The Future of Weight Loss Drugs

By: Scottsdale Weight Loss Center

Published: May 9, 2021

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Craig Primack MD, FACP, FAAP, FOMA

There are already some great weight loss drugs on the market, but there are more to come. If you start to incorporate these drugs into your weight loss program, you are sure to see results.

Incretin Hormones

The most powerful weight loss drug is currently glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1).

GLP-1 is an incretin hormone that discharges from the intestine after absorbing glucose and other nutrients. It stimulates insulin secretion from the pancreas. The second primary incretin is Gastric inhibitory Polypeptide (GIP) which has insulin stimulating effects like GLP-1.

Both GLP-1 and GIP are considered gut hormones and are both involved in the control of appetite.

Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide

In February 2020, a NEJM study was published showing that a specific GLP-1 drug with semaglutide at 2.4mg, was quite effective in weight loss. Since 2018, semaglutide (Wegovy™) has been approved for the treatment of diabetes at doses of up to 1mg. We are now waiting for its approval to treat weight loss at 2.4mg.

More recently, a study with a dual agonist with effects of both GLP-1 and GIP was released. This combo drug is called tirzepatide but has not been approved by the FDA yet.

Tirzepatide was shown to lower blood sugar levels and increase weight loss effects with 3 doses: 5, 10, and 15mg. It is considered to be slightly better than semaglutide (Ozempic®) for weight loss at its 1mg dose.

tirzepatide vs semaglutide

While we wait for the approval of Tirzepatide, Novo Nordisk has filed for the use of Ozempic® of up to 2mg for diabetes. GLP-1 and GIP can both have stomach-related side effects such as nausea, heartburn, constipation, and diarrhea. It is believed that because of these side effects, only 20-30% of users may be able to increase tirzepatide to its 10 or 20 mg doses.

What’s to Come of Weight Loss Drugs

Although we have second-generation weight loss drugs on the market, none of them stand out as revolutionary. However, there is still a lot of promise in the future for these two drugs as powerful anti-obesity medications.

Obesity is a serious, chronic disease but it is treatable. Be sure to incorporate prescription drugs into your weight loss program to make it more manageable.

Source:
https://www.fiercepharma.com/marketing/so-lilly-has-its-ozempic-beating-data-from-a-head-to-head-diabetes-trial-should-novo (Accessed 3-21, 2021)

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Nick's Story

"I wish I would have come here first. We spend all our time reacting to the next great weight loss tip or program. It might work for a while, but does not last and we end up yo-yoing from one fad to the next – as we gain more weight." Read More

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Lost 44.5 lbs

"I had no trouble adhering to the meals and they really helped catapult my progress! The classes were so beneficial to me because they helped change my thinking about how I viewed health, nutrition, and fitness.

I will always have my relationship with Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. They truly helped me change my life forever." Read More

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Lost 60 lbs

"Dr. Ziltzer and everyone who I have come in contact with at the Scottsdale Weight Loss office have been so encouraging and I look forward to seeing them each week. It is now a year and 2 months later since I started. I am down 60 lbs., which is the average amount a 9-year-old weighs, it is crazy to think I lost a whole person! I feel amazing, I hit my goal weight in November 2021 just before Thanksgiving. Nothing on my body hurts anymore..." Read More

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Lost 66 lbs

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   Andi K 
 5 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I landed at Scottsdale Weight Loss 13 years ago and lost 50 pounds….regained 10 and then lost them again, plus another 20.  It is a great program, and all the professionals are amazing and caring.
     
   Mj W 
 11 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. SWL has been a God send to me! Dr. Guzman & staff especially Lilia & Bianca! They’re so supportive & professional I have lost approx 50 pounds over the year at my own pace.
     
   Donna L 
 13 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great place 30 lbs.and counting thank you And now it is over 40 lbs. and counting thank you great job
     
   John J 
 29 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr Robert Ziltzer! He helped me reach my ideal weight and more importantly maintain it for over 2 years. He has also helped me keep my blood pressure exactly where my internist wanted it. Dr Ziltzer is not only exceptional in weight management but also a truly gifted internet’s. His knowledge, kindness, and dedication are remarkable. I am deeply grateful for his care and recommend him whole heartedly!
     
   Merle S 
 36 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The staff at the Phoenix office are great! My experience with Dr deGuzman has been wonderful. Miriam has always been very helpful and makes the office visits pleasant and personal. The medical assistants have always been professional and great to help meet my goals.
     
   Paula S 
 39 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really felt comfortable with Kristen at my initial appointment.  Everyone at the center was caring and friendly, from Bianca, at the front desk, to Lily, who is the MA.  Kristen listened to my frustrations and prior disappointments about what has not worked, and is confident that she can help me achieve my goals of weight loss.  I am looking forward and excited to see the success I will attain.
     
   Joyce K 
 46 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My weight loss is going well because of Scottsdale Weight Loss Center.  I couldn’t do it without them
     
   Robert D 
 48 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing staff and great program!  Feeling great!
     
   Brian H 
 50 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'd lost 20 pounds on my own and struggled to keep it off.  I decided GLP-1 meds were the next step in losing more and keeping it off.  I wanted a medical doctor supervised program and chose SWLC. I am so very glad I did!  The team in Glendale is so supportive and kind; and when I feel discouraged, they pick me up with positive energy and input.  They really do a great job with encouragement all the time. 6 weeks in I've lost 17 pounds, and am approaching weight loss with a very new perspective.  Also knowing that when I reach my target goal, they'll be there through maintenance and beyond is encouraging as well.  Good to not feel alone on this journey.
     
   Stephanie P 
 64 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They have encouraged and been there through every tough situation. Definitely the team to lean on.
     
   Theresa G 
 69 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone is pretty amazing but Kim the NP is absolutely one of the best practitioners I’ve ever met !
     
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 70 days ago
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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