New study reveals Ozempic doesn’t work in the way we originally thought

GLP-1 analogs are the most widely used drugs for weight loss

Barney Davis
Monday 26 August 2024 06:04 BST
Comments
NPA Warns of Surge in Fake Weight Loss Injections Amid Ozempic Shortages

Support truly
independent journalism

Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.

Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.

Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.

Louise Thomas

Louise Thomas

Editor

Ozempic may not work the same way as scientists always believed

The weight-loss injection, which became all the rage with A-list celebrities, is now thought to affect user’s metabolism, not just their appetite.

The drug semaglutide, sold under the brand names Wegovy and Ozempic, were known to promote feelings of fullness in the people who take them by interacting with fullness hormones and slowing down digestion so the stomach stays physically fuller for longer.

Ozempic could affect metabolism as well as appetite
Ozempic could affect metabolism as well as appetite (Getty Images)

“It always seemed oversimplistic to me that these new treatments were just making people eat less,” said research lead Professor Donal O’Shea in a statement. “So, this study is an exciting step forward in our understanding of how these new medicines for obesity work.”

“The findings also provide science to support the fact that the treatment of obesity is not simply to eat less and move more—that’s the prevention piece. The treatment is more complex than that.”

The study saw 30 people with obstructive sleep apnea and obesity taking glucagon-like peptide 1 analogs lose weight and increase their metabolism and people with a sluggish metabolism at the beginning of the study seemed to experience the most benefits.

It came as Tory leadership contender Robert Jenrick admitted he previously used the Ozempic weight-loss jab but “didn’t particularly enjoy it”.

Robert Jenrick admitted using the drug but didn’t like it
Robert Jenrick admitted using the drug but didn’t like it (Getty Images)

The former immigration minister confirmed he took the medication for around six weeks last autumn to shed some pounds.

Mr Jenrick was addressing rumours about his sudden weight loss over the past year after he reappeared in Westminster with a noticeably slimmer figure since leaving government.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in