A new study published in Nature Medicine has found that the benefits of Wegovy, a GLP-1 drug, can last for up to four years, offering new insights into preventing rebound weight gain after stopping the medication. These findings are likely true for other GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic. GLP-1 drugs, traditionally used to treat diabetes and heart disease, have become popular for weight loss. A recent survey found that 1 in 8 people in the United States have taken these medications for weight loss, with approximately 60% of them having diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
The reported weight loss from GLP-1 drugs can range from 10% to 15% of a person’s original weight. The new study, known as the SELECT trial, included over 17,000 adults with overweight or obesity who did not have diabetes. It found that participants experienced an average 4-year weight loss of -10.2% of their initial weight, a reduction of 7.7 centimeters in waist circumference, and a reduced waist-to-height ratio of 6.9%. Many users of these drugs may experience a plateau in weight loss after about a year.
It was previously thought that weight would automatically return after stopping GLP-1 drugs. However, recent studies have shown that patients taking semaglutide, the active ingredient in some GLP-1 drugs, may maintain weight loss by slowly tapering down their dosage. Combining these medications with exercise has also been shown to help individuals maintain their weight loss. Dr. Cheng-Han Chen and Dr. Mir Ali, who were not involved in the study, noted that plateaus are common in weight loss, and continued efforts can lead to positive outcomes.
GLP-1 agonists mimic the body’s naturally occurring hormone, slowing the passage of food in the digestive tract, leading to a greater sense of fullness with less food. These drugs also help reduce appetite. Based on different chemicals, GLP-1 drugs slightly vary in their approach to addressing diabetes, heart disease, and weight loss. Wegovy and Ozempic, both injectables, and Rybelsus, a tablet, are based on the chemical semaglutide, while Saxenda and Victoza are liraglutide drugs.
Having overweight or obesity are major risk factors for diabetes and heart disease, and GLP-1 medications can help manage diabetes by increasing insulin production after a meal. Dr. Jayne Morgan, an executive director at a healthcare corporation in Atlanta, Georgia, noted that the class of GLP-1 agonists may have additional positive effects, such as reducing cardiovascular risk. While only Wegovy is approved for weight loss, other GLP-1 drugs are similarly effective and approved for diabetes and heart health. Pharmaceutical companies face challenges in seeking additional approvals due to the costs involved.
The cost of these medications can be significant, with Wegovy priced at $1,349.02 for a month’s supply and Ozempic at $935.77. In the United States, private health insurance may cover a portion of these costs, but not all of it. Medicare is legally prohibited from paying for weight-loss medications. Dr. Ali suggested that, similar to bariatric surgery, weight loss medications could potentially save insurance companies money in the long run by resolving conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. As more data supporting the cost-saving benefits of these medications becomes available, insurance coverage may expand over time.
