There is no "magic weight loss drug" in the world

Recently, there was big news coming from China’s “weight loss drug” market.

On June 25, Novo Nordisk announced that the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approved the marketing application in China for semaglutide injection (trade name Novowin) developed and produced by Novo Nordisk, for the indication of long-term weight management .

In terms of weight loss, semaglutide has long been popular abroad, attracting celebrities such as Musk and Kardashian to use it. The approval of semaglutide for weight loss means that it can be used for weight loss in China.

How effective is semaglutide for weight loss? What are the side effects? How can people keep to the "red line" of weight loss? This issue of "Health Focus" explains it for you.

For what indications has semaglutide injection been approved?

According to the indications, semaglutide injection is mainly divided into two brands. The brand name for the treatment of type 2 diabetes is Ozempic, and the one for weight loss is Wegovy. The ingredient of both is semaglutide.

It should be noted that Ozempic and Wegovy are both prescription drugs. Although their active ingredients are both semaglutide, these two drugs are used to treat two different diseases. Their specifications and approved dosages are also different, and the two cannot be used interchangeably.

Screenshot from reference [1]

Image source[2]

How effective is semaglutide injection for weight loss?

In terms of its mechanism of action, semaglutide injection (Novoying) can help patients reduce energy intake and achieve weight loss by delaying gastric emptying, suppressing appetite, increasing satiety, and reducing hunger and the frequency and intensity of food cravings.

As early as August 2022, semaglutide injection (Novowin) has completed the Phase III clinical trial for weight loss indications in China. The results showed the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous injection of semaglutide (2.4 mg) once a week in overweight or obese patients with or without type 2 diabetes. The minimum age of the subjects was 18 years old, including 300 in China and 375 abroad.

Image source: Insight database

Semaglutide injection can control people's desire for food by regulating "satiety" and has a direct weight loss effect. Does this mean that as long as you take this weight loss injection, you can eat and drink every day and lose weight easily? The answer is no.
These people can fight, but be careful of the side effects

Wegovy is indicated for long-term weight management of adult patients based on controlled diet and increased physical activity, with an initial body mass index (BMI) that meets the following conditions:

≥30kg/㎡ (obesity), or ≥27kg/㎡ to <30kg/㎡ (overweight) and at least one weight-related comorbidity (such as hyperglycemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea or cardiovascular disease).

Despite the obvious weight loss effect, eligible patients still need to be aware that all drugs are toxic, and semaglutide is no exception. Its most common adverse reactions are gastrointestinal reactions, such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, fatigue, headache, etc., and occasionally it can also cause pancreatitis, cholecystitis, diabetic retinopathy, increased heart rate, depression or suicidal thoughts, etc.

In addition to the above side effects, semaglutide also has a " rebound " problem that people are generally concerned about. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy, said in an interview with the media that people must continue to take this drug to maintain their weight. After stopping the drug, the weight will rebound. The specific speed of increase varies from person to person, and more research is needed to understand what factors drive the rebound of weight.

These people are not suitable for fighting

According to the official instructions, the following groups may not be suitable for Wegovy:

Patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome 2 (MEN 2);

People who have had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient in Wegovy;

People with pancreatic or kidney problems;

Patients with existing diabetic retinopathy;

People who have or have had depression, suicidal thoughts or mental health issues;

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding (if planning to have children, stop using the product for at least 2 months before starting to prepare for pregnancy).

Although the safety and effectiveness of semaglutide have been verified in clinical trials, it is not a permanent way to lose weight. There is no "magic drug for weight loss" in the world. If it is not combined with a reasonable diet and exercise, no weight loss plan will have long-term results. Please keep this in mind.

References:

[1]Wegovy vs. Ozempic: 5 Differences You Should Know About
[2] Wegovy vs Ozempic
[3] The first weekly GLP-1RA for long-term weight management, Novowin®, is approved in China