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Ishita Roy

Doctor Explains Why Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic Are Truly A Medical Breakthrough

How Do GLP-1 Drugs Work?

<span>Ozempic</span>, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and many more such popular <span>weight loss drugs</span> are now making headlines. They are also dominating social media, dinner table conversation and many more. But, is Ozempic truly a medical breakthrough, a miracle drug? Dr Shubham Vatsya, a gastroenterologist, and hepatologist at Fortis Vasant Kunj explains how did this drug change the weight loss struggle that many people face. 

<h2>Why Is GLP-1 Drug A Medical Breakthrough?</h2>

Dr Vatsya explains that it took 20 years of research for scientists to come up with these medicines. This drug underwent proper lengthy trials, and have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), "which is not obtained by giving any bribe".

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/fitness/fact-check-is-weight-lifting-safe-for-teens-an-expert-explains-the-risks-and-safer-alternatives-article-153475828" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Fact Check: Is Weight Lifting Safe for Teens? An Expert Explains the Risks and Safer Alternatives</a>

He also noted that when a person is not able to lose weight, Ozempic and drugs alike give a "head start" to them, along with a hope. 

Talking about side effects, he says that every drug has its side effects, this is where a doctor's role comes in. 

"Now, the person who is not able to lose weight, if you tell him 'you hit 100 kg bench press', he will break his shoulder. He needs a kickstart somewhere. This is what weight loss drugs allow," he says. 

He also points out that the scientists who made GLP-1 agonists got a Nobel Prize, which "cannot be a scam". This is what makes weight loss drugs truly different. 

<h2>What Are <span rel="noindex">GLP-1 Drugs</span>?</h2>

GLP-1 Drugs stand for Glucagon-like peptide 1, a naturally occurring hormones that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite after eating. It was first identified almost 50 years ago and scientists have since uncovered its role in type 2 diabetes.

Almost two decades of research went behind it that led to the development of GLP-1 agonists. It was in 2005, when the first GLP-1 medication, exenatide was approved.

Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/could-you-become-addicted-to-your-weight-loss-drugs-article-153398324" data-type="tilCustomLink">Could You Become Addicted To Your Weight Loss Drugs?</a> 

<h3>These medications have three main functions:</h3>

<ul><li>Stimulating the pancreas to release insulin</li><li>Slow the transit of food in the stomach to help people feel fuller for longer after a meal</li><li>Act on areas of the brain that regulates hunger and fullness, leading to smaller portion sizes and reducing cravings</li></ul>

Popular drugs like Ozempic and Wgovy, which have semaglutide, which is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, or tirzepatide found in Zepbound and Mounjaro are FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and weight loss.

These drugs work by binding GLP-1 receptors in the body, which in return increase insulin production in response to food intake and suppress glucagon, a hormones that raises blood sugar.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/how-weight-loss-drugs-change-ones-relationship-with-food-article-151152211" data-type="tilCustomLink">How Weight Loss Drugs Change Ones Relationship With Food?</a>

<h2>Are The Popular Weight Loss Drugs Addictive?</h2>

There is currently no data suggesting that GLP-1 medications cause physiological addiction. Interestingly, some research suggests they may even reduce cravings related to alcohol or opioid use. That directly contradicts the idea that these drugs hijack the brain’s reward system in a traditional addictive way.

Still, wanting or feeling unable to stop a medication because of fear of weight regain or loss of control is very real. That experience should not be dismissed, even if it is not addiction in the clinical sense.

These medications are meant to support long-term habit change, not replace it. Nutrition, movement, sleep, and a healthier relationship with food are meant to develop alongside the medication. When people reach their goal weight, doctors may suggest tapering the dose slowly or moving to a lower maintenance schedule rather than stopping abruptly.

Stopping suddenly can make hunger feel overwhelming. A gradual transition allows the body and mind time to adjust. Some people do successfully maintain weight loss without the medication, but it usually requires strong lifestyle foundations first.

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Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and many more such popular weight loss drugs are now making headlines. They are also dominating social media, dinner table conversation and many more. But, is Ozempic truly a medical breakthrough, a miracle drug? Dr Shubham Vatsya, a gastroenterologist, and hepatologist at Fortis Vasant Kunj explains how did this drug change the weight loss struggle that many people face. Why Is GLP-1 Drug A Medical Breakthrough?Dr Vatsya explains that it took 20 years of research for scientists to come up with these medicines. This drug underwent proper lengthy trials, and have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), "which is not obtained by giving any bribe".Also Read: Fact Check: Is Weight Lifting Safe for Teens? An Expert Explains the Risks and Safer Alternatives He also noted that when a person is not able to lose weight, Ozempic and drugs alike give a "head start" to them, along with a hope. Talking about side effects, he says that every drug has its side effects, this is where a doctor's role comes in. "Now, the person who is not able to lose weight, if you tell him 'you hit 100 kg bench press', he will break his shoulder. He needs a kickstart somewhere. This is what weight loss drugs allow," he says. He also points out that the scientists who made GLP-1 agonists got a Nobel Prize, which "cannot be a scam". This is what makes weight loss drugs truly different. What Are GLP-1 Drugs?GLP-1 Drugs stand for Glucagon-like peptide 1, a naturally occurring hormones that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite after eating. It was first identified almost 50 years ago and scientists have since uncovered its role in type 2 diabetes.            View this post on Instagram            A post shared by Nachiket Bhatia (@dr.nachiketbhatia)]]> Almost two decades of research went behind it that led to the development of GLP-1 agonists. It was in 2005, when the first GLP-1 medication, exenatide was approved.Read: Could You Become Addicted To Your Weight Loss Drugs? These medications have three main functions:    Stimulating the pancreas to release insulinSlow the transit of food in the stomach to help people feel fuller for longer after a mealAct on areas of the brain that regulates hunger and fullness, leading to smaller portion sizes and reducing cravingsPopular drugs like Ozempic and Wgovy, which have semaglutide, which is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, or tirzepatide found in Zepbound and Mounjaro are FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and weight loss.These drugs work by binding GLP-1 receptors in the body, which in return increase insulin production in response to food intake and suppress glucagon, a hormones that raises blood sugar.Also Read: How Weight Loss Drugs Change Ones Relationship With Food?Are The Popular Weight Loss Drugs Addictive?There is currently no data suggesting that GLP-1 medications cause physiological addiction. Interestingly, some research suggests they may even reduce cravings related to alcohol or opioid use. That directly contradicts the idea that these drugs hijack the brain’s reward system in a traditional addictive way.Still, wanting or feeling unable to stop a medication because of fear of weight regain or loss of control is very real. That experience should not be dismissed, even if it is not addiction in the clinical sense.These medications are meant to support long-term habit change, not replace it. Nutrition, movement, sleep, and a healthier relationship with food are meant to develop alongside the medication. When people reach their goal weight, doctors may suggest tapering the dose slowly or moving to a lower maintenance schedule rather than stopping abruptly.Stopping suddenly can make hunger feel overwhelming. A gradual transition allows the body and mind time to adjust. Some people do successfully maintain weight loss without the medication, but it usually requires strong lifestyle foundations first.