Weight-Loss Drugs: What You Need to Know

In healthcare—a world where innovations and advances make headlines on a regular basis—one topic might be hotter now than any other: weight-loss drugs. Specifically, those newer to the market, including semaglutide injection (known by the brand names Ozempic^® and Wegovy^®) and tirzepatide injection (known as Mounjaro^® and Zepbound^®).  

These medications belong to a class known as GLP-1 agonists, which control the hormones that drive hunger—specifically insulin, which keeps blood sugar levels within the normal range. Originally, the GLP-1 agonists were created to treat type 2 diabetes; however, it was quickly discovered that they had a welcome side effect of weight loss. 

Whereas some of the previous diabetes medications caused indiscriminate release of insulin, which lowered blood sugar levels but caused many people to gain weight by sending hunger out of control, the GLP-1 agonists only allow for so much insulin to be released after a meal.

What is most encouraging, perhaps, is that data came out rather quickly showing that these medications can help reduce cardiovascular risk¹. 

“I’ve made the bold statement that I think these medications will be responsible for bending the curve downward for cardiovascular death, and I think we’ll begin to see that trend sooner, hopefully, rather than later,” Radley Griffin, M.D., states.

Like with any medication, these GLP-1 agonists are not for everyone, and having that close relationship with your Griffin Concierge Medical physician is key to determining if they are right for you. For the majority of our patients of age, we’ll order a coronary artery test, and if we see any plaque present, especially in the form of soft plaque (as opposed to calcified plaque), we put these medications on the list of treatment considerations. We’re focused on prevention—identifying early signs of disease and helping you mitigate these risks.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Weight-Loss Drugs

A monumental impact of GLP-1 agonists is due to their anti-inflammatory effect. 

A new study has shown that semaglutide reduced COVID-19 related deaths in patients with obesity and cardiovascular disease². This is telling because we know that many people who died from COVID had a massive inflammatory reaction. 

Patients being treated with GLP-1 agonists had significantly reduced risks of 10 types of cancers, according to research³. Inflammation is a common marker when it comes to many types of cancers. 

We can speculate about the future potential of GLP-1 agonists on autoimmune diseases, due to their anti-inflammatory properties. There is growing attention on this, and literature supports a possible emerging role⁴. 

Another exciting aspect of these medications is their potential to halt the progression of the neurodegenerative diseases Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. A recent study found that an anti-inflammatory diet led to a lower risk of dementia in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart disease⁵. The impact of GLP-1 agonists on these diseases is actively being studied.

Additional Benefits of Weight-Loss Drugs

GLP-1 agonists are being cited for other possible benefits, including curbing addictions. There is strong interplay between insulin and the interaction on the brain, explains Dr. Griffin. How much anxiety this hormone is provoking on a daily basis is probably a lot more than we realize. When we suppress or control the insulin hormone, people may notice that their brains are calming down at the same time and, therefore, experiencing less cravings.

Possible Concerns of Weight-Loss Drugs

When GLP-1 agonists first came out, there was an association with increased risk of thyroid cancer. More recently, literature has emerged that does not support this premise⁶, which is encouraging, especially for patients who have thyroid concerns.

Recent literature has also indicated that muscle loss may have been overstated with these medications⁷, which is also reassuring.

Common side effects of these medications include nausea, vomiting, and constipation and should be considered and monitored when taking them. We are becoming more knowledgeable about this class of drugs and may recommend that a patient switch to a different medication to see if it is better tolerated.

Personalized Strategy

Contrary to what many people believe, these medications are not necessarily a lifelong commitment.

“I look at these medications as a tool. In my opinion, type 2 diabetes is curable, so in our practice, we look to use them to cure the disease and then decide what the continuing cadence looks like,” says Dr. Griffin. “We take an individualized approach and devise a strategy for each person that works specifically for them.”

In the case of coronary disease, our Griffin physicians will potentially recommend these medications for our patients until we see stability with their coronary disease. Each case is different, and treatment plans depend on the type of progress each patient has made. We use these medications to help us achieve a particular result, and they can be started, held, or discontinued, depending on the results. That’s where the strong relationships between our patients and our physicians come into play, so, together, we can come up with a game plan.

Dr. Griffin considers these medications as a form of empowerment: “It’s sometimes hard for people to be disciplined in losing weight, to establish that habit of exercising. If we can move the needle a little bit with some weight loss—even 10 pounds–it can empower them to get out and walk or work out, so they can establish a routine to keep losing weight.”

Sometimes empowerment can be psychological, according to Dr. Griffin. People on these medications have reported feeling free and that their thoughts are no longer dominated by the guilt and anxiety commonly associated with food.

Conclusion

These medications could be an important tool for prevention and longevity, especially when it comes to knocking cardiovascular disease out of that number 1 spot of the leading cause of death.

“We have been using GLP-1 agonists for a long time and have experience with their effectiveness and adverse reactions. I’m excited to see how they can be used strategically in other areas outside of treating diabetes, heart disease, and weight loss,” says Dr. Griffin.

Do you have questions about these medications or want to discuss any health concerns with your Griffin physician? Contact your Patient Care Coordinator to schedule an appointment or call us at 813-350-9090.

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Griffin Concierge Medical is a leader in concierge medicine in South Tampa and St. Petersburg. We partner with you to elevate your healthcare experience through a personalized approach and 24/7 access to your dedicated care team.