Hormonal
Long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., semaglutide 2.4 mg) and multi-agonists (e.g., tirzepatide) produce significant, dose-dependent weight loss (10-21%) in adults with obesity, but discontinuation leads to substantial weight regain, indicating these are chronic management tools rather than cures.
GLP-1 and multi-agonist medications are highly effective for significant weight loss (10-20%+), but they are not cures. You must take them long-term to maintain results. If you stop, your body will likely fight to regain the weight. Expect some stomach issues initially, but these often fade. Work with your doctor to find the right dose.
In the SURMOUNT-1 trial... tirzepatide decreased body weight up to 20.9% after 72 weeks of treatment... as much as 14% of the lost body weight was regained in individuals that were switched to receive placebo for an additional 52 weeks... this emphasizes the bodies intrinsic attempt to defend the initial (higher) body weight, and further urges awareness that even best-in-class AOMs do not represent a cure for the disease.
Why this rating
Based on multiple large-scale, multi-center Phase 3 randomized controlled trials (STEP, SURMOUNT, SUSTAIN) with robust sample sizes and long durations.
Source
Recent achievements and future directions of anti-obesity medications
Gerald Grandl et al. · The Lancet Regional Health - Europe · 2024
DOI 10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.101100
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
- For patients with specific monogenic obesity syndromes (leptin deficiency, POMC/PCSK1/LEPR mutations), targeted pharmacotherapy (recombinant leptin or setmelanotide) is highly effective and should be prioritized, unlike in polygenic obesity.Strong
- 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
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →