The first of the new wave of weight-loss drugs was approved for treatment in the UK nearly two decades ago, offering hope to type-2 diabetes patients who needed to lose weight.
“I’ve been prescribing these drugs since 2007,” says Dr Stephen Lawrence, a GP and associate clinical professor in diabetes at the University of Warwick. Initially, clinicians thought that patients would be reluctant to inject themselves. “But what we found was that people said: ‘You had me at weight loss’.”
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are now household names through their brands Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, and are being used by more than 1.5 million people in the UK, not just to treat diabetes but also for general weight loss.
They entered public consciousness in 2022, when Variety magazine revealed that actors had been taking Ozempic to lose weight. Wegovy and Mounjaro were licensed for weight loss the following year, and what had been a hidden Hollywood secret became global news and instagram fodder. Oprah Winfrey, a former WeightWatchers ambassador, Meghan Trainor, who celebrated curvy women with her song “All About That Bass”, Robbie Williams, Rebel Wilson, and Serena Williams are among those who have praised the drugs’ transformative effects.
They would change the world, people predicted: they would save airlines fuel as planes would be lighter, save the NHS the millions of pounds it spends on treating diseases caused by obesity, save us from ourselves.
Approximately 10 million adults in England are classed as obese.Mounjaro has been available on the NHS as June, but only for those who meet strict conditions. Patients must have a BMI of 40 or more, with at least four of five other conditions: type 2 diabetes, abnormal blood fats, sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
For everyone else, there
GLP-1 Medications: Benefits, Risks, and Affordability Concerns
Table of Contents
GLP-1 receptor agonists, initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes, have gained significant attention for their effectiveness in weight loss.Drugs like semaglutide (ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) have become widely discussed, appearing in mainstream media and prompting questions about their benefits, potential side effects, and accessibility.While offering promising results, it’s crucial to understand the full picture surrounding these medications.
How GLP-1s Work
GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) mimic the effects of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone. This hormone plays a key role in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite. Specifically, GLP-1s work by:
Stimulating insulin release: Helping the body use glucose more effectively. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview
suppressing glucagon secretion: Reducing the liver’s production of glucose.
Slowing gastric emptying: Making you feel fuller for longer, leading to reduced food intake. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/semaglutide/description/drg-20488993
Benefits Beyond Weight Loss
While widely known for weight loss, GLP-1s offer several health benefits, especially for individuals with type 2 diabetes:
Improved Blood Sugar Control: They are highly effective in lowering HbA1c levels, a key marker of long-term blood sugar control. https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/treatments/medications/glp-1-receptor-agonists
Cardiovascular Protection: Some GLP-1s have demonstrated a reduction in the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, in people with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.https://www.heart.org/en/news/2023/08/18/glp-1-drugs-for-weight-loss-may-also-benefit-heart-health
Potential Kidney Benefits: Emerging research suggests GLP-1s may also offer protection against kidney disease progression. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/glp-1-receptor-agonists
Potential Side Effects and Risks
Despite their benefits, GLP-1s are not without potential side effects.
Gastrointestinal Issues: The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These are often mild to moderate and tend to subside over time.
Acute Pancreatitis: There have been reports linking GLP-1s to acute pancreatitis, although a definitive causal relationship hasn’t been established. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/safety-information/semaglutide-products-safety-communication-updated-information-about-possible-increased-risk
Gallbladder Problems: GLP-1s may increase the risk of gallbladder disease,including gallstones.
Dehydration: Diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration,potentially causing complications.
* Mental Health Concerns: Some smaller studies have indicated a possible association between GLP-1 use and an increased risk of depression and suicidal ideation, warranting further investigation. https://www.reuters.com/health/mental-health/glp-1-drugs-linked-increased-risk-depression-suicidal-thoughts-study-2024-01-17/
Crucial Note: Anyone experiencing persistent or severe side effects should consult their healthcare provider immediately.