One of the most talked-about approaches to weight loss today is the use of Ozempic and its analogues, yet experts in endocrinology suggest they are not always the most potent option in the battle against excess weight. Marina Berkovskaya, Associate Professor in the Department of Endocrinology at Sechenov University, explained to socialbites.ca that while these medications are widely used, their long-term effectiveness and safety continue to be evaluated, especially in comparison with other therapies.
Among these therapies, Tirzepatide, marketed as Munjaro, stands out for its weight loss and glycemic control benefits that rival some surgical approaches to obesity. This medication acts as a dual agonist of gut hormones that play a key role in regulating eating behavior. Berkovskaya notes that Tirzepatide has demonstrated robust results in both diabetes management and obesity treatment. Ongoing research is also exploring new molecules, such as Retatrutide, a triple agonist that is currently in the third phase of trials. Early data indicate that weight reduction with Retatrutide may approach the efficacy of bariatric surgery, raising expectations for future options.
Ozempic, a drug familiar in Russia, originated in Denmark, and its Russian counterparts rely on the same active ingredient, semaglutide. This compound mimics the natural hormone released after eating, promoting insulin production by the pancreas when glucose is high and helping to sustain a longer sense of fullness. In addition, semaglutide acts on the hypothalamic centers that regulate hunger, which can lead to a meaningful drop in appetite and faster weight loss for many patients.
This class of medications is not new; the first glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists entered the medical market around 2007. They were originally developed to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, but as new evidence emerged, doctors recognized an additional benefit: weight loss. Given that obesity and type 2 diabetes frequently occur together, this secondary effect has been welcomed as a valuable asset in patient care.
Readers are encouraged to learn about emerging methods to combat obesity and to consider the potential risks associated with long-term use of Ozempic analogues. All information comes from professional assessments and ongoing research, with attribution to the source’s expert discussions.
The topic of obesity and its complications remains dynamic, including considerations around weight-related health issues during pregnancy. Ongoing research continues to examine how obesity influences pregnancy outcomes and what preventive strategies may help reduce risk.