All articles tagged with #glp 1s
Pharma firms are racing to bring pill-form GLP-1 weight-loss drugs to market, with aleniglipron and elecoglipron delivering about 11–12% weight loss over 36 weeks in Phase II, thanks to absorption-enhancers or small-molecule designs, while other candidates like Roche CT-996, Ascletis ASC30, and Viking VK2735 are in development. Even if approved, competition could lower prices and expand options beyond injections like Ozempic/Wegovy.
A large retrospective study across 170 centers found that people with type 2 diabetes using GLP-1 drugs (such as semaglutide found in Ozempic/Wegovy) were about 48% more likely to be diagnosed with smell or taste disturbances than non-users, though the absolute risk is tiny (0.37% vs 0.22%). The findings do not prove causation and call for more research, but clinicians and patients should monitor for anosmia, parosmia, and parageusia, as these could affect diet and quality of life; potential mechanisms may involve GLP-1 receptors in the brain and olfactory system, and early detection could enable interventions like olfactory training.
A University of Louisville–led study published in JAMA Psychiatry finds that among people with eating disorders, about 32% have used GLP-1 medications (e.g., semaglutide in Ozempic/Wegovy) at some point, and roughly 22% are current users—rates much higher than the general public—while about 10% report misuse (such as higher or non-prescribed dosages or sharing). GLP-1s are not indicated for eating disorders, and some individuals may be using them to achieve rapid weight loss or extreme restriction. The researchers emphasize the need for stricter pharmacovigilance as GLP-1 products broaden in form and market reach.
Using All of Us data, researchers analyzed 753 obesity patients prescribed GLP-1 medications (including semaglutide/Ozempic and tirzepatide) who had Fitbit data before/after starting therapy. After initiation, average daily steps fell from 5,047 to 4,487 and moderate-to-vigorous activity dropped from 28 minutes to 22 minutes, suggesting exercise promotion should accompany pharmacologic treatment. The findings are preliminary (to be presented at ENDO 2026) and older adults or those with musculoskeletal pain may be at higher risk for muscle loss.
A Danish Lancet trial found the GLP-1 drug semaglutide reduced alcohol consumption and heavy drinking days over 26 weeks, adding to a growing body of research that GLP-1s may curb cravings for various substances. However, these drugs are not approved for alcohol use disorder and are prescribed today for diabetes or obesity; ongoing studies in the U.S. and elsewhere are exploring effects on other addictions and whether benefits persist after stopping treatment. If future trials confirm efficacy and safety, GLP-1s could become a treatment option pending regulatory approval.
New EPIC Research trackers using COSMOS data show GLP-1 prescriptions have risen fourfold since 2021, while obesity within the dataset declined from 42% to 41%, with GLP-1 users seeing a bigger drop (75% to 69%). While not nationally representative, the trend aligns with CDC estimates and other surveys that show rising GLP-1 use. Barriers like side effects, cost, and insurance limit adoption (about 12% of Americans), and cheaper generics abroad could arrive in five years. If adoption continues, obesity could decline further, though long-term effects remain uncertain.
A Glamour-style piece documents how GLP-1 drugs once reserved for medical weight management are being used off-label for cosmetic goals, including compounded versions and microdosing via telehealth. It weaves patient anecdotes with medical perspectives, highlights risks like side effects and gut–microbiome effects, and shows a growing push-pull between health benefits and the influencer-driven hype. The author begins a low-dose Zepbound plan under a doctor’s supervision and reports initial weight loss, while stressing the need for cautious, evidence-based use as these drugs become more accessible.
The Looker examines the growing use of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic among people who are already underweight or of normal BMI. Experts warn that using GLP-1s outside approved indications can trigger nutritional deficiencies, hormonal disruption, and loss of bone or muscle, and may worsen disordered eating or body-image issues. While celebrities discuss dramatic weight loss, clinicians emphasize these meds are not cosmetic supplements and should be used only under medical supervision. The piece also notes the social and mental-health implications and encourages seeking professional help for disordered eating.
Nutritionist Rob Hobson says people on GLP-1s should anchor meals in high-quality protein and pack nutrient-dense foods to counter reduced appetite. His Rule of Four—protein, a colorful fruit or vegetable, a healthy fat, and a whole-food carbohydrate—guides a day of meals, including breakfast options like a protein smoothie or eggs; lunches such as Buddha bowls with chicken or tofu and quinoa or tuna bowls; dinners like broth-based chicken noodle bowls, eggplant curry, or salmon with quinoa; and snacks focused on protein like edamame, cottage cheese with berries, or yogurt with granola. The aim is to maintain muscle, metabolism, and gut health with smaller, nutrient-dense portions.”,
A viral claim that GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic) shred bones isn’t supported. A preliminary AAOS presentation linked GLP-1 use with higher rates of osteoporosis and osteomalacia, but the absolute numbers were small (about 4% and 2%), and weight loss itself may drive risk. Doctors advise monitoring bone health and preventive steps (calcium, vitamin D, strength training). Another study at the same conference suggested GLP-1s could reduce some postoperative complications in orthopedic patients. GLP-1s have GI side effects and potential eye risks, but their overall benefits for obesity and diabetes remain substantial; the key is weighing benefits against risks with a clinician and avoiding sensational myths.
A large VA study found that staying on GLP-1 medications (such as semaglutide) for at least two years lowers major cardiovascular events by about 18% versus controls, but stopping the therapy leads to a rapid rebound in risk within six months—worsened by cost, side effects, and access barriers—highlighting the need for long-term maintenance and affordable access to these drugs.
Novo Nordisk and Hims ended their dispute and formed a partnership in which Hims will sell Ozempic and Wegovy at Novo’s price, while Novo Nordisk dropped its lawsuit; the deal aims to curb compounded GLP-1 copycats and ease access as FDA scrutiny and price reductions reshape the market, though affordability and access remain uneven for many patients.
Eli Lilly beat Q4 estimates with adjusted EPS of $7.54 and revenue of $19.29B (up 43%), and issued 2026 guidance of $80-83B in revenue and $33.50-35 in EPS, powered by robust GLP-1 demand for Zepbound and Mounjaro. U.S. sales reached $12.9B with volume up about 50% while prices moderated. Lilly faces competition from Novo Nordisk and highlighted pricing steps under a 2026 deal with Medicare/Medicaid and a direct-to-consumer TrumpRx platform, with most pricing moves expected early in 2026 and volume growth ramping in the second half. The company is also pursuing an oral weight-loss drug, orforglipron, later this year.
Linda Yaccarino, former CEO of X, has been appointed as the CEO of eMed Population Health, an AI startup focusing on health technology related to GLP-1 drugs for weight management and diabetes, leveraging her negotiation skills and tech industry recognition to lead the company's efforts to improve global healthcare outcomes.
The rise of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic has drawn comparisons to the infamous fen-phen, but there are key differences. While fen-phen was a combination of appetite suppressants linked to severe heart problems, newer drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide work differently as part of the incretin class, mimicking hormones to regulate hunger and metabolism. Large-scale clinical trials have shown that these drugs help obese people lose substantial weight and reduce the risk of heart and kidney problems, but they also come with potential side effects and supply issues. The lesson from the fen-phen crisis is that every approved medical treatment has its risks, and it's crucial for doctors, regulators, and the public to weigh the benefits against the potential risks.