10-15% ‘non-responders’ in clinical trials
Once it is fully used, the level increases by 20%.
[연합]
[헤럴드경제=박상현 기자] The Associated Press reported on the 23rd (local time), citing experts’ opinions, that the popular obesity treatments such as ‘WeGobee’ and ‘Ozempic’ are not effective in reducing weight for one in five people.
According to the Associated Press, clinical trials showed a weight loss effect of 15 to 22 percent in many patients who were treated for obesity with Wigobi or Maunjaro.
In clinical trials, the proportion of patients classified as ‘nonresponders’ to these drugs was approximately 10 to 15% because weight loss was less than 5%.
However, as these weight-loss drugs are being marketed in earnest and the number of users has reached tens of millions, some say that the rate of non-responders may need to be raised even higher.
Experts told the Associated Press that not all patients benefit from GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs, and that the non-responder rate is probably around 20%.
“The problem is that we have to explain that everyone reacts differently,” said Fatima Cody Stanford, a diabetes specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital.
There are many people who have taken drugs such as Wegobi to treat obesity, but are disappointed because there is no significant change in their weight.
Experts quoted by the Associated Press explained that whether these drugs are effective for a patient is usually determined within a few weeks.
If there is a weight loss effect, it usually appears early, and this effect continues as the dosage is increased.
However, experts explained that among GLP-1 receptor agonists, there are cases where patients who do not respond to one drug respond to another drug.
Lifestyle habits such as diet, exercise, sleep, and stress can have a big impact on the success of weight loss.
“Obesity is a very complex disease and needs to be treated very comprehensively,” said Catherine Saunders, an obesity treatment expert at Cornell University’s Weill School of Medicine. “If the prescribed medications don’t work, there are always alternatives.”
Recently, drugs in the ‘GLP-1 receptor agonist’ class have been gaining sensational popularity in the obesity treatment market.
These drugs have the effect of lowering blood sugar by increasing insulin secretion and suppressing glucagon secretion. It also slows down the movement of the gastrointestinal tract, slowing down glucose absorption, and acts on the brain to suppress appetite. Thanks to this effect, it is used to treat diabetes and lose weight.
The ingredients are the same, but the approval requirements are different for diabetes treatment and weight loss, so there are many cases where the product name is different. Product names include ‘Wegobee’, ‘Ozempic’, ‘Maunjaro’, ‘Zebbound’, ‘Saxenda’, ‘Trulicity’, ‘Rivelsus’, and ‘Victoza’. Ingredient names include ‘semaglutide’, ‘liraglutide’, ‘tirzepatide’, and ‘dulaglutide’.
**Given the high cost of these medications, how can we ensure equitable access to these treatments, and what are the ethical implications of making them widely available without addressing the underlying social and economic factors contributing to obesity?**
## World Today News: A Spotlight on Obesity Treatments
**Welcome to World Today News, where we delve into the latest developments impacting our lives.**
Today, we’re discussing the controversial yet increasingly popular medications Wegobee, Ozempic, and others in the GLP-1 receptor agonist class, touted as revolutionary treatments for obesity. We welcome two esteemed guests:
**Dr. Emily Carter**, an endocrinologist with extensive experience in treating obesity, and **Dr. Sarah Jones**, a public health researcher specializing in the social and ethical implications of new medical treatments.
**Segment 1: The Promise and Reality of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists**
**Interviewer:** Dr. Carter, these medications are marketed as life-changing solutions for obesity, promising significant weight loss. Can you explain how they work and what the evidence shows in terms of their effectiveness?
**Dr. Carter:** (Explains the mechanism of action of GLP-1 receptor agonists and summarizes clinical trial data on weight loss, mentioning the range of 15-22% weight loss observed in some patients)
**Interviewer:** Dr. Jones, while the potential benefits are apparent, there are concerns about the real-world efficacy of these drugs. A recent article highlighted that up to 20% of patients might not respond as expected. What factors could contribute to this variation in effectiveness?
**Dr. Jones:** (Discusses potential reasons for non-response, including genetic factors, individual differences in metabolism, lifestyle habits, and the complex nature of obesity itself)
**Segment 2: Balancing Expectations and Reality**
**Interviewer:** Dr. Carter, how do you approach conversations with patients who have high hopes for these medications, but might not experience the advertised results? How do you manage their expectations?
**Dr. Carter:** (Shares strategies for transparent communication with patients, emphasizing the importance of personalized treatment plans, realistic goal setting, and considering alternative approaches when necessary)
**Interviewer:** Dr. Jones, the societal messaging surrounding these drugs can be quite intense. How do you think this affects patient perceptions and potentially contributes to unrealistic expectations?
**Dr. Jones:** (Explores the role of media, pharmaceutical marketing, and social media in shaping public understanding of weight loss drugs and the potential consequences of perpetuating unrealistic expectations)
**Segment 3: A Holistic Approach to Obesity Treatment**
**Interviewer:** Beyond medication, what other factors are crucial in achieving sustainable weight loss? What role should lifestyle changes, psychological support, and community resources play?
**Dr. Carter:** (Emphasizes the importance of a multi-faceted approach to obesity treatment, incorporating behavioral therapy, dietary changes, physical activity, and addressing potential underlying psychological factors)
**Dr. Jones:** (Highlights the need for accessible and affordable healthcare solutions, focusing on preventive measures, community-based interventions, and dismantling systemic barriers to healthy living)
**Interviewer:** Thank you both for this insightful discussion. While GLP-1 receptor agonists offer a promising avenue for treating obesity, it’s clear that a comprehensive and individualized approach is essential for long-term success.
