GLP-1 drug

Drugs that mimic the gut hormone GLP-1 to boost insulin, slow digestion and curb appetite, used for diabetes and obesity.

• Natural GLP-1 is broken down in about two minutes; semaglutide is modified to last about a week, allowing one injection a week.
• Semaglutide gave about 15% average weight loss in trials; tirzepatide, which also mimics a second gut hormone (GIP), about 20%.
• Trials also show about 20% fewer heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular deaths with semaglutide, plus kidney benefits.
• Nausea is common, a sizeable share of the weight lost can be muscle and other lean mass, and much of the weight returns after stopping.