Injectable prescription drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are gaining popularity for weight loss. A recent study from the Cleveland Clinic, published on September 13, 2024, reveals which patients see the most success with these medications.
The research indicates that women using Wegovy have the highest chances of losing 10% or more of their body weight within a year.
Key takeaways:
- Wegovy users have the best weight loss results.
- Semaglutide leads to greater weight loss than liraglutide.
- Higher doses result in more significant weight loss.
- Longer treatment duration improves weight loss outcomes.
Research Highlights: Which Ozempic-like Drugs Cause the Most Weight Loss?
The Cleveland Clinic’s study analyzed data from over 3,400 obese adults who received GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and liraglutide. The findings suggest that women taking Wegovy are more likely to achieve significant weight loss compared to other groups. On average, semaglutide users lost 5.1% of their body weight, while liraglutide users lost only 2.2%. Importantly, a higher dosage of these medications resulted in a more substantial weight drop.
Understanding GLP-1 Medications and Their Impact on Weight Loss
GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate appetite. The Cleveland Clinic study found that those using these drugs for obesity experienced better outcomes than those using them for diabetes. Key points include:
- 61% of long-term semaglutide users for obesity lost 10% or more of their weight.
- Only 12.3% of liraglutide users for diabetes reached the same milestone.
- Longer treatment durations correlate with greater weight loss.
Comparing Semaglutide and Liraglutide for Weight Loss
Semaglutide and liraglutide are both effective but vary in results. Semaglutide, sold as Ozempic and Wegovy, generally leads to more significant weight loss than liraglutide, found in Saxenda and Victoza. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Semaglutide average weight loss: 5.1%
- Liraglutide average weight loss: 2.2%
- Higher doses of both drugs show better results.
- Long-term users experience more substantial weight loss.
For more information, you can read the full study published in JAMA Network Open.
