GLP-1 weight-loss drugs face scrutiny over efficacy and safety

GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, are facing scrutiny regarding long-term efficacy, side effects, and regulatory restrictions. Medical experts warn that weight loss achieved through these medications may not be permanent if patients return to old eating habits or discontinue treatment. Studies indicate that many users regain a significant portion of lost weight after stopping the drugs, highlighting the need for sustainable lifestyle changes and long-term management of obesity as a chronic condition.

Health authorities are also implementing stricter controls. In France, the Haute Autorité de Santé limits the use of medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro to adults with a BMI of at least 35 who have not seen results through nutritional treatment alone.

Safety concerns have also emerged. In some regions, consumers have filed lawsuits against manufacturers like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, alleging a link between these drugs and NAION, a rare form of vision loss often described as an ‘eye stroke’. Additionally, preliminary research in Germany suggests a potential risk of increased skeletal muscle loss during treatment, emphasizing the importance of combining medication with regular exercise and proper nutrition.