New drugs made for diabetes are now changing how doctors treat obesity. Medicines like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are helping people lose a lot of weight. But they are also showing other health benefits.
At a medical conference in Spain, experts shared new findings. The drugs seem to help with liver problems, reduce cancer risk, and support mental health. Because of these results, obesity treatment is gaining attention as a powerful tool in modern medicine.
Ozempic and Wegovy use a drug called semaglutide. It acts like a hormone in the body called GLP-1. This hormone tells your brain and stomach that you are full. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which works on two hormones instead of one. This makes it even more effective. In one study, people lost about 20% of their body weight in 72 weeks.
These medicines may help with many other health problems too. Some studies suggest they lower the risk of over 40 diseases, such as heart problems and Alzheimer’s. Experts are still unsure if the benefits come only from weight loss or if the drugs offer more.
There is one big challenge. When people stop using the drugs, they often gain back the weight. Some studies show this happens within 10 months. Doctors now say people might need to take the drugs for life, just like medicine for blood pressure or cholesterol.
This idea brings up cost concerns. These drugs are expensive, and many people pay for them privately. Some patients who regained weight after stopping chose to start the drugs again, even if it cost them a lot.
The safety of these drugs seems strong, based on years of use in diabetes care. Still, doctors want more information about long-term use. Some worry about muscle loss or mental health issues. A few users feel side effects or lose the joy of eating. Others do not like the idea of taking a drug forever.
Some critics say these drugs turn a social issue into a medical one. They believe better food rules could solve the problem. But experts say diets and public policy have not slowed the rise in obesity. They hope these drugs might even push food companies to make healthier choices.
These new medicines are also changing how we think about obesity. Many doctors now see it as a long-term health condition, not a personal failure. This could be the start of a big change in the way we treat weight and health.
