More Than Just a Diet Shot

It seems we are only scratching the surface when it comes to the benefits of the popular medications semaglutide and tirzepatide.  Originally designed for the treatment of diabetes, both were shown to produce profound weight loss.  Though many will lose 15% or more on semaglutide and 23% on tirzepatide, often the weight loss goes well beyond those figures.  The mechanism was believed to be based on slowing down how quickly the stomach empties, leading to slower absorption of food, a feeling of fullness, and longer satiety.  

But semaglutide already has solid data supporting a lower rate of cardiovascular disease like heart attacks.  More recent data suggests that the drugs work directly on the crave centers in the brain so the food chatter stops.  Not only does food chatter stop, but so do other cravings that surround addictive behaviors like smoking, opiates, and alcohol just to name a few.  Inflammatory markers reduce which may impact diseases such as arthritis.  We are hopeful that for patients with polycystic ovarian disease, an indication is coming in the future impacting fertility and risks for development of uterine cancer. 

There is no doubt we are going to discover more benefits.  Just like all medications, side effects and some serious risks (pancreatitis, thyroid cancer, gallbladder attacks) can occur.  So the medication is not for everyone.  But for those suffering obesity, there is finally hope outside of surgery.  The future is bright!