Understanding Ozempic — how GLP-1 has changed weight loss

After just a few years on the market, a new wave of GLP-1 drugs approved for weight loss have upended what we know about obesity.

By now, these are household names: Mounjaro. Wegovy. Zepbound… and yes, Ozempic.

A Kaiser Family Foundation poll found that one in 8 American adults reported trying a GLP-1 medication. “Body by Ozempic” has become a punchline on red carpets.

Doctors and regulators have a strong body of evidence that GLP-1 drugs are remarkably effective at promoting weight loss and controlling diabetes.

But new research looking at millions of patients in the VA medical system has suggested they may have surprising effects on a range of other medical conditions – from cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s to substance use disorder. The new data also found possible side effects that were not previously known. 

Soundside spoke with Dr. David Cummings, professor of medicine in the Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition at the University of Washington, about recent data dives into the widespread use of GLP-1 medications, and what those studies tell us about how we can rethink obesity. 

Guests: 

• Dr. David Cummings, professor of medicine in the Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition at the University of Washington.

Related Links: 

• Sweeping review suggests weight-loss drugs’ effect on 175 conditions - The Washington Post
• End of the Line for BMI? Experts Propose New Obesity Definition - Newsweek
• Most people quit Ozempic within one year. Here's why.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.