A prevailing risk factor for type 2 diabetes is being obese or overweight, so weight loss plans while sustaining normal blood sugar levels are very important. With more than 1 in 10 people in the U.S. having diabetes, as per the American Diabetes Association, understanding how taking diabetes medications can impact weight becomes crucial.
Some of the medicines can help a person lose body weight. In this article, we’ll focus on five types of diabetes medications and how they help lose body weight with the help of clinical evidence. In addition, you can buy Victoza online to manage your blood sugar effectively.
Which Diabetes Medicines Cause Weight Loss?
The types of diabetes medications that can cause weight loss are:
1. Victoza and Other GLP-1 Agonists
GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Victoza 6 mg/ml injection, have been associated with weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes. Victoza works by enhancing insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon release, and slowing down gastric emptying. The weight loss effect is believed to be due to reduced appetite and delayed stomach emptying, leading to fewer calories consumed. When paired with a healthy diet and regular exercise, Victoza can improve weight management by reducing appetite and slowing the passage of food through the stomach.
In a series of studies called the LEAD trials, individuals who used Victoza for approximately six months to a year experienced an average weight loss of 2 to 7 pounds. The weight reduction observed with Victoza was more prominent than that observed with other similar treatments.
In another study featured in The Lancet, the weight loss effects of various doses of Victoza were compared against a placebo and another weight loss medication, orlistat, among participants without diabetes. The findings revealed that individuals who received liraglutide shed more weight — ranging from 11 to 16 pounds — over 20 weeks compared to those who received the placebo or orlistat. Higher doses of Victoza, particularly at 3 mg, yielded greater weight loss outcomes, leading to the approval of Saxenda at this dosage for weight management.
Other GLP-1 agonists are FDA-approved for diabetes and help lose weight, including:
- Ozempic (semaglutide)
- Rybelsus (semaglutide)
- Trulicity (dulaglutide)
2. Mounjaro
Mounjaro (generic name tirzepatide) is an injectable medication primarily used to treat Type 2 diabetes. However, it has garnered attention for its potential impact on weight loss as well. Mounjaro targets two hormones:
- GLP-1: Released from the digestive tract, it helps lower blood sugar levels and promotes a feeling of fullness.
- Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide: This hormone stimulates insulin release.
By altering how your body reacts to food, Mounjaro becomes a powerful tool for managing both diabetes and obesity.
In a June 2022 study by the American Diabetes Association involving over 2,500 obese adults, those taking 5 milligrams of Mounjaro for 72 weeks (approximately a year and a half) experienced an average weight loss of 15% of their body weight.
3. Metformin
Metformin is one of the most recommended diabetes medications. It primarily lowers the level of blood glucose made by the liver and makes the body more sensitive to its natural insulin. It may reduce appetite by affecting gut microbiota, releasing appetite-suppressing hormones, and influencing appetite-regulating brain areas. Metformin’s weight loss is more modest than that of the medications listed above, and not everyone loses weight while taking it.
DPP is a randomized controlled trial published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine. Participants were assigned to receive metformin, engage in lifestyle modifications, or receive a placebo. After the first year, the intensive lifestyle intervention (ILS) group showed the highest percentage achieving at least a 5% weight loss (62.6%). Factors predicting long-term weight loss included initial weight loss, age, medication adherence, diabetes status, and baseline glucose levels.
4. SGLT2 Inhibitors
SGLT2 inhibitors are a class of drugs that lower blood glucose levels by increasing the excretion of glucose in the urine. Interestingly, they also promote weight loss by reducing the absorption of calories from carbohydrates. SGLT2 inhibitors directly reduce body weight by causing the kidneys to excrete glucose, resulting in calorie reduction. Inhibiting SGLT2 works in a glucose-dependent manner, leading to the elimination of approximately 60-100 grams of glucose per day in the urine.
A 2019 review of studies published in the journal Current Pharmacology Reports found that people taking SGLT2 inhibitors, including Farxiga, generally lose about 5 to 7 pounds. This weight loss is similar whether Farxiga is taken alone or combined with other medications. Examples of SGLT-2 inhibitors include:
- Jardiance (empagliflozin)
- Farxiga (dapagliflozin)
- Invokana (canagliflozin)
5. Symlin
Symlin (pramlintide) is a synthetic form of the hormone amylin, which is normally secreted alongside insulin by the beta cells of the pancreas. While it is primarily used to treat diabetes, it has also shown potential as a weight loss tool. Here’s how Symlin works and results in weight loss:
- Symlin slows down the movement of food from the stomach into the small intestine.
- The pancreas of people with type 1 diabetes secretes excess amounts of the blood glucose-raising hormone glucagon just after meals. Symlin blunts the secretion of glucagon, contributing to better blood glucose control.
- By limiting food intake and keeping the body from raising blood glucose levels on its own during the post-meal period, Symlin enhances satiety (feeling of fullness) and decreases appetite.
In a Phase II trial published in the journal Diabetes Care, researchers studied the effects of Symlin (pramlintide) on weight loss. Over 200 obese patients received Symlin injections three times a day for 16 weeks. The result was that patients taking Symlin experienced a 3.6% reduction in body weight compared to the placebo group.
It’s important to note that individual responses to these medications can vary, and weight loss may not occur for everyone. These medications should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Additionally, you can order drugs from Canada for the most exclusive prices and convenient doorstep delivery.
The Bottom Line
Several types of diabetes medications can contribute to weight loss, helping in the management of both diabetes and obesity. Medications like Victoza, Mounjaro, Metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, and Symlin offer various mechanisms to help reduce body weight, from suppressing appetite to increasing calorie excretion. While these medications show promise in promoting weight loss, individual responses may vary. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment plan tailored to one’s specific needs and health condition. Combining medication with a healthy diet and regular exercise can further enhance weight management efforts.
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