A recent study published in JAMA Network sheds light on the effectiveness of two popular injectable weight loss medications—semaglutide and liraglutide—while highlighting key factors that contribute to successful weight reduction. This research analyzed real-world data from 3,389 adults with obesity who began treatment between July 2015 and June 2022.
The findings indicate that patients using semaglutide experienced a mean weight loss of 5.1% over the course of one year, compared to a 2.2% weight reduction among those using liraglutide. Several factors were identified as being positively associated with achieving a weight loss of 10% or more, including:
- Use of semaglutide over liraglutide
- Higher maintenance dosages
- Treatment specifically for obesity rather than type 2 diabetes
- Duration of medication use, with longer treatment periods correlating to greater weight loss
- Higher initial body mass index (BMI)
- Female gender
Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, mimics the effects of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone, which is released in response to food intake. This hormone promotes insulin secretion and helps regulate blood sugar levels while also contributing to increased feelings of fullness, aiding weight loss.
Liraglutide, the first once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist, functions similarly by stimulating insulin release and slowing gastric emptying, which can reduce appetite. Both medications are typically prescribed for managing diabetes but have gained attention for their weight loss benefits.
Dr. Hamlet Gasoyan, the study’s lead author from the Cleveland Clinic, noted the variability in long-term weight reduction linked to medication type, dosage, and patient persistence. “Having real-world data can help manage expectations regarding weight loss with GLP-1 receptor agonists and reinforce the importance of adherence for achieving significant results,” he stated.
The study cohort included a diverse demographic, with 54.7% of participants being female and an average baseline BMI of 38.5. Additionally, 82.2% of participants had type 2 diabetes as a reason for treatment. Most patients were privately insured, with others on Medicare or Medicaid.
The research also highlights the potential health benefits of weight loss, especially in relation to cancer risk. Obesity is associated with an increased likelihood of developing several cancers, and losing weight can help mitigate these risks. Dr. Andrea Tufano-Sugarman from NYU Langone Health emphasizes that while not all cancers can be prevented, weight loss is a significant factor in reducing the risk, particularly for women concerning breast and endometrial cancers.
Overall, this study provides critical insights for patients and healthcare providers, emphasizing the importance of medication choice, dosage, treatment duration, and the significant role of gender in weight loss outcomes. As obesity continues to be a pressing public health issue, understanding these factors will be essential for tailoring effective treatment plans.
