GLP-1 analogues like semaglutide which are commercially known as Ozempic and Wegovy are used for weight loss and treating Type 2 diabetes. Apart from the remarkable benefits they have shown for weight loss and treating diabetes, these drugs have also proved to be effective in treating cardiovascular diseases due to which they are being researched quite often.
Recent studies have shown that GLP -1 analogues help reduce calorie intake in humans which in turn helps avoid the above-mentioned diseases.Â
GLP -1 analogues imitate a natural hormone similar to the one that is secreted by our intestines post eating a meal. This hormone helps in regulating blood sugar levels since it stimulates insulin release.
Earlier these drugs were only prescribed for diabetes patients due to a significant impact on insulin. But as of today, the drug is also used for weight loss since it has been proven to keep the stomach full for long and eliminate the need to eat very often.Â
Apart from weight loss, researchers say that the drugs can be used for treating heart attacks and cancers. While these drugs are proven to be quite effective, they are not without side effects like stomach upset and nausea.
Even though these side effects can be concerning for some people researchers say that the drug’s ability to restrict calorie intake which assists in sustained weight loss is incomparable.
Patients have also reported a significant change in their food habits which includes minimal cravings and a diminished desire to eat oily or spicy food. However, the drug has not affected their overall composition of diet and macronutrients.
Thus, it can be concluded that even though the diet of a person taking this drug is influenced, the nutrients are not significantly altered. Â
Researchers today are trying to figure out the workings of these drugs. A study published in the International Journal of Obesity has found significant aspects of semaglutide and GLP-1 analogues and their interaction with the brain’s appetite and rewards center.
Even though these drugs do not cross the blood-brain barrier, they can modify pathways related to appetite within the CNS (central nervous system). Researchers conclude that this helps in reducing appetite or minimizes cravings.Â
The treatment options for obesity are improving and it can be said that more medications will be available shortly. Researchers are looking at behavioural mechanisms which prove the impact of obesity medicines on digestive behaviors.
This will help them refine treatment strategies in the future, going to the extent of customizing each strategy according to individual needs. Recent studies have also shown that the intake of low to high ranges of sucrose might increase after semaglutide treatments in animals.
The ingestive behaviors among humans also need to be studied to get a definitive finding in the future. The focus of further research should also be on weight maintenance because a lack of such knowledge harbors unrealistic expectations from everyone involved in the treatment.Â
Journal Reference-Bettadapura, S., Dowling, K., Jablon, K., Al-Humadi, A. W., & le Roux, C. W. (2024). Changes in food preferences and ingestive behaviors after glucagon-like peptide-1 analog treatment: techniques and opportunities.
Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41366-024-01500-y#Sec9Â
