Grounds:

Navigating the Rise of Weight Loss Medication

by CarlaArca-Sedda, P2

As the rates of obesity rise throughout the U.S, companies like Elli Lilly and Novartis have developed what seemed to be a “miracle drug” for weight loss. Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzapetide) are two examples of the popular weight loss products, originally indicated to improve glycemic control in Type II Diabetes.1 The drugs work as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, increasing insulin secretion while also suppressing appetite. Ozempics' added benefit on decreasing cardiovascular disease has also added to its rise in popularity for certain patients. Both medications are once-weekly injections with similar side effects including nausea, vomiting and gastrointestinal issues, and come with incredibly high costs which near $1000 for a 30 day supply.2 ties, more people became curious about the drug and how it could help them lose unwanted weight. In addition to Ozempic, other GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs such as Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Trulicity gained popularity.4 About 15% of the American population have Type II Diabetes, and 40% of Americans are obese, so many patients could experience benefits from taking this medication.5 Many prescribers began to give GLP-1 agonist drugs at low doses both on label for patients with Type II Diabetes and off label for weight loss management. According to recent studies on medication prescriptions, about one third of patients prescribed Ozempic have no history of Type II Diabetes.6 able to benefit from this medication. Many organizations such as the American Diabetes Association, Obesity Society, and The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology have looked at both perspectives and created guidelines and algorithms to help prescribers and pharmacists determine which patients would benefit the most and get priority during the ongoing shortage.7 which an infant was delivered, breastfeeding, infections, medication, diet, and even stress.1 When you are stressed, your brain sends signals to your enteric nervous system, the small brain inside your gut, altering the gut microbiota and upsetting your GI tract.2 Additionally, to our surprise, the gut and the skin share many features, such as being covered by epithelial cells. So, how can we maintain a healthy microbiome within our gut and skin?

Researchers and dermatologists say

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The popularity of Ozempic skyrocketed through the media when celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Oprah Winfery, Mark Wahlberg and others recently alleged to take the medication for weight loss. Ozempic was first approved by the FDA in 2017, but the rise in popularity in the media did not begin until 2022.3 As people became more aware of Ozempic due to the results they witnessed on celebri-

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Prescriptions for Ozempic and other GLP-1 receptor agonists soared, leading to a national shortage and making it especially difficult for patients to access the lower dose injections. Pharmaceutical companies are struggling to meet demands. Pharmacies across the nation do not have enough supply of medication to sustain the amount of patients prescribed. This has become an alarming issue for patients who were prescribed the medication to manage their Type II Diabetes. This issue has displayed an ethical issue to determine which patients deserve priority to receive the medication. Some say those who have Type II Diabetes should be given priority because of the approved indication for the medication. Others say that weight related issues, such as cardiovascular disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, sleep apnea, hypertension and hyperlipidemia are all conditions that are important and should be

Weight loss medications have seemingly become the future of medicine and pharmaceutics because of its potential to improve health outcomes for Americans. It is also important to consider that with new medication, risks and benefits should always be considered despite the immense rise in popularity. There is no such thing as a “miracle drug” and although it seems that the GLP-1 receptor agonist displays so many benefits, it is always important to conduct quality research and consider any poor outcomes.

References

1. Winn J. Mounjaro vs Ozempic Drug facts and comparisons. NiceRX. August 11, 2022. Accessed November 5, 2023. https://www.nicerx.com/compare/mounjaro-vs-ozempic/

2. Ann Mayer B. Why taking ozempic, wegovy or mounjaro may cost more than you think. Healthline. October 26, 2023. November 5, 2023. https://www.healthline.com

3. Drugs.com. Novo Nordisk receives 16-0 vote from FDA advisory committee in favor of approval of semaglutide. October 2017. Accessed November 5, 2023. https://www. drugs.com/nda/semaglutide_171018.html

4. Latif W, Lambrinos KJ, Rodriguez R. Compare and contrast the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. PearlStats. March 27, 2023. Accessed November 5, 2023. https:// www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572151/

5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. By the numbers: diabetes in America.October 25, 2022. Accessed November 5. 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/health-equity/ diabetes-by-the-numbers.html

6. Jain S, Patton K, Miller A, et al. 2023 trends shaping the health economy report. Trilliant Health. 2023. Accessed November 5 2023. https://www.trillianthealth.com/reports/2023-health-economy-trends

7. McPhillips, D. Prescriptions for popular diabetes and weightloss prescriptions soured, but access is limited for some patients. CNN. September 27, 2023. Accessed November 5, 2023. https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/27/health/semaglutide-equitable-access/index.html