The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday (Dec 22) approved the first daily pill version of Novo Nordisk’s popular weight loss drug Wegovy, revolutionising the way to treat obesity. The move has also given the drugmaker an edge over its rival Eli Lilly, whose oral drug orforglipron, is still under review. The GLP-1 drug uses the same active ingredient, semaglutide, that powers Wegovy and its sister drug Ozempic, which is used for diabetes.Both Wegovy and Ozempic are widely used as injections. The drug mimics a natural hormone that controls appetite and feelings of fullness. While the FDA had already approved a pill to be used for treating diabetes, the approval of the weight loss drug will allow doctors to prescribe the pill to patients with obesity or those who are overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as a heart condition, the company said.“With today’s approval of the Wegovy pill, patients will have a convenient, once-daily pill that can help them lose as much weight as the original Wegovy injection,” Mike Doustdar, president and CEO of Novo Nordisk, said in a statement.According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 40 per cent of American adults have a prevalence of obesity. The new development was lauded by the US Obesity Care Advocacy Network (OCAN), a nonprofit advocacy group for adults with obesity.“This development represents an important opportunity for people living with obesity, offering an alternative for those hesitant to begin injectable therapy and providing a potentially lower-cost option,” the group said in a statement to AFP.According to Novo Nordisk, the Wegovy pills are expected to be available within weeks. The availability of oral pills could also expand the market for weight loss treatments and reduce costs, CBS reported, citing experts.During a clinical trial, the oral Wegovy resulted in a weight loss of 13.6 per cent of the total body weight of participants in about 15 months, which is nearly the same as injectable Wegovy, with an average weight loss of about 15 per cent.

According to Novo Nordisk, the Wegovy pills are expected to be available within weeks. The availability of oral pills could also expand the market for weight loss treatments and reduce costs

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday (Dec 22) approved the first daily pill version of Novo Nordisk’s popular weight loss drug Wegovy, revolutionising the way to treat obesity. The move has also given the drugmaker an edge over its rival Eli Lilly, whose oral drug orforglipron, is still under review. The GLP-1 drug uses the same active ingredient, semaglutide, that powers Wegovy and its sister drug Ozempic, which is used for diabetes. Both Wegovy and Ozempic are widely used as injections. The drug mimics a natural hormone that controls appetite and feelings of fullness. While the FDA had already approved a pill to be used for treating diabetes, the approval of the weight loss drug will allow doctors to prescribe the pill to patients with obesity or those who are overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as a heart condition, the company said. “With today’s approval of the Wegovy pill, patients will have a convenient, once-daily pill that can help them lose as much weight as the original Wegovy injection,” Mike Doustdar, president and CEO of Novo Nordisk, said in a statement. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 40 per cent of American adults have a prevalence of obesity. The new development was lauded by the US Obesity Care Advocacy Network (OCAN), a nonprofit advocacy group for adults with obesity. “This development represents an important opportunity for people living with obesity, offering an alternative for those hesitant to begin injectable therapy and providing a potentially lower-cost option,” the group said in a statement to AFP. According to Novo Nordisk, the Wegovy pills are expected to be available within weeks. The availability of oral pills could also expand the market for weight loss treatments and reduce costs, CBS reported, citing experts. During a clinical trial, the oral Wegovy resulted in a weight loss of 13.6 per cent of the total body weight of participants in about 15 months, which is nearly the same as injectable Wegovy, with an average weight loss of about 15 per cent.

According to Novo Nordisk, the Wegovy pills are expected to be available within weeks. The availability of oral pills could also expand the market for weight loss treatments and reduce costs.

No injections needed! FDA approves THIS ‘once-daily’ oral weight loss pill – All you need to know

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Nov 7) announced a deal that would expand access for millions of Americans to a popular drug for obesity, as the prices will be reduced to $150 a month. This came after the Trump administration closed a deal with the drugmakers Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. The deal would save consumers and the government considerable money on Wegovy, Zepbound, and two obesity pills.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-gurudwaras-only-for-sikhs-indian-hindu-pilgrims-denied-entry-to-nankana-sahib-in-pakistan-1762356494333">'Gurudwaras only for Sikhs'? Indian Hindu pilgrims denied entry to Nankana Sahib in Pakistan</a>&nbsp;The price, $150 a month, which is the lowest, will only be available for the lowest doses of the pill form of the drugs. When those drugs reach the market, Medicare and Medicaid will pay that price, as will Americans using their own money to buy the pills directly from manufacturers.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/have-a-flight-from-us-in-november-govt-shutdown-may-affect-your-travel-plans-here-s-what-to-do-if-you-have-booked-your-tickets-1762454219317">Have a flight from US in November? Govt shutdown may affect your travel plans. Here’s what to do if you have booked your tickets</a>&nbsp;Trump, who has long decried the high costs of prescription drugs, announced multiple deals with drugmakers to lower their cash prices. The American president is committed to expanded manufacturing in the United States in exchange for exemptions from high tariffs.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/rama-duwaji-s-outfit-at-zohran-mamdani-s-victory-bash-had-a-message-that-not-many-talked-about-1762436223637">Rama Duwaji's outfit at Zohran Mamdani's victory bash had a message that not many talked about</a>&nbsp;People in need of the drugs will be able to access the new prices on direct sales websites offered by manufacturers.&nbsp;The exact prices that US employers and government programs pay for obesity drugs are not publicly known. Some American patients who have insurance coverage for the obesity drugs face low out-of-pocket costs of, say, $25 a month. &nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-got-our-a-es-handed-to-us-vivek-ramaswamy-thinks-republicans-need-to-learn-2-things-after-mamdani-s-win-1762348114786">‘We got our a**es handed to us’: Vivek Ramaswamy thinks Republicans need to learn 2 things after Mamdani’s win</a>

When those drugs reach the market, Medicare and Medicaid will pay that price, as will Americans using their own money to buy the pills directly from manufacturers.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Nov 7) announced a deal that would expand access for millions of Americans to a popular drug for obesity, as the prices will be reduced to $150 a month. This came after the Trump administration closed a deal with the drugmakers Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. The deal would save consumers and the government considerable money on Wegovy, Zepbound, and two obesity pills. Also read: 'Gurudwaras only for Sikhs'? Indian Hindu pilgrims denied entry to Nankana Sahib in Pakistan The price, $150 a month, which is the lowest, will only be available for the lowest doses of the pill form of the drugs. When those drugs reach the market, Medicare and Medicaid will pay that price, as will Americans using their own money to buy the pills directly from manufacturers. Also read: Have a flight from US in November? Govt shutdown may affect your travel plans. Here’s what to do if you have booked your tickets Trump, who has long decried the high costs of prescription drugs, announced multiple deals with drugmakers to lower their cash prices. The American president is committed to expanded manufacturing in the United States in exchange for exemptions from high tariffs. Also read: Rama Duwaji's outfit at Zohran Mamdani's victory bash had a message that not many talked about People in need of the drugs will be able to access the new prices on direct sales websites offered by manufacturers. The exact prices that US employers and government programs pay for obesity drugs are not publicly known. Some American patients who have insurance coverage for the obesity drugs face low out-of-pocket costs of, say, $25 a month. Also read: ‘We got our a**es handed to us’: Vivek Ramaswamy thinks Republicans need to learn 2 things after Mamdani’s win

When those drugs reach the market, Medicare and Medicaid will pay that price, as will Americans using their own money to buy the pills directly from manufacturers.

Trump administration plans to lower obesity drug prices. THIS will be new rate of weight loss pills for Americans

Weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy have become popular worldwide. Many people have also reported suffering some serious side effects. However, quitting the drugs can also lead to severe health issues, as per a study.&nbsp;

The two drugs contain semaglutide, which is the active ingredient in them. Researchers found that most people who stopped taking it regained nearly two-thirds of the weight they had lost. They also saw deteriorating health issues, such as higher blood pressure and cholesterol and increased risk of heart disease, Daily Mail reported.

Wegovy and Ozempic trigger weight loss by mimicking the actions of a hormone called GLP-1 in the brain, making one feel full and helping regulate appetite.&nbsp;

The study done by Northwestern University researchers states that it is not clear how stopping GLP-1 RAs affects heart health in the long term. However, it might increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The report was published in JAMA.&nbsp;

The researchers stated, "Nearly 30 per cent of individuals discontinued semaglutide in the SELECT trial, with real-world estimates for GLP-1 RA discontinuation in the range of 50 to 75 per cent at 12 months."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-unmarried-people-may-face-higher-risk-of-depression-know-how-774835">Unmarried people may face higher risk of depression. Here's why</a>

<h2>Ozempic, Wegovy for weight loss</h2>

In the US, nearly 12 per cent of adults said that they had used a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Six per cent of people said they were still using it. The study noted that around 85 per cent of those who had started taking the drugs stopped using them within two years. Nearly 71 per cent stopped using them within the first year. This was either because they had reached their desired weight or because they found them too expensive to continue. Notably, Ozempic and Wegovy can cost around $1,000 per month.&nbsp;

Notably, semaglutide took the market by storm and was found to be effective in treating diabetes and obesity. Other research also suggested that taking these drugs can also lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Now researchers are saying it is important to understand whether taking the drugs offers any lasting health benefits or whether the downsides of stopping the drugs outweigh the pros of taking them.&nbsp;

The researchers did not say whether people need to take these drugs forever in order to ensure continued benefits. But their findings hint that long-term use might be needed to maintain the benefits.

Weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy have become popular worldwide. Many people have also reported suffering some serious side effects. However, quitting the drugs can also lead to severe health issues, as per a study.

Weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy have become popular worldwide. Many people have also reported suffering some serious side effects. However, quitting the drugs can also lead to severe health issues, as per a study. The two drugs contain semaglutide, which is the active ingredient in them. Researchers found that most people who stopped taking it regained nearly two-thirds of the weight they had lost. They also saw deteriorating health issues, such as higher blood pressure and cholesterol and increased risk of heart disease, Daily Mail reported. Wegovy and Ozempic trigger weight loss by mimicking the actions of a hormone called GLP-1 in the brain, making one feel full and helping regulate appetite. The study done by Northwestern University researchers states that it is not clear how stopping GLP-1 RAs affects heart health in the long term. However, it might increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The report was published in JAMA. The researchers stated, "Nearly 30 per cent of individuals discontinued semaglutide in the SELECT trial, with real-world estimates for GLP-1 RA discontinuation in the range of 50 to 75 per cent at 12 months." Also Read: Unmarried people may face higher risk of depression. Here's why Ozempic, Wegovy for weight loss In the US, nearly 12 per cent of adults said that they had used a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Six per cent of people said they were still using it. The study noted that around 85 per cent of those who had started taking the drugs stopped using them within two years. Nearly 71 per cent stopped using them within the first year. This was either because they had reached their desired weight or because they found them too expensive to continue. Notably, Ozempic and Wegovy can cost around $1,000 per month. Notably, semaglutide took the market by storm and was found to be effective in treating diabetes and obesity. Other research also suggested that taking these drugs can also lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. Now researchers are saying it is important to understand whether taking the drugs offers any lasting health benefits or whether the downsides of stopping the drugs outweigh the pros of taking them. The researchers did not say whether people need to take these drugs forever in order to ensure continued benefits. But their findings hint that long-term use might be needed to maintain the benefits.

Study throws light on what happens when you stop weight-loss drugs

Do you want to lose weight without working out? Science may have a solution for you. A new drug claims to&nbsp;have shown amazing results on mice, imbuing them with the benefits of exercise without the need for any actual physical activity.

<h2>No pain, no gain is a lie, proves drug</h2>

As per a University of Florida, the newly developed compound called SLU-PP-332 helped obese mice lose weight.&nbsp;

It apparently did this by speeding up their metabolism by convincing their bodies to go into marathon training mode. The compound also helps beef up their energy and endurance.

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Thomas Burris, a University of Florida pharmacy professor who led the research, said: "This compound is basically telling skeletal muscle to make the same changes you see during endurance training."

The paper drugs like Ozempic, Moujnaro, and Wegovy, which it calls game-changers in obesity treatment. It says these products spurred on "a surge of interest, research, and funding for drugs that could treat these metabolic diseases through different biological pathways."&nbsp;

Burris suggests SLU-PP-332 will "keep people healthier as they age."

The research findings have been published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

<h2>How does the drug do this?</h2>

The drug stimulates the EFF protein and activates the body's "energy-gobbling" tissues, such as the brain, the heart, and other muscles. EFF is typically released when an individual exercises.&nbsp;

Burris explains, "When you treat mice with the drug...you can see that their whole body metabolism turns to using fatty acids, which is very similar to what people use when they are fasting or exercising."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-at-least-20-per-cent-adults-in-all-us-states-are-obese-shows-new-survey-638691">Obesity on rise in US, at least 20% adults are obese, shows new survey</a>

As a result, "the animals start losing weight," he notes.

However, our (human) bodies and metabolism differ, and until human trials are held, there is no guarantee that this drug will even work on us.

These drugs, as per Futurism, previously have been touted as purportedly miraculous ways to lose weight without working.&nbsp;

Do you want to lose weight without working out? Science may have a solution for you. A new drug claims to have shown amazing results on mice, imbuing them with the benefits of exercise without the need for any actual physical activity.

Do you want to lose weight without working out? Science may have a solution for you. A new drug claims to have shown amazing results on mice, imbuing them with the benefits of exercise without the need for any actual physical activity. No pain, no gain is a lie, proves drug As per a University of Florida, the newly developed compound called SLU-PP-332 helped obese mice lose weight. It apparently did this by speeding up their metabolism by convincing their bodies to go into marathon training mode. The compound also helps beef up their energy and endurance. Also read | From sloppy to stylish: TikTok's 'girlfriend effect' show women really make men look hotter Thomas Burris, a University of Florida pharmacy professor who led the research, said: "This compound is basically telling skeletal muscle to make the same changes you see during endurance training." The paper drugs like Ozempic, Moujnaro, and Wegovy, which it calls game-changers in obesity treatment. It says these products spurred on "a surge of interest, research, and funding for drugs that could treat these metabolic diseases through different biological pathways." Burris suggests SLU-PP-332 will "keep people healthier as they age." The research findings have been published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. How does the drug do this? The drug stimulates the EFF protein and activates the body's "energy-gobbling" tissues, such as the brain, the heart, and other muscles. EFF is typically released when an individual exercises. Burris explains, "When you treat mice with the drug...you can see that their whole body metabolism turns to using fatty acids, which is very similar to what people use when they are fasting or exercising." Also read | Obesity on rise in US, at least 20% adults are obese, shows new survey As a result, "the animals start losing weight," he notes. However, our (human) bodies and metabolism differ, and until human trials are held, there is no guarantee that this drug will even work on us. These drugs, as per Futurism, previously have been touted as purportedly miraculous ways to lose weight without working.

No pain, no gain a lie? New drug claims it can make you lose weight without any exercise

New highly effective weight loss drugs such as Novo Nordisk's Wegovy are not a "silver bullet"&nbsp;for addressing the rapid rise in global obesity rates, the World Health Organization’s nutrition chief told Reuters, as the agency conducts its first review of obesity management guidelines in more than 20 years.

The global health body is first revising guidelines for treating children and adolescents with obesity, and will then update recommendations for adults, said Francesco Branca, WHO director of nutrition and food safety.

The WHO last issued global guidelines on the topic in 2000, which are used as a blueprint for countries without the resources to draft their own plans.

As part of the work, the WHO has commissioned the Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, in Milan, Italy, to assess the evidence for the use of all drugs for children and adolescents – from older options like GSK's Xenical to newer, more effective treatments like Wegovy and Eli Lilly and Co’s Mounjaro, Branca told Reuters.

"The kind of communication that has been done around these drugs – ‘We’ve found a solution’ – that’s wrong,"&nbsp;said Branca. Drugs for obesity are important but must be “part of a comprehensive approach,” he said.

"This is not a silver bullet."

Branca said that other interventions, including diet and exercise, remain critical to help manage obesity. The latest WHO data shows that the percentage of children and adolescents aged five to 19 who are obese or overweight has risen to just over 18 per cent in 2016 from just four per cent in 1975, and this now represents more than 340 million people.

Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Wegovy and Mounjaro were originally developed for type 2 diabetes to help control blood glucose. More recently, they have been shown to help people lose around 15 per cent&nbsp;of their body weight, capturing the attention of patients, investors and even celebrities.

Part of a class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists, they are given by a weekly injection and work by affecting hunger signals to the brain and slowing the rate at which a person’s stomach empties, making them feel full longer.

Studies suggest people are likely to have to take drugs for the rest of their lives to keep the weight off.

Wegovy is approved for weight loss in the United States and Europe, while Mounjaro is expected to receive US&nbsp;approval later this year. The enormous demand for the drugs is expected to be worth $100 billion in annual sales within a decade, with as many as 10 different drugs on the market.

US&nbsp;medical groups are also reviewing their obesity treatment guidelines to consider the best use of Wegovy and similar drugs, with some specialists advocating broad use while others recommend prioritising them for high-risk patients with health conditions, like diabetes or heart disease, that are exacerbated by excess weight.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended using such medicines in children age 12 or older with obesity, even though the long-term impacts have yet to be studied.&nbsp;

More robust&nbsp;

The WHO said its revised guidelines will be based on more robust methodology than previous iterations and include up-to-the-minute science. The first draft of the new management guidelines for children and adolescents are expected by the end of this year.

Branca said the researchers at Mario Negri, as well as other institutions working on the guidelines, had been extensively vetted to avoid conflict of interest concerns.

Novo Nordisk was suspended earlier this year from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry for its marketing practices, such as alleged funding of health professionals and providing training that the association alleged was intended to promote its drug.

“We really screen the potential conflicts of interest,” said Branca.

He described obesity as a "rising epidemic".

"There are multiple reasons why we really have to take much more serious and bolder action,” he said. 
 
&nbsp;

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New highly effective weight loss drugs such as Novo Nordisk's Wegovy are not a "silver bullet" for addressing the rapid rise in global obesity rates, the World Health Organization’s nutrition chief told Reuters, as the agency conducts its first review of obesity management guidelines in more than 20 years.

New highly effective weight loss drugs such as Novo Nordisk's Wegovy are not a "silver bullet" for addressing the rapid rise in global obesity rates, the World Health Organization’s nutrition chief told Reuters, as the agency conducts its first review of obesity management guidelines in more than 20 years. The global health body is first revising guidelines for treating children and adolescents with obesity, and will then update recommendations for adults, said Francesco Branca, WHO director of nutrition and food safety. The WHO last issued global guidelines on the topic in 2000, which are used as a blueprint for countries without the resources to draft their own plans. As part of the work, the WHO has commissioned the Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, in Milan, Italy, to assess the evidence for the use of all drugs for children and adolescents – from older options like GSK's Xenical to newer, more effective treatments like Wegovy and Eli Lilly and Co’s Mounjaro, Branca told Reuters. "The kind of communication that has been done around these drugs – ‘We’ve found a solution’ – that’s wrong," said Branca. Drugs for obesity are important but must be “part of a comprehensive approach,” he said. "This is not a silver bullet." Branca said that other interventions, including diet and exercise, remain critical to help manage obesity. The latest WHO data shows that the percentage of children and adolescents aged five to 19 who are obese or overweight has risen to just over 18 per cent in 2016 from just four per cent in 1975, and this now represents more than 340 million people. Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Wegovy and Mounjaro were originally developed for type 2 diabetes to help control blood glucose. More recently, they have been shown to help people lose around 15 per cent of their body weight, capturing the attention of patients, investors and even celebrities. Part of a class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists, they are given by a weekly injection and work by affecting hunger signals to the brain and slowing the rate at which a person’s stomach empties, making them feel full longer. Studies suggest people are likely to have to take drugs for the rest of their lives to keep the weight off. Wegovy is approved for weight loss in the United States and Europe, while Mounjaro is expected to receive US approval later this year. The enormous demand for the drugs is expected to be worth $100 billion in annual sales within a decade, with as many as 10 different drugs on the market. US medical groups are also reviewing their obesity treatment guidelines to consider the best use of Wegovy and similar drugs, with some specialists advocating broad use while others recommend prioritising them for high-risk patients with health conditions, like diabetes or heart disease, that are exacerbated by excess weight. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended using such medicines in children age 12 or older with obesity, even though the long-term impacts have yet to be studied. More robust The WHO said its revised guidelines will be based on more robust methodology than previous iterations and include up-to-the-minute science. The first draft of the new management guidelines for children and adolescents are expected by the end of this year. Branca said the researchers at Mario Negri, as well as other institutions working on the guidelines, had been extensively vetted to avoid conflict of interest concerns. Novo Nordisk was suspended earlier this year from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry for its marketing practices, such as alleged funding of health professionals and providing training that the association alleged was intended to promote its drug. “We really screen the potential conflicts of interest,” said Branca. He described obesity as a "rising epidemic". "There are multiple reasons why we really have to take much more serious and bolder action,” he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Wegovy, other weight loss drugs not ‘silver bullets’, says WHO amid obesity guidelines review

When Elon Musk tweets, everyone takes notice. Be it about his Twitter deal, cryptocurrencies, or the international conflicts. In fact, he finds himself landing in a soup with most of them. But his latest tweet about an anti-diabetes drug seems to have hit just the right spot. Musk&nbsp;had tweeted about how Wegovy, a diabetic drug, along with fasting was his secret weapon to look "fit, ripped and healthy".

Wegovy, an injectable drug, Ozempic and several other diabetic drugs have been going viral on social media for their ability to help you lose weight. While their primary ability is to moderate insulin in diabetics, weight loss is a side effect.&nbsp;

Ozempic is the brand name of semaglutide, part of a drug group known as incretins or gut hormones, Wegovy is a higher dose of semaglutide. Musk's tweet put the drug in the limelight and searches for it shot up to 350 million views on social media platform TikTok.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-and-elon-musk-in-talks-to-provide-starlink-services-in-iran-report-527554">White House and Elon Musk in talks to provide Starlink services in Iran: Report</a>

While exercise and diet are the key to staying fit, weight loss often requires additional help. Over the past two decades, obesity in the United States has increased from 30.5 per cent to 41.9 per cent. Physicians are looking towards the drug positively and hoping that is can be used in the fight against obesity.

Tirzepatide is another incretin that was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2022 as diabetes medication. Scientists found that those who participated in the drug trials reported early satiety and delayed gastric emptying. When they feel full for longer, along with the food moving more slowly from the stomach through to the small and large intestines, the result is weight loss.

A body mass index of 30, or a body mass index of 27, in case the person is suffering from weight-related condition like diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea, are the pre-conditions for such drugs being prescribed for weight loss.

However, incretins need to be taken for an indefinite period of time and other side effects include bloating, constipation and diarrhoea. Plus, they are heavy on the pocket. The injectable drugs cost as much as $1,000 a month.&nbsp;

So, while scientists debate how effective such drugs are in weight loss in the long run and if at all they cause any major side effects, a healthy diet and physical activity should still be on the top of your list if you are looking to lose some pounds.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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When Elon Musk tweets, everyone takes notice. Be it about his Twitter deal, cryptocurrencies, or the international conflicts. In fact, he finds himself landing in a soup with most of them.

When Elon Musk tweets, everyone takes notice. Be it about his Twitter deal, cryptocurrencies, or the international conflicts. In fact, he finds himself landing in a soup with most of them. But his latest tweet about an anti-diabetes drug seems to have hit just the right spot. Musk had tweeted about how Wegovy, a diabetic drug, along with fasting was his secret weapon to look "fit, ripped and healthy". Wegovy, an injectable drug, Ozempic and several other diabetic drugs have been going viral on social media for their ability to help you lose weight. While their primary ability is to moderate insulin in diabetics, weight loss is a side effect. Ozempic is the brand name of semaglutide, part of a drug group known as incretins or gut hormones, Wegovy is a higher dose of semaglutide. Musk's tweet put the drug in the limelight and searches for it shot up to 350 million views on social media platform TikTok. Also Read | White House and Elon Musk in talks to provide Starlink services in Iran: Report While exercise and diet are the key to staying fit, weight loss often requires additional help. Over the past two decades, obesity in the United States has increased from 30.5 per cent to 41.9 per cent. Physicians are looking towards the drug positively and hoping that is can be used in the fight against obesity. Tirzepatide is another incretin that was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2022 as diabetes medication. Scientists found that those who participated in the drug trials reported early satiety and delayed gastric emptying. When they feel full for longer, along with the food moving more slowly from the stomach through to the small and large intestines, the result is weight loss. A body mass index of 30, or a body mass index of 27, in case the person is suffering from weight-related condition like diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea, are the pre-conditions for such drugs being prescribed for weight loss. However, incretins need to be taken for an indefinite period of time and other side effects include bloating, constipation and diarrhoea. Plus, they are heavy on the pocket. The injectable drugs cost as much as $1,000 a month. So, while scientists debate how effective such drugs are in weight loss in the long run and if at all they cause any major side effects, a healthy diet and physical activity should still be on the top of your list if you are looking to lose some pounds. (With inputs from agencies)

The diabetes drug that helps lose weight is all the rage on social media ever since Musk tweeted about it