Breakthrough in Weight-Loss ‘Wonder Drug’ Ozempic: What You Need to Know

The Biggest Breakthrough Since Statins?

Ozempic, the weight-loss ‘wonder drug’ administered as a once-a-week do-it-yourself injection, has been hailed as the biggest breakthrough since statins by some experts. This is due to its key ingredient, semaglutide, which works by mimicking the effects of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) to send a message to the brain that we are full.

The SELECT Study

The SELECT study, led by researchers from University College London, is the largest ever investigation into the cardiac benefits of semaglutide. The study involved 17,604 adults aged over 45 with a high body mass index (BMI) and had suffered a previous cardiac ‘event’, such as a heart attack. The results showed that out of the 8,803 patients on the placebo jab, 701 (or 8%) suffered a heart attack. However, in the semaglutide group, it was only 569 (or 6.5%).

The Surprising Results

Crucially, the fall in heart risk was seen even in those who hadn’t yet lost a lot of weight. And heart attack and stroke rates started to drop within weeks of starting the GLP-1 drugs. In fact, the fall in risk was similar in those who lost less than 5% of their bodyweight – or even put on a few pounds – as it was in those who shed over 5%.

The Potential for Prevention

Experts believe that semaglutide could potentially prevent other conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS). However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

The Risks

Like all prescription medicines, semaglutide can have unpleasant consequences. For example, studies show around one in 100 people develop gastroparesis (or stomach paralysis) where the stomach muscles become weakened or may even be paralysed, causing nausea, pain, and bloating.

The Long-Term Risks

Some patients on Ozempic for their type 2 diabetes have reported significant side-effects such as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), kidney failure, gall bladder inflammation, and even vision problems while taking the drug. However, experts believe that the benefits of the drug outweigh the risks.

FAQs

Q: Why is this latest research causing such excitement?

A: Because the SELECT study is the largest ever investigation into the cardiac benefits of semaglutide, and the scientists were very surprised to see the drugs worked even when patients didn’t lose weight.

Q: Should we all be on it?

A: No, studies so far only show that the drug is effective in people who are already obese and also have established heart disease.

Q: Is it true it can help prevent other conditions like Alzheimer’s?

A: Weight-loss and heart problems aside, some studies suggest that semaglutide may also be effective against Alzheimer’s disease.

Q: What are the long-term risks?

A: Some patients on Ozempic for their type 2 diabetes have reported significant side-effects such as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), kidney failure, gall bladder inflammation, and even vision problems while taking the drug.

Q: I hate injections – can I get a tablet instead?

A: Semaglutide is already available in the UK as a pill called Rybelsus, but it’s only available on prescription for people with diabetes, not for weight loss.