Semaglutide mimics GLP-1, while the newer tirzepatide mimics GLP-1 and another hormone, GIP.
As impressive as these drugs seem to be, no treatment comes without its potential negatives.
Users will commonly experience gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea, though these symptoms tend to wane over time.
A vial of Ozempic, made with the active ingredient semaglutide.Image: fcm82 (Shutterstock)
They may also cause rare but potentially serious complications likegastroparesis, often referred to as stomach paralysis.
In other words, theres nothing particularly novel about how we lose weight while taking them.
And so far, were not finding that GLP-1 drugs are veering dramatically from this baseline.
These numbers alone dont tell the full picture either.
But thats absolutely not what the research is showing.
Compared to placebo, people onthesedrugshave reported a better quality of life and improved physical functioning.
Im able to go up and down the subway without having to stop, Weintraub said.
Those are the outcomes, I think, that actually matter.
There are some potential ways that incretin drugs could be riskier when it comes to our muscles.
Then again, any drugs risks can outweigh the benefits when used by people that its not meant for.
Several companies aretesting a combinationof GLP-1s with drugs designed to gain muscle or prevent muscle loss.
Its a treatment looking for a problem, he said.
But theyre also unequivocal about where the evidence stands for the time being.
We just have to follow the dataits the yellow brick roadand not be wedded to any particular viewpoint.
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