New insights into the newer weight-loss drugs
A KKF poll finds that, overall, 12% of Americans have used or are using a GLP-1 agonist like Trulicity, Ozempic or Mounjaro for weight loss or to manage Type 2 diabetes and associated complications. Specifically, around 25% of folks who have been told they have heart disease are taking it and that goes up to 40% among those with Type 2 diabetes.
The poll also shows that 22% of folks who have been diagnosed as overweight or obese (and don't have diabetes) say they've tried the meds. But they're also the group that is most likely to discontinue the medication. A study in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism says almost half of these patients discontinue the meds within a year because of gastrointestinal side effects, the price tag, or perceived lack of benefit.
Speaking of perceived lack of benefit ... everything from lack of compliance to insulin resistance, medication conflicts, or chronic medical issues like arthritis that inhibit resistance training to maintain muscle mass may keep the meds from working effectively. That happens to around 14% of folks taking a GLP-1 agonist.
But another new study shows one way to up effectiveness. Combining a GLP-1 agonist with another diabetes med called an SGLT2 inhibitor, like Jardiance and Farxiga, is the most effective way to improve heart and kidney health, which are negatively impacted by diabetes and obesity.
For more information on effective weight loss and a younger, healthier future, check out the free newsletter at LongevityPlaybook.com and "8 Essential Nutrients That Support Longevity" at iHerb.com/blog.
Dr. Mike Roizen is the founder of www.longevityplaybook.com, and Dr. Mehmet Oz is global advisor to www.iHerb.com, the world's leading online health store. Roizen and Oz are chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and professor emeritus at Columbia University, respectively. Together they have written 11 New York Times bestsellers (four No. 1's).
(c)2025 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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