Hormonal
GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists (GIP/GLP-1 RAs) significantly reduce body weight and improve metabolic health in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
If you have obesity or type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 medications (like semaglutide or tirzepatide) are highly effective for weight loss and improving metabolic health. These drugs work by mimicking gut hormones to reduce appetite and improve insulin sensitivity. To get the best results and minimize side effects, start with a low dose and increase it slowly. It is also crucial to combine medication with lifestyle changes, specifically focusing on strength training and eating enough protein to protect your muscles from being lost along with fat.
In addition to improving metabolic control and reducing body weight, treatment with GLP-1-RAs reduces cardiovascular and renal events in individuals with obesity with and without diabetes. GIP/GLP-1 dual-agonism appear to provide better metabolic control and greater weight reduction compared with GLP-1-R mono-agonism.
Why this rating
The paper cites multiple large-scale Phase 3 randomized controlled trials (SCALE, STEP, SURMOUNT) with significant sample sizes and long durations.
Source
Novel pharmacotherapies for weight loss: Understanding the role of incretins to enable weight loss and improved health outcomes
Thomas Först et al. · Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism · 2025
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