Advancement In Weight Loss Injections: What’s Next?

 

Losing weight is not an easy task, and maintaining lost weight is also another task with challenges. Over the years, many have hoped for a simple solution, like a magical pill. However, that doesn’t exist yet; weight loss injections such as Zepbund and WWegovy have brought us closer to a more effective weight loss solution. But according to experts, there’s still a lot of progress to be made. Let’s explore what’s happening in the world of weight loss injections and what could be next for treating obesity. So keep reading throughout the article, as we have more options for supporting your weight loss journey.

Targeting more hormones for better weight loss

The current lineup of weight loss injections includes medications like semaglutide (Wegovy and Ozempic), tirzepatide (Zepbound and Mounjaro), and liraglutide (Saxenda and Victoza). These drugs work by activating specific hormones in the gut to control hunger and manage blood sugar.

Semaglutide and liraglutide focus on one hormone receptor, but tirzepatide takes it a step further by targeting two, making it a “dual agonist.” According to Dr. Kurt Hong from Keck Medicine at USC, researchers are now working on drugs that can target even more hormones for improved results. One example is a potential “triple agonist” currently being developed, which could lead to even greater weight loss.

The upswing of injectable medications

Weight loss medicines have been available around for decades, but with the development of the healthcare sector, the newer injectable options are more effective and easier to use. Unlike older injectables that need daily administration, these new drugs can be taken weekly; this quality makes them more convenient for people who want lesser administration of injections and pain as well.

“With Zepbound, individuals have experienced weight loss of up to 20%–22% of their actual body weight,” according to Dr. Hong. These outcomes are comparable to the results achieved through bariatric surgery with non-invasive procedures like injectables.

Lesser side effects and lower costs

No doubt weight loss injections are more effective and provide fast results, but like other drugs, their side effects and cost matter for any individual. 

You may experience these side effects while using weight loss injections, like:

• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Reflux

Note: These issues affect about 10% to 20% of users, but health experts are working on ways to reduce these reactions.

Now the most common query is about the cost of the drug, which is another hurdle of your weight loss journey with injections. Cost is another hurdle. At present, the price of these medications around $1,200 per month without insurance. Additionally, there’s a shortage of supply due to high demand. Over time, as manufacturing ramps up and the drugs become more widely available, costs may decrease.

Some insurance companies don’t cover these medications unless the patient has a condition like diabetes. However, healthcare providers can sometimes suggest to insurers if patients can prove they have tried other methods, such as exercise and diet, without achievement.

Preventing muscle loss and weight regain

One challenge with weight loss injections is that many people regain weight if they stop using the medication. Another issue is that weight loss can include a loss of muscle mass, not just fat.

To tackle this, drug makers are exploring new options. For example, BioAge Labs is studying a medication called azelaprag, which may help preserve muscle while promoting fat loss when used alongside weight loss injections like Zepbound.

Beyond obesity: Treating other conditions

Interestingly, weight loss injections are showing promise in treating other health issues. For example, they have anti-inflammatory properties that may help with conditions like fatty liver disease.

Doctors are also exploring whether these medications can assist patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries, such as hip or knee replacements. By helping patients lose weight before surgery, these drugs could improve recovery outcomes.

What’s next for weight loss injections?

The field of weight loss treatments is evolving rapidly. Future advancements could include:

• Triple-agonist drugs: targeting more hormone receptors for even better results.
• Improved formulations: Reducing side effects and enhancing convenience.
• Broader applications: Using these drugs for conditions beyond weight loss, such as inflammation or surgical preparation.

As researchers continue to make breakthroughs, the hope is that these medications will become more accessible and effective for a wider range of patients.

Conclusion

Weight loss injections like Wegovy and Zepbound have revolutionized the way we think about treating obesity. While they aren’t perfect, they offer a less invasive alternative to surgery and significant results for many people. With ongoing research into new medications and improvements in affordability and side effects, the future of weight loss injections looks promising.

FAQs

1. What are weight loss injections?

Weight loss injections are medications like Wegovy and Zepbound that help control hunger and manage blood sugar by targeting specific hormones in the body. 

2. How effective are these injections?

Patients using medications like Zepbound have experienced up to 22% weight loss, comparable to bariatric surgery results. 

3. What are the common side effects of weight loss injections?

Side effects can include nausea, bloating, reflux, and diarrhea, affecting about 10% to 20% of users. 

4. Why are these drugs so expensive?

High demand and limited manufacturing capacity have driven up the cost. Insurance coverage can also vary, making the medications inaccessible for some patients. 

5. Are new weight-loss drugs being developed?

Yes, researchers are working on triple-agonist drugs and other innovations to improve effectiveness, reduce side effects, and address issues like muscle loss and weight regain.