GLP-1 Drugs: A Step Forward in Obesity Care but Not a Silver Bullet

Boston, Massachusetts United States of America
GLP-1 drugs offer effective weight loss but are not a solution for addressing the underlying issues that contribute to obesity.
GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, are effective in promoting weight loss and improving health outcomes.
Harvard professor and clinician Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford's research has revolutionized obesity medicine.
GLP-1 Drugs: A Step Forward in Obesity Care but Not a Silver Bullet

GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, have been making headlines for their effectiveness in promoting weight loss and improving health outcomes. However, a closer look at the landscape of obesity care reveals that these drugs are not a silver bullet for addressing the complex challenges faced by people living with obesity. In fact, some experts argue that improving obesity care requires more than just introducing novel treatments.

According to a survey by Verywell Health of 2,016 adults who identify as obese, overweight, or larger-bodied, many respondents encounter barriers to healthcare due to negative experiences or judgment from providers. Improving obesity care goes beyond just introducing new treatments; it also involves addressing the systemic issues that prevent people from receiving appropriate and respectful care.

Harvard professor and clinician Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford's research has revolutionized obesity medicine, paving the way for a diabetes drug to be approved for treating a condition millions have in the US. GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, have helped change the healthcare landscape by offering effective weight loss and other health benefits.

However, it's important to note that these drugs are not a solution for making heavier people feel more respected or addressing the underlying issues that contribute to obesity. In fact, some weight-loss startups are telling customers they can stop taking Ozempic or similar drugs and still maintain their weight loss. Doctors disagree with this claim, stating that people who stop taking the drugs regain most of the weight they've lost within about a year.

As more people turn to GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, it's crucial to consider the long-term implications and address the systemic issues that contribute to obesity. By focusing on both innovative treatments and addressing underlying issues, we can work towards creating a more comprehensive approach to obesity care.


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Confidence

91%

Doubts
  • Are there any potential long-term side effects of GLP-1 drugs that could impact weight loss maintenance?
  • What are the most common barriers to obesity care and how can they be addressed?

Sources

81%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Most patients stop using Wegovy, Ozempic for weight loss within two years, analysis finds

Yahoo Finance Chad Terhune Thursday, 11 July 2024 00:17
  • Unique Points
    • Only one in four U.S. patients prescribed Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy or Ozempic for weight loss were still taking the medications two years later, according to an analysis of U.S. pharmacy claims.
    • The analysis does not include details about why patients quit, but it offers a longer view on the real-world experiences of patients taking the drugs than previous research that studied use over a year or less.
    • Prime Therapeutics and Magellan Rx Management reviewed pharmacy and medical claims data for 3,364 people with commercial health plans that cover GLP-1 drugs.
    • For Wegovy, 24.1% of patients persisted with therapy over two years without a gap of 60 days or more, down from 36% who had stayed on the drug for a full year.
    • With Ozempic, which has the same active ingredient as Wegovy - semaglutide - 22.2% of patients kept filling their prescriptions at two years, down from 47.1% who had used it for one year.
  • Accuracy
    • For Wegovy, 24.1% of patients persisted with therapy over two years without a gap of 60 days or more.
    • With Ozempic, which has the same active ingredient as Wegovy - semaglutide - 22.2% of patients kept filling their prescriptions at two years.
  • Deception (30%)
    The article reports on a study that found only one in four patients were still taking Wegovy or Ozempic for weight loss after two years. The author does not provide any information about why patients stopped taking the medication, which is a lie by omission. Additionally, the author quotes Dr. Rekha Kumar stating 'People want to provide obesity care to their employees, but they want to do it in a way that doesn’t bankrupt them.' This is an editorializing statement from the author and an example of emotional manipulation as it implies that the high cost of these medications is a problem for everyone, not just those paying out-of-pocket.
    • Only one in four U.S. patients were still taking Wegovy or Ozempic for weight loss two years later, according to an analysis of U.S. pharmacy claims provided to Reuters...
    • People want to provide obesity care to their employees, but they want to do it in a way that doesn’t bankrupt them.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The author makes an appeal to authority by quoting Dr. Rekha Kumar and Dr. Patrick Gleason without providing any context or evaluation of their credentials or expertise in the field of GLP-1 drugs and weight loss. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric by stating that the cost of these drugs could bankrupt people, but does not provide any evidence to support this claim.
    • ][Dr. Rekha Kumar], an obesity specialist at New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center and chief medical officer at Found, an online weight-loss program, said 'People want to provide obesity care to their employees, but they want to do it in a way that doesn't bankrupt them.'[
    • The analysis does not include details about why patients quit. But it does offer a longer view on the real-world experiences of patients taking the drugs than previous research that studied use over a year or less. [...] Dr. Patrick Gleason, assistant vice president for health outcomes at Prime/MRx and a co-author of the analysis, said 26% of patients switched GLP-1 drugs during therapy, perhaps reflecting shortages or changes in insurance coverage.
    • The author states that 'Some clinics and telehealth services aren’t screening patients properly or providing adequate coaching on nutrition and exercise alongside the drug, leading to poor results and patients giving up.' This is an unsupported claim without any evidence provided.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

94%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

GLP-1 Drugs Won't Fix the Flaws in Obesity Care

Verywell Health Thursday, 11 July 2024 00:18
  • Unique Points
    • A survey by Verywell Health of 2016 adults identified obesity, overweight or larger-bodied found that many respondents encounter barriers to healthcare due to negative experiences or judgment from providers.
    • Improving obesity care requires more than just introducing novel treatments, according to Sean Phelan, PhD.
    • GLP-1 drugs are not a solution for making heavier people feel more respected.
  • Accuracy
    • Only one in four U.S. patients prescribed Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy or Ozempic for weight loss were still taking the medications two years later, according to an analysis of U.S. pharmacy claims.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

87%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

These weight-loss startups tell customers they can stop taking Ozempic or Wegovy and stay thin. Doctors disagree

Yahoo Finance Jessica Mathews Thursday, 11 July 2024 00:19
  • Unique Points
    • Noom is running a campaign promising that Ozempic and similar drugs don't have to be taken forever.
    • Seven doctors spoke with Fortune stating that people who stop taking the drugs regain most of the weight they've lost within about a year.
  • Accuracy
    • Only one in four U.S. patients were still taking Wegovy or Ozempic two years later according to an analysis of U.S. pharmacy claims.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy. The author cites the drug manufacturers Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly as evidence that the medications are intended as long-term commitments, implying that any other claim is incorrect. Additionally, there is a dichotomous depiction of the weight loss startups' promises: they are either presenting a miraculous solution or misleading customers about the long-term effects of the drugs.
    • . . .the second part of what some startups prescribing these medications promise—the “doesn’t have to be forever” part, or the notion that these drugs can “reset” your metabolism—is far more contentious.
    • Indeed, seven doctors who spoke with Fortune say the preponderance of medical trials so far show that generally, people who stop taking the drugs regain most of the weight they’ve lost within about a year.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

90%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

The Full Truth About Ozempic

Slate Wednesday, 10 July 2024 09:00
  • Unique Points
    • GLP-1 drugs have changed the landscape of healthcare and weight management.
    • Harvard professor and clinician Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford's research revolutionized obesity medicine.
    • GLP-1 agonist drugs, such as Ozempic and WeGovy, have helped pave the way for a diabetes drug to be approved for treating a condition millions have in the US.
  • Accuracy
    • Only one in four U.S. patients were still taking Wegovy or Ozempic two years later
    • For Wegovy, 24.1% of patients persisted with therapy over two years without a gap of 60 days or more
    • With Ozempic, which has the same active ingredient as Wegovy - semaglutide, 22.2% of patients kept filling their prescriptions at two years
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

81%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Drug-fuelled slimming boom drives race to cure gaunt 'Ozempic face'

The Daily Telegraph Hannah Boland Monday, 08 July 2024 00:00
  • Unique Points
    • Sandra lost 13kg in 4 months with the help of weight-loss injections Wegovy
    • A growing number of people on obesity drugs are concerned about ‘Ozempic face’
    • Nestlé plans to sell dietary supplements targeting ‘Ozempic face’
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (30%)
    The article contains selective reporting and emotional manipulation. The author focuses on the negative side effects of weight-loss drugs, specifically the 'Ozempic face', without mentioning the potential health benefits that come with losing weight. This creates a biased perspective for readers. Additionally, statements such as 'It is a frustration that executives are preparing to pounce on' and 'Competition to get customers to spend on reversing weight-loss drugs’ effect on their faces is expected to be significant' use emotional language that manipulates the reader into feeling sympathy for those affected by the side effects, while also implying greediness on the part of businesses. This is deceptive as it does not provide a balanced view of the situation.
    • Competition to get customers to spend on reversing weight-loss drugs’ effect on their faces is expected to be significant.
    • The growing number of those on obesity drugs are less relaxed about the sudden loss of weight in their face – a phenomenon known as ‘Ozempic face’, where people report having sunken cheeks and sagging skin on their faces after shedding the pounds.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The author makes an appeal to authority when mentioning the expected market size for weight loss drugs and the growth of sales for vitamins and supplements. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric by describing the side effects of weight loss drugs as 'Ozempic face horror' and 'gauntness'.
    • The view is that, as more and more people take obesity injections, an increasing number of patients will be on the hunt for solutions to their own ‘Ozempic face’.
    • ‘Ozempic face horror’, one skincare company says in a recent release.
    • Competition to get customers to spend on reversing weight-loss drugs’ effect on their faces is expected to be significant.
  • Bias (95%)
    The author expresses a clear bias towards the negative effects of weight-loss drugs on people's faces, using phrases like 'Ozempic face horror', 'rapid weight loss trend leaves users with sagging skin', and 'gauntness'. She also quotes Sharon Osbourne expressing her displeasure with her appearance after taking Ozempic. The author does not provide any counterbalancing information or perspective on the benefits of these drugs, leading to a biased portrayal.
    • gauntness
      • Ozempic face horror
        • rapid weight loss trend leaves users with sagging skin
          • Sharon Osbourne said last year she thought she had become 'too gaunt''
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication