AMA 64: New insights on GLP-1 agonists (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) - efficacy, benefits, risks, and considerations in the rapidly evolving weight-loss drug landscape
Peter Attia
Oct 7, 2024
Mindsip insights from this episode:
Leverage brain's influence in GLP-1 weight loss strategies
It's now believed that a significant portion of the weight loss from GLP-1 drugs comes from their direct action on the brain, stimulating satiety circuits and decreasing appetite-driving circuits.
Leverage GLP-1 agonists to enhance fat cell metabolism
GLP-1 agonists have a counterintuitive effect on fat tissue by increasing both glucose uptake and lipolysis (fat breakdown), which effectively increases the metabolic throughput of the fat cell.
Utilize DEXA scans to analyze body composition changes
Unlike early trials that only measured weight, new data from DEXA scans is now available to understand the specific effects of these drugs on body composition, such as muscle versus fat loss.
Anticipate promising outcomes from new drug in phase three trials
A new drug that is not yet approved but is currently in phase three trials appears to be pretty exciting and potentially more promising than current options.
Assess GLP-1 benefits beyond weight loss and glycemic control
The key question for other purported benefits of GLP-1s, like for dementia or sleep apnea, is whether the drug provides a benefit beyond what is expected from weight loss and improved glycemic control alone.
Investigate GLP-1 agonists' impact on addictive behaviors
An emerging topic of interest is the role that GLP-1 agonist drugs may have on addictions or addictive behaviors, which was not previously a major point of discussion.
Reevaluate opinions on semaglutide based on new data
An expert's opinion on semaglutide has changed significantly over the past few years due to new data, and he no longer agrees with some of his own past statements.
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