GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Effective Even at Low Starter Doses
By Nancy Lapid
People taking popular GLP-1 obesity drugs who remain on low starter doses will lose some weight but may still experience side effects, although significantly less nausea than those who graduate to higher manufacturer-recommended doses, according to a new study.
And they are unlikely to experience the double-digit weight-loss percentages seen with higher doses.
GLP-1 drugs, such as semaglutide (sold as Ozempic and Wegovy by Novo Nordisk) and Eli Lilly's tirzepatide (sold under the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound), are initially prescribed at a low dose followed by gradual titration to higher doses to help the body adjust and minimize side effects.
Many patients never achieve the recommended maintenance dose due to tolerability, access, cost, supply, or their individual goals.
Researchers analyzed data on 534 patients who continued to take injectable semaglutide at the 0.25-milligram starter dose for at least six months, and the results showed:
- Weight loss: An average of 4.4% of body weight loss after six months.
- Side effects: Nausea was the most common side effect, but it was significantly lower than at higher doses.
Source: Reuters