In the ongoing battle against America’s obesity epidemic, two prominent figures in President Trump’s incoming cabinet, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Elon Musk, have voiced contrasting approaches, as highlighted in a recent New York Times article. While Kennedy calls for addressing the root causes of obesity through environmental and socioeconomic changes, Musk advocates for the transformative potential of technological and medical interventions. Among these medical interventions, five weight loss drugs have gained prominence: Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. These differing perspectives reflect the multifaceted nature of the obesity crisis, which affects millions of Americans.
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) agonists mimic the action of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, helping to regulate blood sugar levels and promote weight loss by stimulating insulin release, reducing sugar production in the liver, and slowing stomach emptying.
These drugs have become increasingly popular due to their effectiveness. For example, Ozempic and Wegovy help manage blood sugar levels and contribute to significant weight loss. Rybelsus, an oral version, offers similar benefits. Mounjaro, a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist, enhances these effects, while Zepbound targets specific receptors involved in appetite regulation.
Their popularity is driven by the growing prevalence of type 2 diabetes and obesity, highlighting the importance of ongoing research and development in metabolic health. Here are the 5 currently on the market:
Ozempic: Ozempic® (semaglutide) injection 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg is an injectable prescription medicine used:
- along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose) in adults with type 2 diabetes
- to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes with known heart disease
Wegovy: WEGOVY® (semaglutide) injection 2.4 mg is an injectable prescription medicine used with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity:
- that may help adults and children aged 12 years and older with obesity, or some adults with overweight who also have weight-related medical problems, to help them lose excess body weight and keep the weight off.
- to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as death, heart attack, or stroke in adults with known heart disease and with either obesity or overweight.
Rybelsus: RYBELSUS® (semaglutide) tablets 7 mg or 14 mg is a prescription medicine used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose) in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Mounjaro: Mounjaro is a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist used for type 2 diabetes management, with weight loss as a secondary benefit. It is an injectable prescription medicine that is used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose) in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Zepbound: A newer medication designed specifically for weight loss, with promising results in clinical trials. Zepbound is an injectable prescription medicine that may help adults with obesity, or some adults with overweight who also have weight-related medical problems, to lose excess body weight and keep the weight off. Zepbound should be used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
