The weight loss industry is probably on the verge of a major renewal, thanks to a wave of innovative treatments recently introduced to the public. These new medications offer a new approach to reducing obesity by regulating hormone levels rather than just digestive capacity. With promising improvements in metabolic health and appetite control, these treatments have been a huge success in 2023, and even bigger results are to be expected by the end of the year. How do they work, and what impact could they have on weight loss tendencies in the United States? Let’s explore the main characteristics of these groundbreaking medications.
The recent wave of new innovative treatments
How does it work?
The latest developments in weight loss treatments might revolutionize this field. Indeed, a wave of new treatment options, the GLP-1 medications, have been released, and the first results are already impressive.
Although many medications were developed during the last 50 years, none have proven effective. This new generation is different because of its nature. For the first time, treatments focus on hormone regulation, not only digestive capacity.
Indeed, weight regulation is mostly a matter of hormones. Released by the intestine, they command the sensation of satiety when we eat. The new medications make these “hunger” hormone levels higher than they are naturally in the body, reducing the need for food. GLP-1 and GIP are among the major ones, they are both implicated in insulin regulation, appetite, and digestion.
The effects of weight loss treatments
Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and other products have been released in the last few years. Most of them share the same active component, Semaglutide, and are part of the GLP-1 agonists family. Indeed, they mimic the natural process of producing GLP-1 to increase its level in the body. Normally, its level rises after meal to regulate food intake, but these medications constantly stimulate the body.
These molecules trigger specific receptors within the digestive system to stimulate the production of GLP-1 and increase its level in the body. Normally, the hormone is secreted after a meal to regulate food intake, but these medications make it permanent to maintain the effects on food intake.
The main expected effects are the following :
- Slowed digestion, with a longer stomach-emptying process after each meal. The food intake capacity is reduced as well.
- Reduced appetite, by triggering the satiety-related receptors directly within the digestive system.
- Regulation of insulin levels, reducing the risks for diabetes. For the story, Ozempic, the most popular obesity non-surgical treatment, was created to fight against diabetes, not overweight, and its implication with weight loss is a side effect.
Why are they so popular?
The new medications have a large success worldwide, but especially in the US. More than 3 million prescriptions were made for GLP-1 agonists last year in the country.
This enthusiasm is the result of convincing first results, with an average 15% weight loss in the long run. Better targeting of hormone receptors could result in even more impressive effects in the future. Moreover, recent medications are easy to manage because they are injected weekly (pills are disappearing). The large amount of possible choices allows everyone to find one that works best for them.
Be careful, never take any medication without any healthcare professional advice, as they come with risks and potential side effects.
Limits and inconveniences
However, the long-term effects are still uncertain, and some chronic conditions may appear in some patients after years of use, but only time will tell. Direct side effects are still widespread among patients taking injectable medications, they are seen in about 20% of the cases.
Another problem is the economic issue with the cost of such medications, around $1,300 every month for an average patient. Only some people can afford such a treatment in the long term, and even insurance companies are backing up and withdrawing some products from their coverage. Considering the amount of the population suffering from obesity in the US and who are likely to be interested, traditional insurance contracts are not profitable anymore if they cover everything.
What does it mean for traditional surgery?
Surgery still ensures the best results
Surgery is still the most efficient way to lose weight, especially in cases of morbid obesity. The different types of bariatric surgeries adjust the size of the stomach or small intestine to regulate how the digestive tract works.
You’ve probably heard of two types of bariatric surgeries:
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: this procedure reduces the size of the stomach and a part of the small intestine to reduce calorie absorption. This surgery is practiced everywhere in the US, so several hospitals should be available for bypass around you.
- Sleeve gastrectomy: it reduces appetite and absorption capacities by removing 85% of the stomach.
Also, as obesity prevalence continued to grow massively over the past decade, new, more effective procedures have been developed aiming for better long-term results. You’ve surely heard about semaglutide injections like Ozempic and Wegovy, which have been at the center of some controversy as the sudden high demand created a shortage of the medicine for patients suffering from diabetes.
Another example of innovation came from gastric balloons. Gastric balloons are devices that are inserted inside the stomach to reduce the volume available for food, which in turn makes patients feel full faster and consume less food. While traditional gastric balloons involve surgery, the Israeli company Spatz Medical successfully developed a non-surgical balloon that only requires local anesthesia during the insertion and removal of the device. This procedure is becoming increasingly popular since its approval by the FDA, as it’s perceived as safer, and clinical studies showed higher success rates compared to traditional balloons. If you are considering undergoing a bariatric treatment, consult with your doctor or get in touch with a bariatric clinic in your area that can recommend the best procedure for your condition.
Good side effects of surgery include a reduced diabetes risk for weight loss surgery patients, as demonstrated in a recent study presented at the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. It seems that important weight loss leads to a lower risk of progression to diabetes.
It is estimated that a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 35 is required to be able to go through weight loss surgery, but only a qualified professional can deliver a trustworthy opinion. Many factors can increase risk during surgery, and only the expertise of a specialist can determine the best protocol for each patient.
The bariatric industry market
Despite a slight fall compared to the 2017-2020 period, obesity prevalence remains above 40% in the US. This explains why the North American continent will likely stay the first market of the global weight loss industry. A study published by the World Obesity Federation predicts one billion people worldwide will have obesity by 2030.
The total US bariatric market is estimated around $90 billion in 2023, twice the results of the previous years, boosted by the new GLP-1 drugs. Obesity medications represented nearly $12 billion in 2023, a number expected to continue to grow for several years.
Medications already represent a significant part of the market, which will certainly continue to grow during the next decade. Still, the most prominent sector remains the weight loss programs and services, including surgery and following medical care, with an estimated 21 billion worth in 2023.
The gastric balloons sector is expected to reach record results within the next decade as well, thanks to recent developments with high popularity. Patients are more aware now than ever of the possible solutions to lose weight, and an implantable device like a gastric balloon is often a good compromise between long-term medication and invasive surgery. It carries less risk than full surgery but can have enough effects on life habits to ensure durable results without having to pay an expensive treatment for decades.
As the new GLP-1 agonist treatments reshape the possibilities for weight loss patients, their potential to help reduce obesity significantly is undeniable. However, the high cost and potential side effects remain problematic, particularly for long-term use. Many challenges need to be addressed, but the future of weight loss treatment seems brighter in the US, where more than 40% of the population suffers from obesity. The growing number of treatment options, from surgery to medications, could make it easier for millions of potential patients to manage their weight efficiently in the long run. Following these innovations, the bariatric industry is likely to see further growth in the years to come.
