The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized GLP-1 receptor agonist

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized GLP-1 receptor agonists as an effective class of drugs for managing obesity. These drugs mimic the action of the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) hormone, which helps regulate both appetite and blood sugar levels. Here’s a detailed overview of these drugs and others that are approved for weight management:

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists:

These drugs are designed to simulate the effects of GLP-1, a hormone that helps regulate insulin secretion, glucose levels, and appetite. They are increasingly being used in the treatment of obesity.

1. Semaglutide (Brand: Wegovy):
   • Administration: Weekly injection.
   • Mechanism: Reduces appetite and helps control blood sugar levels. It leads to weight loss by promoting satiety and reducing food intake.
   • Approval: Approved by the FDA for weight loss and is used for people with obesity or overweight conditions along with comorbidities.
2. Liraglutide (Brand: Saxenda, Victoza):
   • Administration: Daily injection.
   • Mechanism: Like Semaglutide, liraglutide helps control appetite and regulate blood sugar. It is primarily used for weight management and as a treatment for type 2 diabetes under the brand Victoza.
   • Approval: FDA-approved for weight loss under the brand Saxenda.
3. Tirzepatide (Brand: Mounjaro):
   • Administration: Weekly injection.
   • Mechanism: A dual-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist, it helps both with weight loss and managing blood sugar by targeting both GLP-1 and GIP (gastric inhibitory peptide) receptors.
   • Approval: Though initially approved for type 2 diabetes, it has shown significant weight loss effects and is gaining attention for obesity treatment.

Other Weight Loss Drugs:

Apart from GLP-1 receptor agonists, several other drugs have been approved for weight management, either alone or in combination with other treatments.

1. Naltrexone-bupropion (Brand: Contrave):
   • Administration: Pill taken 1 to 2 times per day.
   • Mechanism: Naltrexone helps reduce cravings, and bupropion works on the brain’s reward system to help control appetite and food intake.
   • Approval: FDA-approved for long-term use as part of a comprehensive weight management program.
2. Orlistat (Brand: Xenical, Alli):
   • Administration: Oral pill taken with meals.
   • Mechanism: A lipase inhibitor that works by blocking the absorption of fat from the food you eat, thereby reducing the number of calories absorbed.
   • Approval: Available over-the-counter in lower doses (Alli) and prescription form (Xenical) for obesity management.
3. Phentermine-topiramate (Brand: Qsymia):
   • Administration: Oral pill.
   • Mechanism: Phentermine suppresses appetite, while topiramate promotes feelings of fullness and decreases appetite. This combination has been found effective for short-term weight loss.
   • Approval: FDA-approved for short-term use in obesity management.
4. Setmelanotide (Brand: Imcivree):
   • Administration: Daily injection.
   • Mechanism: Specifically designed for people with rare genetic conditions like MC4R deficiency that affect weight regulation. It helps reduce excessive hunger and supports weight loss.
   • Approval: FDA-approved for patients with these rare genetic disorders related to obesity.

Conclusion:

WHO has acknowledged the importance of GLP-1 receptor agonists in managing obesity, especially in light of the rising global obesity epidemic. These drugs, alongside other weight-loss medications like Orlistat, Naltrexone-bupropion, and Phentermine-topiramate, offer therapeutic options for individuals struggling with obesity. However, these drugs should be used in conjunction with diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications, under the supervision of healthcare professionals, to achieve sustainable weight loss and improve overall health.