Ozempic and Wegovy are brand names for the drug semaglutide. Wegovy has been approved for weight loss in people who are obese or overweight, while Ozempic is approved for people with type 2 diabetes.
How do these drugs work?
Drugs like semaglutide mimic the actions of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). These GLP-1 analogues have various effects, including slowing down stomach emptying, reducing appetite, and boosting insulin release to regulate blood sugar levels.
Why are they making headlines now?
GLP-1 analogues are now being prescribed for weight loss in people without type 2 diabetes. New formulations of these drugs have also made them more potent and easier to use.
How widely available are they?
Wegovy was approved for weight loss in several countries, including the US and Canada. Ozempic has been available for type 2 diabetes since 2019.
How effective are they?
Wegovy has shown a significant reduction in body weight, around 15%, over a year when combined with exercise and a healthy diet.
Do the drugs have any side effects?
Side effects can include nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and, rarely, inflammation of the pancreas.
How about hair loss?
Hair loss has been reported by some semaglutide users. This can also occur after significant weight loss from other causes, such as stomach surgery.
Do these drugs cause suicidal thoughts?
The European Medicines Agency is currently investigating whether GLP-1 analogues may cause thoughts of suicide or self-harm, based on reported experiences after starting these medications. The manufacturer of these drugs, Novo Nordisk, states that safety data from clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance has not demonstrated a causal association between these drugs and suicidal thoughts.
Do these drugs help with addictions?
There have been reports of people experiencing a decrease in addictive behaviors, such as alcohol cravings, while taking GLP-1 analogues. Animal research also suggests a lower consumption of alcohol and addictive drugs with the use of these drugs.
What happens to a user’s weight long-term?
In studies, people’s weight generally plateaued in the second year of using Wegovy. If the drug is stopped, weight regain is common.
