Obesity medications expand therapeutic use to fatty liver disease

New obesity and diabetes medications, specifically GLP-1 agonists, are expanding their therapeutic use to include the treatment of fatty liver disease. Professor Erifylli Chatziangelaki, of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the European University Cyprus, notes that these injectable treatments offer new prospects for specific patient groups.

Semaglutide has already received FDA approval in the United States for adults with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) involving moderate to advanced fibrosis without cirrhosis. Additionally, new studies presented at the European Congress of Diabetes in Milan have highlighted the potential of dual agonists like survotutide, which targets diabetes, obesity, and liver steatosis.

Medical experts emphasize that while these drugs are significant tools, they are not a panacea. Lifestyle modifications, including a healthy diet, physical activity, and weight loss, remain the cornerstones of treatment. Without these changes, weight regain is likely once medication is discontinued. Furthermore, improper use without medical supervision can lead to serious complications, such as significant muscle mass loss and sarcopenia.