A recent study has revealed that weight loss medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro affect metabolism in addition to reducing appetite.
These medications, known as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogs, were previously believed to work primarily by making users feel fuller, thus leading to reduced food intake. However, new findings suggest a more complex mechanism at play.
In a clinical trial lasting 24 weeks, participants not only lost weight but also showed an uptick in metabolic activity—the more weight lost, the greater the metabolic effect, especially among those with a slower metabolism at the start. Professor Donal O’Shea, the study’s lead, emphasized that it’s simplistic to think these treatments only work by suppressing appetite. “This study enhances our understanding of obesity medications significantly,” he noted.
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Originally developed for managing type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 analogs are now popular for weight loss due to their ability to prolong feelings of fullness and slow digestion. However, they come with side effects like nausea and bloating, and their effectiveness is temporary, only lasting as long as the medications are used.
This recent randomized controlled trial, led by St Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin and involving 30 participants, offers substantial evidence that these drugs positively influence metabolism as well. A faster basal metabolic rate (BMR) helps individuals burn energy naturally, making it harder to gain weight. The researchers found that people on GLP-1 analogs had an increased energy expenditure, potentially leading to more significant weight loss.
O’Shea remarked on the noteworthy connection between increased metabolic activity and these treatments, suggesting this could be a major factor behind their weight-loss benefits. He emphasized the importance of further research into how these medications boost energy expenditure.
Reference
O’Donnell, C., Ryan, O., Hogan, A. E., Killick, D., Crilly, S., Dodd, J. D., Murphy, D. J., Ryan, S., O’Shea, D. (2024). GLP-1 therapy increases visceral adipose tissue metabolic activity: lessons from a randomized controlled trial in obstructive sleep apnea, Obesity 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.24126