GLP-1 weight loss drugs effective even at low starter doses
The GLP-1 drugs semaglutide, sold as Ozempic and Wegovy by Novo Nordisk, and Eli Lilly's tirzepatide, sold under the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound, are prescribed initially at a low dose followed by gradual titration to higher doses, to help the body adjust and minimize side effects
A new study suggests that popular GLP-1 obesity drugs semaglutide and tirzepatide can still induce weight loss and improve kidney outcomes at low starter doses, despite generating fewer adverse effects than higher doses. The research, led by Venky Soundararajan of data analytics firm nference, analyzed data from 534 patients who continued taking semaglutide at a 0.25-milligram dose for at least six months, and the same number who remained on tirzepatide at the 2.5-milligram starter dose.
After one year, average weight loss on the lowest approved doses was 5.5% for tirzepatide and 2.2% for semaglutide, compared to 20.2% and 13.7% respectively on higher maintenance doses. Kidney outcomes were better with semaglutide at lower doses, while tirzepatide was linked to a higher incidence of kidney injury. Low-dose semaglutide also led to more instances of ear inflammation, heavy sweating, and ankle swelling.
Despite these benefits, patients on starter doses experienced less nausea and constipation than those on higher doses. While observational studies like this one cannot definitively establish cause and effect, Soundararajan emphasized the importance of informing patients about the potential weight loss and reduced adverse events associated with low-dose GLP-1 drugs.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
