Globally, obesity continues to be a critical health problem leading to a myriad of comorbid conditions such as:

One therapeutic class that has made considerable advancements in the management of weight and glycemic control is glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These agents mimic the action of GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone, and play a significant role in regulating appetite and blood glucose levels.

Three such GLP-1 medications that have gained attention for weight loss management are Wegovy® (Semaglutide), Ozempic® (Semaglutide), and Mounjaro™ (Tirzepatide).

Wegovy®, with the active ingredient Semaglutide, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2021 for chronic weight management. It was originally developed by Novo Nordisk for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, it showed significant weight loss potential in clinical trials, leading to its approval for weight management.

Clinical trials demonstrated the substantial efficacy of Wegovy® in weight loss. Participants who received Wegovy®, in combination with lifestyle interventions, achieved an average of 15-18% reduction in body weight. This surpasses the weight loss achieved with most currently available weight loss medications.

Wegovy® works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which increases the feeling of satiety and reduces hunger, leading to decreased calorie intake and subsequent weight loss. Additionally, it slows gastric emptying, contributing to the sensation of fullness.

The common side effects of Wegovy® are:

These side effects typically resolve over time.

Ozempic®, another product of Novo Nordisk, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Although not formally FDA-approved for weight management, it is commonly used off-label for this purpose due to its demonstrated effects on weight loss.

Studies have highlighted the impact of Ozempic® on body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes. Patients using Ozempic® showed an average weight loss of 6-7%, which, while not as pronounced as that achieved with Wegovy®, is still clinically significant.

Ozempic® works similarly to Wegovy® by acting on GLP-1 receptors to increase satiety, decrease hunger, and slow gastric emptying. It also enhances insulin secretion and reduces glucagon secretion, which helps in the regulation of blood glucose levels.

Common side effects of Ozempic® include gastrointestinal symptoms such as:

Mounjaro™ is the first and only dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes. It is a prescription medicine for adults with type 2 diabetes, used alongside diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose) levels.

Mounjaro™, containing the active ingredient Tirzepatide, has been found to be effective in helping people lose weight and maintain weight loss. Tirzepatide acts as an agonist at both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, while Semaglutide targets only the GLP-1 receptor. Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) are the two primary incretin hormones secreted by the intestine upon ingestion of glucose or nutrients, stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic β cells.

While Mounjaro™ is not FDA-approved for weight loss, it has been widely prescribed off-label due to its effectiveness in promoting weight reduction, similar to Ozempic®.

Individuals taking Mounjaro™ were three times as likely to lose 15% or more of their total body weight, 2.5 times as likely to experience 10% or more weight loss, and 1.8 times as likely to experience 5% or more weight loss compared to those taking other GLP-1 agonists.

GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Wegovy®, Ozempic®, and Mounjaro™ represent significant advancements in the treatment of obesity. Their substantial effect on weight loss, combined with beneficial impacts on metabolic parameters like blood glucose and cholesterol, make them attractive therapeutic options for individuals struggling with obesity and related comorbidities. Although more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects and potential risks, the data so far are promising.

It is important to understand that these medications are not a cure-all solution for obesity. They are most effective when used as part of a comprehensive weight management program that includes a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and behavioral changes. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or weight loss program.