Obesity: Appetite-suppressant drug ‘breakthrough’ revealed
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Many testers of semaglutide shed almost two-and-a-half stones in 16 months – results comparable to weight loss ops like a gastric bypass. Researchers believe it could benefit millions of people at risk of weight-related health conditions and diseases, including diabetes and Covid. In their study, one third of people who had a weekly dose for 68 weeks lost more than 20 percent of their total body weight.
They tipped the scales at an average 16.6st at the start and lost 2.4st. Professor Rachel Batterham, of University College London, said: “Three-quarters of people who received semaglutide lost more than 10 percent of their body weight and more than one-third lost more than 20 per cent.
“No other drug has come close to producing this level of weight loss – this really is a game-changer.
“For the first time, people can achieve through drugs what was only possible through weight-loss surgery.”
The drug mimics a hormone released by the gut to tell the brain it is full, reducing hunger and calorie intake.
The trial involved almost 2,000 people in 16 countries given either a placebo or a weekly 2.4mg dose of semaglutide by injection.
The semaglutide users saw improvements in waist measurements, blood fats, blood sugar and blood pressure – and reported improvements in their overall quality of life.
Semaglutide is already approved for use in much lower doses of 1mg for patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Drug manufacturer Novo Nordisk has now submitted data to medicine bodies, seeking approval of the drug as a treatment for obesity.
The trial’s UK chief investigator Professor John Wilding, of the University of Liverpool, said: “This is a significant advance in the treatment of obesity.”
The findings are published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
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