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

Episode description

View the Show Notes Page for This Episode

Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content

Sign Up to Receive Peter’s Weekly Newsletter

In this “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) episode, Peter dives back into the increasingly popular topic of GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, which have garnered widespread attention for their ability to promote weight loss. Peter covers the latest findings in this rapidly evolving landscape, including new insights into their long-term efficacy, side effects, and what happens when the drug is discontinued. Peter also explores their impact on body composition and how resistance training interacts with these treatments. Additionally, he compares different GLP-1 receptor agonists and discusses promising new drugs in the pipeline. Finally, Peter addresses questions about the role of compounding pharmacies in the GLP-1 agonist market, compares oral vs. injectable options, and provides key considerations for anyone deciding whether to use a GLP-1 agonist for weight loss.

If you’re not a subscriber and are listening on a podcast player, you’ll only be able to hear a preview of the AMA. If you’re a subscriber, you can now listen to this full episode on your private RSS feed or our website at the AMA #64 show notes page. If you are not a subscriber, you can learn more about the subscriber benefits here.

We discuss:

  • The rapidly evolving landscape of GLP-1 agonists [2:15];

  • The mechanism of GLP-1 agonists, their origin as diabetes treatments, and how they evolved into weight-loss drugs [6:45];

  • Overview of new data and open questions related to the benefits and risks of GLP-1 agonists [10:30];

  • New insights into the long-term safety of GLP-1 agonists, side effects, and more [16:45];

  • The long-term efficacy of GLP-1 agonists, financial barriers, and more [19:45];

  • The mechanisms behind GLP-1 agonists' ability to promote weight loss [22:00];

  • New data o

Episode description

View the Show Notes Page for This Episode

Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content

Sign Up to Receive Peter’s Weekly Newsletter

In this “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) episode, Peter dives back into the increasingly popular topic of GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, which have garnered widespread attention for their ability to promote weight loss. Peter covers the latest findings in this rapidly evolving landscape, including new insights into their long-term efficacy, side effects, and what happens when the drug is discontinued. Peter also explores their impact on body composition and how resistance training interacts with these treatments. Additionally, he compares different GLP-1 receptor agonists and discusses promising new drugs in the pipeline. Finally, Peter addresses questions about the role of compounding pharmacies in the GLP-1 agonist market, compares oral vs. injectable options, and provides key considerations for anyone deciding whether to use a GLP-1 agonist for weight loss.

If you’re not a subscriber and are listening on a podcast player, you’ll only be able to hear a preview of the AMA. If you’re a subscriber, you can now listen to this full episode on your private RSS feed or our website at the AMA #64 show notes page. If you are not a subscriber, you can learn more about the subscriber benefits here.

We discuss:

  • The rapidly evolving landscape of GLP-1 agonists [2:15];

  • The mechanism of GLP-1 agonists, their origin as diabetes treatments, and how they evolved into weight-loss drugs [6:45];

  • Overview of new data and open questions related to the benefits and risks of GLP-1 agonists [10:30];

  • New insights into the long-term safety of GLP-1 agonists, side effects, and more [16:45];

  • The long-term efficacy of GLP-1 agonists, financial barriers, and more [19:45];

  • The mechanisms behind GLP-1 agonists' ability to promote weight loss [22:00];

  • New data o

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.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Unlock the wisdom of longevity

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Unlock the wisdom of longevity

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Unlock the wisdom of longevity

Unlock the wisdom of longevity

© Mindsip 2025 – Made with ❤ in Vilnius

Unlock the wisdom of longevity

© Mindsip 2025 – Made with ❤ in Vilnius