Recent research from St Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin has unveiled that weight-loss injections such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro may offer more than just appetite suppression. The study highlights a significant enhancement in metabolic activity associated with these drugs, challenging the prevailing notion that their primary function is merely to reduce food intake.
The investigation, detailed in the Journal of the Obesity Society, involved a randomized controlled trial with 30 participants and focused on medications based on the hormone Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1). The results indicate a notable correlation between increased metabolic activity and weight loss in individuals undergoing daily GLP-1 treatment. Importantly, those with lower metabolic rates before beginning the treatment exhibited the most substantial benefits.
Prof. Donal O’Shea from St Vincent’s University Hospital and the UCD School of Medicine emphasized the study’s implications. “This research challenges the prevailing assumption that these newer treatments only reduce appetite with minimal impact on energy expenditure,” said Prof. O’Shea. “The significant association between metabolic activity and weight loss suggests that these drugs may play a crucial role in enhancing energy expenditure.”
The study utilized advanced imaging techniques, including Pet-CT scans, to assess abdominal fat before and after six months of GLP-1 treatment. The findings suggest that the drugs contribute to weight loss by increasing metabolic activity, rather than solely reducing caloric intake.
Prof. O’Shea expressed enthusiasm about the insights gained, stating, “It always seemed overly simplistic to attribute the effects of these treatments solely to reduced food intake. This study represents a significant advancement in understanding how these medications function in obesity management.”
The popularity of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic has surged in recent years, with high-profile figures including Elon Musk, Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg, and Rebel Wilson publicly acknowledging their use. Approved for use in the US in 2017 and the EU in 2018, Ozempic’s rapid rise in prescriptions—reaching 20 million in the US in 2023, a 5,000 percent increase from 2018—has led to global shortages and concerns about counterfeit products.
Prof. O’Shea underscores the need for further research, stating, “Safe and effective treatment for obesity is still developing. Understanding how these medications increase energy expenditure is vital for optimizing their use and advancing our approach to obesity treatment.”
