Hormonal
GLP-1-based therapies achieve clinically meaningful weight loss (exceeding 10%) in type 2 diabetes and obesity by leveraging the gut-brain axis, specifically through the activation of satiety circuits in the brainstem (area postrema and nucleus of the solitary tract).
GLP-1 medications are currently the most effective pharmacological option for significant weight loss in people with obesity or type 2 diabetes. They work by mimicking a gut hormone that signals fullness to the brain. While they are injections, they are usually taken once a week. Common side effects like nausea are often temporary and can be managed by adjusting the dose. Consult a doctor to see if this treatment is appropriate for your specific health profile.
recent success with GLP-1-based injectable therapeutics and other approaches that leverage pharmacology of both GLP-1 and other gut hormones has suggested that clinically meaningful weight loss, in some cases exceeding 10%, can be safely achieved
Why this rating
The paper is a review citing multiple clinical successes and established mechanisms, though it notes some side effects (nausea).
Source
The gut–brain axis: Identifying new therapeutic approaches for type 2 diabetes, obesity, and related disorders
Paul Richards et al. · Molecular Metabolism · 2021
DOI 10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101175
Related findings · Hormonal
- Initial treatment for type 2 diabetes should be a combination of metformin and either an SGLT-2 inhibitor or a GLP-1 receptor agonist to achieve cardiorenal protection, rather than monotherapy or older agents like sulfonylureas.Strong
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- Continued weekly administration of 2.4 mg subcutaneous semaglutide prevents weight regain and promotes further weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity, whereas switching to placebo results in significant weight regain.Strong
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