Intuitively, it would seem that GLP-1 use for obesity would reduce overall medical costs despite the increase in drug spending. But thus far, the data don’t show this.

Tirzepatide may be more effective than semaglutide in helping people lose weight. At least that's the findings from recent research published in JAMA Internal Medicine. The active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound,

For this review, the authors searched for randomized controlled trials published in MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL from inception through October 4, 2024.

By comparison, the FDA-approved drug liraglutide only resulted in just under 6% weight loss after 26 weeks, the researchers found. Common adverse side effects from the drugs included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation, researchers noted. However, side effects so bad people had to stop taking the drugs were rare.

Dr. Mehmet Furkan Burak said people who have lost weight and then gained it again can feel guilt or shame and blame themselves for it.