexpected areas. Despite concerns about GLP-1RAs potentially causing suicidal thoughts, new research found positive impacts on neurological health. Users experienced reduced risks of conditions such as suicidal ideation, self-harm, substance use disorders, psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, and bulimia.

Al-Aly proposed that the mechanisms responsible for weight loss could also influence these outcomes. The drugs act on brain receptors associated with impulse control, reward, and addiction, potentially explaining their efficacy in curbing appetite and addiction disorders.

Furthermore, individuals using these drugs were less prone to cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, likely due to reduced brain inflammation. They also exhibited lower risks of seizures, bacterial infections, and pneumonia.

Although these medications do not serve as cures (the researchers noted a 10-20% risk reduction for these conditions), the benefits, especially for conditions like dementia with limited treatment options, remain significant.

The Hidden Risks of Weight Loss Drugs

Despite the numerous potential benefits of GLP-1RA drugs, there are also associated risks. Users showed increased susceptibility to gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, low blood pressure, and arthritis. Surprisingly, researchers identified a heightened risk of rare but severe pancreatic and kidney diseases.

“GLP-1RA drugs offer a wide array of health benefits,” Al Ali stated. “However, they are not without risks. Our findings underscore the importance of monitoring these drugs closely due to their broad usage and potential risks.” He emphasized the need for caution.

While the results could guide clinical care, some researchers raised concerns about the study’s design not considering other potential effects. They cautioned that interpretation should proceed with care, as the differences between individuals using GLP-1RAs like Ozempic and those who do not may stem from factors beyond the drug itself.

“Studies like this should be approached with caution, as individuals were not randomly assigned to GLP-1RA treatment,” explained Professor Stephen O’Rahilly, Director of the Wellcome MRC Metabolism Laboratory at the Metabolism Research Institute in Cambridge. He further stated that while the study provides reassurance on the drugs’ safety, caution remains necessary.

The researchers from the University of Washington recognized that their findings only observed associations and did not prove causation for the benefits or risks of GLP-1RAs. Additionally, the study participants primarily comprised older white men, indicating a need for future research to encompass a more diverse population.

Despite this limitation, the findings anticipate future research targeting a broader demographic. O’Rahilly suggested that the results offer reassurance regarding the risk/benefit balance of long-term GLP-1RA use in diabetic patients, creating anticipation for forthcoming investigations.

Comprehensive List of GLP-1RA Effects

Positive Effects

The study revealed that drugs like Ozempic could significantly reduce the risk of 42 health conditions, including:

  • shock
  • aspiration pneumonia
  • liver failure
  • respiratory failure
  • cardiac arrest
  • Bulimia
  • schizophrenia
  • pulmonary hypertension
  • Postoperative respiratory complications
  • liver cancer
  • sepsis
  • stimulant use disorder
  • pneumonia
  • Thromboembolic disorders
  • pleural effusion
  • hemorrhagic stroke
  • chronic phlebitis
  • opioid use disorder
  • inflammatory bowel disease
  • cannabis use disorder
  • bacterial infection
  • acute pulmonary embolism
  • acute kidney injury
  • Aftereffects after thrombosis
  • pneumonia
  • heart failure
  • gangrene
  • alcohol use disorder
  • suicidal thoughts
  • seizure
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • osteomyelitis
  • myocardial infarction
  • muscle pain
  • heat
  • deep vein thrombosis
  • Coagulopathy and clotting disorders
  • ischemic stroke
  • Neurocognitive disorders
  • urinary tract infection
  • chronic kidney disease
  • anemia

Negative Effects

The study also indicated a heightened risk of 19 health conditions associated with drugs like Ozempic, including:

  • nausea and vomiting
  • Non-infectious gastroenteritis
  • sleep disorders
  • abdominal pain
  • Reflux esophagitis
  • nephrolithiasis
  • headache
  • Tendonitis and synovitis
  • joint pain
  • arthritis
  • gastritis
  • hemorrhoids
  • Diverticulosis and diverticulitis
  • bone pain
  • gastroparesis
  • syncope
  • interstitial nephritis
  • low blood pressure
  • osteoarthritis

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy lower susceptibility to 42 illnesses

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Semaglutide and other GLP-1 agonists are injected

Yulia Burmystrova/Getty Images

Drugs like Ozempic and Wigovy, called GLP-1 agonists, offer more benefits than risks when taken for their approved uses, according to a comprehensive analysis of their effects on 175 conditions. However, the same may not be true for people who are taking the drug for other purposes.

“In this new area of ​​GLP-1, we wanted to really map the benefits and risks for all the conditions that we thought were relevant,” he says. Jiyad Al Ali at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

These drugs are best known for helping control type 2 diabetes and treating obesity. They mimic the hormone GLP-1 in the body, which lowers blood sugar levels and keeps you feeling full for longer.

Dozens of studies suggest that GLP-1 agonists may also reduce the risk of many other conditions, from heart disease to dementia to substance use disorders. These studies have involved hundreds or thousands of people and have focused on one or a few symptoms at a time, but now that millions of people are using the drug, they are much more This means that less frequent effects can be investigated, Al Ali said.

To get a more comprehensive picture, he and his colleagues examined the health records of more than 200,000 diabetic patients who took GLP-1 agonists over a four-year period in addition to standard treatment. They also looked at 1.2 million people with diabetes who received only standard treatment over the same time period and assessed both groups' risk of developing 175 different health conditions.

The research team found that people who took GLP-1 agonists had a lower risk of 42 diseases. For example, the risk of heart attack was reduced by 9% and the risk of dementia was reduced by 8%. The probability that this group would suffer from suicidal ideation or substance use disorders such as alcohol or opioid addiction was also approximately decreased by 1/10. .

However, there were also downsides for people taking GLP-1 drugs. They were more likely to experience known side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, as well as previously undescribed side effects. These include a 15% higher risk of kidney stones and more than double the risk of pancreatic inflammation or drug-induced pancreatitis. In total, 19 conditions were at increased risk, but taking GLP-1 drugs had no significant effect on risk levels for most of the conditions evaluated, including bronchitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Ta.

The fact that these drugs affect such a wide range of symptoms remains surprising, but it is unclear exactly why they have this effect. “They're reducing obesity, which is the root of all disease. If you treat obesity, the heart, kidneys, brain, and everywhere else will benefit later,” Al-Aly said. They also reduce inflammation, which commonly damages organs, and appear to target parts of the brain associated with addiction, he says.

One problem with this analysis is that the research team did not report the actual number of people affected by each condition, making the results difficult to interpret. Daniel Drucker from the University of Toronto and has worked with obesity drug companies. Reducing the risk of common conditions such as heart attacks and dementia is probably worth taking seriously, but the association with rare conditions like pancreatitis is so small that the risk is low for most people. He says it's unlikely. Al-Aly said the research team plans to publish specific numbers of cases in future studies.

Overall, this study provides reassurance that the benefits of GLP-1 agonists outweigh the risks, at least for patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity. “There are no red flags with this group,” he says. stefan trapp He is a professor at University College London and has worked with obesity drug companies.

However, the situation may be different for people who do not have these conditions, such as people who are not obese and buy drugs to lose weight. “I don't know if the benefits outweigh the risks,” Drucker said.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The Impact of GLP-1 Drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy on the Risk of 175 Diseases

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Semaglutide and other GLP-1 agonists are injected

Yulia Burmystrova/Getty Images

Drugs like Ozempic and Wigovy, called GLP-1 agonists, offer more benefits than risks when taken for their approved uses, according to a comprehensive analysis of their effects on 175 conditions. However, the same may not be true for people who are taking the drug for other purposes.

“In this new area of **GLP-1**, we wanted to really map the benefits and risks for all the conditions that we thought were relevant,” he says. Jiyad Al Ali at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

These drugs are best known for helping control type 2 diabetes and treating obesity. They mimic the hormone GLP-1 in the body, which lowers blood sugar levels and keeps you feeling full for longer.

Dozens of studies suggest that GLP-1 agonists may also reduce the risk of many other conditions, from heart disease to dementia to substance use disorders. These studies have involved hundreds or thousands of people and have focused on one or a few symptoms at a time, but now that millions of people are using the drug, they are much more This means that less frequent effects can be investigated, Al Ali said.

To get a more comprehensive picture, he and his colleagues examined the health records of more than 200,000 diabetic patients who took GLP-1 agonists over a four-year period in addition to standard treatment. They also looked at 1.2 million people with diabetes who received only standard treatment over the same period and assessed the risk of both groups developing 175 different health conditions.

The research team found that people who took GLP-1 agonists had a lower risk of 42 diseases. For example, the risk of heart attack was reduced by 9 percent and the risk of dementia was reduced by 8 percent. The probability that this group would suffer from suicidal ideation or substance use disorders such as alcohol or opioid addiction was also approximately decreased by 1/10. .

However, there were also downsides for people taking GLP-1 drugs. They were more likely to experience known side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, as well as previously undescribed side effects. These include a 15% higher risk of kidney stones and more than double the risk of pancreatic inflammation or drug-induced pancreatitis. In total, 19 conditions were at increased risk, but taking GLP-1 drugs had no significant effect on risk levels for most of the conditions evaluated, including bronchitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Ta.

The fact that these drugs affect such a wide range of symptoms remains surprising, but it is unclear exactly why they have this effect. “They’re reducing obesity, which is the root of all disease. If you treat obesity, the heart, kidneys, brain, and everywhere else will benefit later,” Al-Aly said. They also reduce inflammation, which commonly damages organs, and appear to target parts of the brain associated with addiction, he says.

One problem with this analysis is that the research team did not report the actual number of people affected by each condition, making the results difficult to interpret. Daniel Drucker from the University of Toronto and has worked with obesity drug companies. Reducing the risk of common conditions such as heart attacks and dementia is probably worth taking seriously, but the association with rare conditions like pancreatitis is so small that the risk is low for most people. He says it’s unlikely. Al-Aly said the research team plans to announce the specific number of cases in a future study.

Overall, this study provides reassurance that the benefits of GLP-1 agonists outweigh the risks, at least for patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity. “There are no red flags with this group,” he says. stefan trapp He is a professor at University College London and has worked with obesity drug companies.

However, the situation may be different for people who do not fit these criteria, such as people who are not obese and buy drugs to lose weight. “I don’t know if the benefits outweigh the risks,” Drucker said.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

How do Ozempic and Wegovy manage all aspects of treatment?

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Drugs are rarely famous, and even more rarely superstars, but with his ability to grab headlines, Ozempic is the Taylor Swift of pharmaceuticals. So what exactly is behind that star power? Even as the drug and its derivatives become more widespread, researchers are racing to figure out how they work.

“We are seeing an incredible amount of benefits,” he says. Stephen Dayan at the University of Illinois. “It's early days, but these drugs look like they're going to change not only medicine, but the entire economy.”

Because most drugs treat only one or two symptoms, “cures” that promise to address all ailments are usually met with skepticism and suspicion. Ozempic seems to be bucking that trend. Wegovy, a version of Ozempic approved for weight loss last year. Reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke An increase of almost 20%. The emergence of “Ozempic pregnancy” suggests Fertility benefits. People started noticing its positive effects on depression and anxiety. In May, Results showed that it also reduced the risk of kidney failure Deaths in diabetic patients were also observed during the three-year trial. In July, another version of The drug was found to reduce brain atrophy Cognitive function declines slowly in Alzheimer's patients.

Wegovy and other weight loss drugs are widely promoted in the US

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Why this drug is effective against so many conditions remains a mystery, but researchers are beginning to unravel the mechanisms underlying its extraordinary abilities. Understanding everything from its impact on reward circuits in the brain to its impact on inflammation…

Source: www.newscientist.com

Research shows new medication similar to Ozempic results in 13% reduction in body weight

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Weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have been under discussion for some time, but new research suggests there may be better alternatives. Enter Amicretin, a novel weight-loss treatment available in pill form rather than injection.

In the initial human trials of this new weight loss medication, the developer Novo Nordisk A/S (the company behind Ozempic) saw promising results: participants taking Amicretin lost an average of 13.1 percent of their body weight over a 12-week period.

So, how does this new weight loss pill function? Amicretin is a dual-acting drug that emulates the effects of two hormones crucial in weight loss: amylin and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which help curb hunger and regulate appetite.

Published in the journal Diabetology, the study compared average weight loss in three groups with BMIs between 25 and 39.9 who did not have diabetes.

By the end of the 12-week study, subjects taking two 50 mg tablets of Amicretin lost 13.1% of their body weight, compared to 10.4% in those taking one 50 mg tablet. In contrast, the placebo group only lost an average of 1.1% of their body weight throughout the study.

Compared to other weight loss drugs, a recent study in JAMA Internal Medicine found that patients taking another weight-loss drug, Maunjaro, lost 5.9% body fat in 3 months, while those on Ozempic saw a decrease of 3.6%.

“The difference from injectable treatments is significant,” states obesity expert Christopher Clemmensen. “The dual mode of action offers promise, making Amicretin a valuable advancement for Novo Nordisk.”

While weight-loss drugs show promise in combating obesity worldwide, further confirmation awaits larger trials on individuals with chronic conditions. Professor Navid Sattar emphasizes the importance of developing safe and accessible medications for the millions suffering from obesity.

Excitement surrounds this early-stage study of a novel oral weight-loss medication combination due to its rapid effects on body weight.

About our experts

Associate Professor Christopher Clemmensen leads the Clemmensen Group at the University of Copenhagen, studying biological weight regulation and developing obesity treatment strategies. His research appears in respected publications such as Natural Metabolism and Molecular Metabolism.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Ozempic and Wegovy could potentially aid individuals in smoking cessation

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Ozempic has the potential to treat many diseases, not just type 2 diabetes and obesity.

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Another study showed that semaglutide (a drug found in Ozempic and Wegovi – It may help treat addiction: Researchers found that people prescribed the drug to treat type 2 diabetes were less likely to seek medical attention for smoking than those taking other diabetes medications.

Semaglutide helps treat obesity and type 2 diabetes by mimicking hormones that suppress appetite and regulate blood sugar levels. Previous studies have also shown that semaglutide reduces the incidence of diabetes. Cannabis Use Disorder and Alcoholism.

To find out the effect of semaglutide on tobacco addiction, Ron Shu Researchers at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio collected data from the electronic medical records of about 223,000 people in the US with type 2 diabetes and smoking habits, about 6,000 of whom had been prescribed semaglutide, and the rest were using one of seven other diabetes medications.

The researchers then tracked whether participants met with a health care provider about smoking or received smoking cessation counseling within a year of starting to take the smoking cessation medication.

After taking into account variables such as age, sex, race and certain health conditions, the team found that people using semaglutide were, on average, less likely to receive tobacco-related medical care than people taking other medications, which the researchers took to be an indication that these people may be more successful in quitting smoking.

For example, semaglutide users were 32% less likely to receive the treatment. Insulin 18% lower than users Metformin user.

People taking semaglutide may be less likely to seek medical care for their smoking, even though they didn’t necessarily stop using such products. But Xu said that because they all sought tobacco-related medical care at similar rates before they started taking type 2 diabetes medication, semaglutide may actually have helped them.

The study was not a randomized controlled trial, which is the highest level of medical evidence, so the results do not conclusively show that semaglutide is behind the effect, he said. Patricia Grigson Kennedy At Pennsylvania State University, however, other studies have shown that semaglutide reduces activity in areas of the brain involved in reward processing and craving, so there may be a causal relationship.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

New study reveals that Oats have similar effects to Ozempic

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Interested in trying a water, oats, and lime juice smoothie? You may have come across the internet buzz about this mixture, likened to the effects of the weight-loss drug Ozempic. Dubbed “Oat Zempic” by some influencers, this concoction is gaining popularity.

Recent research published in the Nutrition Journal suggests that there is a similarity between a type of fiber found in oats and the biochemical pathway of Ozempic.

Ozempic, a medication widely used for type 2 diabetes treatment, has gained attention for its weight loss benefits, as well as its potential to reduce heart disease risk, prevent cognitive decline, and aid in smoking cessation.

Derived from semaglutide, Ozempic falls into the category of GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic a digestive hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and suppress appetite.

While oats have known benefits in promoting satiety and aiding in weight loss as part of a balanced diet, they do not match the potency of Ozempic in terms of GLP-1 agonist effects.

Nutrition experts caution against replacing meals with trendy drinks like Oat Zempic, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded diet for long-term health and weight management.

Ultimately, incorporating high-fiber foods like oats into your diet can be beneficial, but there is no substitute for a healthy, balanced eating plan. Remember, sustainable weight loss requires a holistic approach.

About our experts

Emily Leeming: A Registered Dietitian and Research Fellow, Emily brings a wealth of knowledge on nutrition, gut health, and dietetics. Her background in science and culinary arts gives her a unique perspective on food and health.

To learn more about Emily and her work, check out her book The Genius Gut: The Life-Changing Science of Diet for Your Second Brain.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

New experimental weight loss drug shows greater effectiveness than Ozempic

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Oral weight loss drug may help obese patients who hate needles

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Based on early trial results reported on March 7, it appears the experimental pill may cause greater weight loss than existing injectable treatments such as Ozempic, Wigoby, and Munjaro.

The drug, called amicretin, reduced people’s weight by 13 percent in three months. This is more than double his amount observed at Ozempic and Wegoby specifically. “From the limited data we have, this approach seems a little more exciting,” he says. Daniel Drucker At the University of Toronto, Canada.

The results come from a three-month, placebo-controlled trial, so it’s too early to know how amicretin compares to other drugs in terms of long-term efficacy and safety. said Drucker, who was not involved in the trial but was consulted, as well as manufacturer Novo Nordisk and other drug companies.

The diabetes drug Ozempic and the weight loss drug Wegoby are two brand names for the compound semaglutide. They work by mimicking a gut hormone called GLP-1 that is normally released after meals. This makes a person feel full, reduces appetite, and stimulates the release of the blood sugar-regulating hormone insulin.

Semaglutide leads to a loss of about 15 percent of body weight when taken for a year, but after that the weight plateaus and the injections need to be continued for a long time or it tends to gradually come back.

Another weight loss injectable called Mounjaro, also known as Tirzepatide or Zepbound, was launched last year. It mimics GLP-1 and an additional intestinal hormone called GIP. Using Mounjaro, you seem to lose about 21 percent of your weight over the first year and five months of her life before your weight loss plateaus.

However, amicletin mimics GLP-1 and another hormone called amylin, and appears to be even more potent, at least during the first three months of treatment. Reuters reports that people who took amicletin lost 13 percent of their weight during this period, Nordisk announced today. Those who took the placebo pill had a 1% decrease. This is higher than Wegovy and Ozempic’s 6 percent and Munjaro’s equivalent figure of around 7.5 percent.

But we can only know for sure how the drugs will fare over the long term if they are compared under exactly the same circumstances in a single study, Drucker said. “This is not a head-to-head trial.”

Another caveat is that while drugs that act by mimicking GLP-1 have been used to treat type 2 diabetes for more than a decade and their safety profile is well understood, amylin mimetics That’s not the case.

Novo Nordisk also said: Amicretin’s side effects were similar to those of Wegoby, and tended to include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, especially when the dose was increased rapidly.

The availability in pill form could be a big advantage for people who don’t like injections, he says. Daniel Chancellor Global Pharmaceutical Business Analyst cytherine. “Oral medications are very attractive.”

In addition to these three drugs, other weight loss drugs that mimic other gut hormones are also in development.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

New Weight Loss Drugs: Will Ozempic, Wegovy and Future Solutions Finally Conquer Obesity?

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There are TikTok hashtags with millions of followers, endless columns about celebrity waistlines, and a flurry of media coverage when test results come out. It is rare for a new drug to receive so much attention. However, it is even more rare for approved drugs to cause safe and rapid weight loss with minimal effort.

A year ago, most people had never heard of semaglutide. Semaglutide is a drug developed about 10 years ago under the brand name Ozempic to treat type 2 diabetes. It was later approved as a weight loss aid in the US in 2021 under the name Wegovy. With this drug, people can lose a whopping 15% of their body weight.

The impact of this new class of medicines could be unprecedented and could end the world's growing obesity epidemic. “I don’t think it’s fully sunk in yet,” he says. Jonathan Campbell At Duke University in North Carolina, he studies how these drugs affect the body.

First, Wegovy was just the beginning. The next generation of these drugs is in development and will be cheaper, easier to use, and, importantly, even more powerful. Additionally, new evidence suggests that Wegovy and its similar products are more effective when given at a younger age, so doctors are considering their use in teenagers and young children. This increases the possibility of switching from obesity treatment to prevention. “Over the past 40 years, we have seen the obesity landscape change dramatically,” Campbell says. “Now we may be at a tipping point where that goes backwards.”

Why is obesity on the rise?

The rise in obesity has been occurring since the 1970s…

Source: www.newscientist.com

Targeting the brain with Ozempic and Wegovy may lead to reduced inflammation

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Ozempic is a diabetes drug, but it is also often used for weight loss.

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Weight loss and diabetes injections such as Wigovy and Ozempic (both semaglutide) are more widely used than initially thought after studies in mice suggest they act on the brain and reduce inflammation throughout the body. Possible medical benefits.

This finding may explain why this class of drugs appears to reduce heart attacks more than would be expected from weight loss effects alone.

It also supports their use in combating a wide range of health conditions that involve inflammation, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, which is being studied in clinical trials.

Semaglutide works by mimicking a gut hormone called GLP-1. Normally released after a meal, GLP-1 reduces appetite, makes you feel full, and triggers the release of insulin, a hormone involved in blood sugar regulation.

Some studies suggest that semaglutide not only reduces weight, but also reduces inflammation, and is a mild increase in certain types of immune system activity.Lowers levels of a compound in the blood called C-reactive protein (CRP) is a well-established sign of inflammation. Daniel Drucker At the University of Toronto, Canada.

A growing body of research suggests that inflammation is involved in many conditions not previously associated with the immune system, such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease, but this does not yet lead to new treatments available in the clinic. has not been applied.

Because obesity is also associated with inflammation, semaglutide’s effect on CRP may simply be a side effect of weight loss, rather than the drug itself reducing inflammation.

To find out, Drucker and his colleagues investigated how several GLP-1 mimics affect inflammation in mice. First, they injected bacteria from the mice’s intestines into other parts of their abdomens, causing bacterial infections in their blood. This triggers a strong immune response and causes inflammation.

Some mice were also injected with GLP-1 mimics, either semaglutide or another member of this drug class called exenatide.

GLP-1 mimics reduced the animals’ inflammatory response to infection, but this did not occur when the researchers used mice genetically modified so that their brain cells lacked receptors for GLP-1. Ta.

The researchers also found no reduction in inflammation when they tested genetically normal mice whose brains were injected with compounds that block GLP-1 receptors.

Taken together, these results show that GLP-1 mimetics such as Ozempic act on brain cells to reduce inflammation, and that this is not just a side effect of weight loss.

“Losing weight is good, but you don’t need to lose weight to be effective,” Drucker says. For example, in Wegovy’s recent randomized trial, he says, the drug started preventing heart attacks within the first few months, before people lost significant weight.

“It was known that these drugs acted on inflammation,” he says. Ivan Koichev at Oxford University. “This paper is helpful because it reveals the underlying mechanism.”

In theory, anti-inflammatory drugs could cause people to develop additional infections, but this has so far not been observed in people who received the shots for weight loss or diabetes, Koychev says. .

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Source: www.newscientist.com