The titans of Weight Loss Decoded

28 December 2023

Click  here to watch the recording

Here are the cliff notes

i.e. An AI generated recap of the workshop

Objective

The objective of the meeting was to provide information about the weight loss drugs known as the “titans of weight loss,” specifically the drugs Ozempic and Wegovy. The presenter aimed to explain the history and development of these drugs, their mechanism of action, their approval status in different countries, and their potential benefits and risks.

Summary

  • The weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy belong to a group of drugs called the “semiglutides” and have been on the market since around 2017.
  • These drugs were originally used to treat type 2 diabetes but have now been approved for weight loss in some countries.
  • The drugs work by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate sugar levels and promote satiety.
  • The drugs have shown significant weight loss results in clinical trials, with some participants losing up to 20% of their body weight.
  • However, the drugs may have potential adverse effects, including digestive issues, increased heart rate, and potential long-term effects on the pancreas and eyes.
  • The drugs are not approved for weight loss in all countries, and their use in South Africa is considered “off-label.”

Action Items

  • Individuals interested in taking the weight loss drugs should consult with their doctors and consider their own health conditions and risks.
  • Doctors should carefully evaluate patients and consider the potential benefits and risks before prescribing the drugs.
  • Further research and monitoring of the drugs’ long-term effects and adverse reactions are needed.

Closing Remarks

The presenter emphasized the importance of considering the individual’s health and weighing the potential benefits and risks before deciding to take the weight loss drugs. Lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, should also be considered as part of a comprehensive weight loss approach. The presenter offered additional resources and a zip file of references for those interested in further reading.

More resources

Below are the slides for the main presentation.  

NOTE :  You may have to give BUTTER permission to see them. 

Use the BROCS framework to help make a decision that is “right” for you. 


Brocs

Some of the key references

Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med (2021) 384(11):989-1002. John P H Wilding, Rachel L Batterham, Salvatore Calanna, Melanie Davies, Luc F Van Gaal, Ildiko Lingvay, Barbara M McGowan, Julio Rosenstock, Marie T D Tran, Thomas A Wadden, Sean Wharton , Koutaro Yokote , Niels Zeuthen , Robert F Kushner ; STEP 1 Study Group

Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: The STEP 1 trial extension.  Diabetes Obes Metab  (2022) 24(8):1553-1564.  John P H Wilding, Rachel L Batterham, Melanie Davies, Luc F Van Gaal, Kristian Kandler, Katerina Konakli, Ildiko Lingvay, Barbara M McGowan, Tugce Kalayci Oral, Julio Rosenstock, Thomas A Wadden, Sean Wharton, Koutaro Yokote, Robert F Kushner; STEP 1 Study Group

If you want all the references I have put them in a zip file, drop me an e-mail and I will WETRANSFER it to you.

Need a little personal help ?

If you to work with me to explore ways to improve your body chemistry, click here to set up a meeting.