Latest news with #HamletGasoyan
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Researchers Discover Drugs Like Ozempic Aren't as Effective Outside of Clinical Trials
Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably heard the buzz about weight-loss drugs like Ozempic. Some people think they're a positive scientific breakthrough that can help folks with obesity; others are concerned about their side effects. No matter where you stand, you won't stop hearing about them any time soon. They're becoming a more common treatment for weight loss for everyone from celebrities to your neighbor down the street. But according to a new study from the Cleveland Clinic, semaglutides and tirzepatide—two of the most popular GLP-1 drugs—might not be as effective as scientists originally though, particularly when they're used outside research settings. The study, published in the Obesity Journal, found that people on GLP-1 medications tend to lose less weight outside of clinical trials, mostly because they don't stay on the drugs as long or use lower maintenance doses than those prescribed in research settings. 'Our study shows that patients treated for obesity with semaglutide or trizepatide lost less weight on average in a regular clinical setting compared to what is observed in randomized clinical trials," said lead author of the study Hamlet Gasoyan, Ph.D. "According to our data, this could be explained by higher rates of discontinuation and lower maintenance dosages used in clinical practice, compared to randomized clinical trial settings.' For the study, researchers looked at almost 8,000 adults with clinically-severe obesity, including over 1,300 with prediabetes. Between 2021 and 2023, all participants took either semaglutide or tirzepatide. Researchers tracked how long participants stayed on the medications as well as how much weight they 2024, the researchers broke the participants into two groups: those who discontinued treatment early (within three months of starting) or late (between three and 12 months of starting). Turns out, a lot of people didn't stick with the medication. More than 20 percent of participants stopped early, and another 32 percent stopped within a year. On top of that, over 80 percent of participants were taking lower-than-recommended maintenance doses. As you might've guessed, the longer people stayed on the drugs, the better the results. Those who ditched early lost just 3.6 percent of their body weight, while those who hung on a bit longer dropped about 6.8 percent in a year. But the real transformation came from patients who stuck with it—they lost around 11.9 percent. And when they combined that consistency with higher maintenance doses? Weight loss jumped to 13.7 percent with semaglutide and a hefty 18 percent with tirzepatide. Researchers didn't just look at weight loss either—they also tracked blood sugar levels in people who had prediabetes at the start of the study. And just like with weight, sticking with the meds for a longer period of time made a big difference. Only 33 percent of people who quit early saw their blood sugar return to normal. That went up to 41 percent for those who stayed on a bit longer. But for the people who stuck with treatment? Nearly 68 percent hit healthy blood sugar levels. 'Our findings about the real-world use patterns of these medications and associated clinical outcomes could inform the decisions of healthcare providers and their patients on the role of treatment discontinuation and maintenance dosage in achieving clinically meaningful weight reductions,' said Gasoyan. Researchers Discover Drugs Like Ozempic Aren't as Effective Outside of Clinical Trials first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 17, 2025
The Hindu
17-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Health matters newsletter: The whole truth about weight-loss drugs
On 'weight loss' drugs and their impacts, the scorching heat and sleep apnoea, what persists after a Covid-19 infection, AI in healthcare, and more. Universally, a certain class of drugs have come to be superstars in recent times. The GLP-1 class of drugs, with their capacity for weight loss, though originally conceived and developed for diabetes, has suddenly become the toast of the season, for one reason - their weight loss properties. With celebrities like Elon Musk flaunting their use of these drugs, semaglutide and more recently, tirzepatide, reached homes even before the results of rigorous control trials were ready for publication. While over the months, the trials have indicated good overall results, both for weight loss and blood sugar control, a new field study offers a more realistic estimate of how these GLP-1 receptor agonists work in real time. A recent study, done in the U.S. indicated that these New 'weight-loss' drugs have lower impact in real life compared to clinical trial results. In a paper published in the journal Obesity, Hamlet Gasoyan et al accessed electronic health record data from a large health system in Ohio and Florida to identify adults with overweight or obesity without type 2 diabetes who started with injectable semaglutide or tirzepatide between 2021 and 2023. The researchers observed that treatment discontinuation and use of lower maintenance dosages might reduce the likelihood of achieving clinically-meaningful weight reduction in patients on these drugs. This is something that diabetologists in India agreed with, instinctively. In a randomised control trial, there is incentive and constant reminders to take the drugs. In the real world setting, when patients have to pay for their drugs out of their own pocket and without a rigorous reminder, or because of the side effects that they cannot tolerate, a number of people discontinue treatment. And drugs work only as long as they are taken. Further on this topic, Dr. V. Mohan, Chennai-based diabetologist discusses on The Health Wrap by The Hindu about who are ideal candidates for these drugs, whether a regimen must be followed and deciding the appropriate dosage levels for people on GLP-1 drugs. Zubeda Hamid and I discuss other issues too, including good and bad bacteria, migration and climate change, not to mention a giraffe's cervical structure. Do tune in, to listen. Having lived out another May, a torrid summer, there is no doubt that a climate crisis is upon us. The WHO says 2024 was the warmest year on record – but the heat is far from over. A new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warns that global temperatures will likely continue rising, with an 80 per cent chance that at least one year between now and 2029 will be even hotter. Climate emergency is a health crisis 'that is already killing us,' the WHO adds. Delhi and other parts of northern and central India were severely impacted as temperatures soared beyond bearable. Our stories give you a clear picture: Delhi under 'red alert' as mercury soars beyond 45 degrees C; severe heatwave conditions to persist; Blistering heat continues in north, central India; hills scorch. Meanwhile, we also reported on a study which found that Warmer climate could make sleep apnoea more severe, common. Sleep apnoea, a condition characterised by having trouble breathing properly while sleeping, could become more common and severe in a warmer future, a new study has found. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder, estimated to affect about a billion worldwide. The condition occurs when muscles in the throat narrow the airways, impacting breathing and blood oxygen levels during findings, published in the journal Nature Communications, show that one's chances of experiencing sleep apnoea could spike by 45 per cent on days with higher temperatures. Meanwhile, the government is mulling whether to restrict the temperature range on air conditioners. Vasudevan Mukunth, here, explains the Science behind setting the right temperature on the air conditioner. Last week, a very important document was launched, something we would do well to heed. With the launch of HelpAge India's national report, ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which is marked on June 15, on intergenerational dynamics, it is clear that we need to create better bonds with senior citizens and also encourage more digital literacy. For a greying nation, we need to pay more attention to the health and social support needs of the elderly, bringing it back into the DNA of the culture we live in. We do our periodic dip stick test for COVID-19, profiling various developments in the area, even as the number of cases is going up slowly. Dr. M.S. Seshadri and Dr. T. Jacob John explain what the current Resurgence of COVID 19 means for India. They argue that the recent number of COVID-19 cases, reported as nearly 7,000, reflects the greater volume of testing, not the true magnitude of infection or disease in the population. More than four years since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the disease remains a global health concern — not because of new surges but because of what persists. Do read about a genetics study that linked a lung gene to known, recorded post-COVID sequelae. Bindu Shajan Perappadan also focuses on the same angle, reminding readers of the the threat of deep vein thrombosis associated with COVID. We also endeavour to point out areas of hope and positivity, as it is so important in health care. Health is as much about wellness and recovery as it is about disease and pain. There is some hope with reports that Novavax's COVID-flu combo vaccine which showed strong immune response in trial. In other news, Jacob Koshy reports that SII and DNDi have partnered to expand human trials for dengue treatment. Hopefully, we will have better dengue treatment protocols soon. Again in India, here is a model that could be replicated, as Rajasthan's cash plus model pushes up early breastfeeding rate, dietary diversity among new mothers. The big minus about treating cancer is the way the treatment causes general toxicity, as it tars even healthy tissue with the same brush. Here, there seems to be a solution to this: In a first, arc therapy beats tricky cancer while sparing nearby tissue. Afshan Yasmeen reported that Karnataka's MMR was steadily decline; it has reduced to 58 per lakh live births in 2020-22. Great news, indeed. It was also the week we discussed India's falling fertility rates. As per a UN report, fertility rate drops below replacement level, Purnima Sah wrote. According to the UNFPA, millions of people in India are not able to realise their real fertility goals. Calling this the 'real' crisis, and not overpopulation or underpopulation, the report calls for the pursuit of reproductive agency — a person's ability to make free and informed choices about sex, contraception and starting a family — in a changing world. Replacement-level fertility, commonly defined as 2.1 births per woman, is the rate at which a population size remains constant from one generation to the next. The recent World Health Assembly has created a turning point for skin health, explained Dr. Monisha Madhumitha. Here's what the WHA's landmark resolution on skin diseases means for the world. Moving on to a key component of health care, we had articles that discussed the role of AI in the health sector this past week. While Sayantan Datta asked How safe AI is in healthcare depends on the humans of healthcare, Dr. Aravinda C. took the argument further discussing the promise and pitfalls of evaluating AI tools with mismatched yardsticks. Dr. V. Viju Wilben turned our attention to how technology can help, at a time when most city roads are perennially clogged with traffic jams, to reclaim the Golden Hour, and save lives. In the tailpiece segment, reverse ageing steals the spotlight. If only it were possible! But Anirban Mukhopadhyay brought hope, with the article. Common molecule offers clue to making old muscles young again. As we age, it gets harder to recover from a fall, injury or even a tough workout because the body's muscle-repair system starts to falter. Muscle stem cells (MuSCs), the in-house repair crew, stop dividing and rebuilding tissue, losing their ability to respond to damage. A study in Cell Stem Cell on June 12 suggested this decline may be reversible. The key isn't some futuristic therapy but a molecule already used in hospitals today -prostaglandin E2. We had a very healthy, and robust explainers section this week. Sophie Davies, in The Conversation wrote of Diverticular disease Sreedevi Jayachandran explained Tourette syndrome and its management Serena Josephine M.'s story in our 'All You Need to Know About' series was on hernias Dr. Steve Thomas wrote two fine pieces on the occasion of blood donation day. Do click on the links to read them: Our body's crimson tide: understanding blood disorders and the vital role of blood donation and Our body's crimson tide: the evolving treatment landscape in haematology Athira Elssa Johnson wrote on The risks of undiagnosed gall bladder stones: doctors call for awareness, timely treatment, how to read the tongue as a measure of health; and filed yet another story in our monthly Nobel winners series: This one on Sir Ronald Ross and his contributions towards malaria control Dr. Sathyanarayana L.D. elaborated on a little-explored subject, in connection with Brain Tumour Day (June 8) on aphasia, or the loss of language, after brain tumour surgery. Our In Focus podcast discussed the risks of the government's proposed 'mixopathy' move If you have some extra time on your hands, also read: C. Maya: Living donor transplants thrive as Kerala turns its face away from deceased donor organ donations Serena Josephine M.: Many private hospitals in T.N. hit by acute shortage of Hepatitis B vaccine Indian-origin physician Bobby Mukkamala sworn in as American Medical Association president Science Quiz: On eye health – For many more health stories, head to our health page and subscribe to the health newsletter here.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Weight-Loss Medications Less Effective for People in the 'Real World,' New Study Finds
A new study analyzed patients who used GLP-1 medications in a real-world setting Researchers found that participants lost less weight compared to use in clinical trials They believe discontinuation rates are due to high out-of-pocket costs, issues with insurance coverage, side effects and supply shortagesWeight-loss medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro are not as effective in a 'real-world' setting, according to a new study. The study — published June 10 in the Obesity Journal — analyzed nearly 8,000 patients who were classified as having severe obesity. Between 2021 and 2023, they were treated with semaglutide or tirzepatide, injectable GLP-1 medications, in a real-world setting. GLP-1 is short for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, which work in the brain to impact satiety. Semaglutide is sold under brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, and tirzepatide is sold under brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound. In a follow-up study, which ended in December 2024, researchers grouped patients who discontinued their obesity medications into those who discontinued early (within 3 months) and late (within 3-12 months). Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! They found that more than 20% of patients discontinued their medications early and 32% discontinued their medications late. Additionally, more than 80% of patients were on lower maintenance dosages of their medications. After a year of treatment, the average weight loss was 3.6% for those who discontinued their treatment early, compared to 6.8% for those who discontinued their treatment late. Those who continued treatment lost about 12% of their body weight. During clinical trials for the GLP-1s, patients lost about 15% to 20% of their body weight. 'Our findings about the real-world use patterns of these medications and associated clinical outcomes could inform the decisions of healthcare providers and their patients on the role of treatment discontinuation and maintenance dosage in achieving clinically meaningful weight reductions,' Dr. Hamlet Gasoyan, Cleveland Clinic researcher and lead author of the study, said in a statement. The study notes that discontinuation rates during real-world use were higher than those in a clinical trial setting due to high out-of-pocket costs, issues with insurance coverage, side effects and supply shortages. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Weight-Loss Medications Less Effective for People in the 'Real World,' New Study Finds
A new study analyzed patients who used GLP-1 medications in a real-world setting Researchers found that participants lost less weight compared to use in clinical trials They believe discontinuation rates are due to high out-of-pocket costs, issues with insurance coverage, side effects and supply shortagesWeight-loss medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro are not as effective in a 'real-world' setting, according to a new study. The study — published June 10 in the Obesity Journal — analyzed nearly 8,000 patients who were classified as having severe obesity. Between 2021 and 2023, they were treated with semaglutide or tirzepatide, injectable GLP-1 medications, in a real-world setting. GLP-1 is short for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, which work in the brain to impact satiety. Semaglutide is sold under brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, and tirzepatide is sold under brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound. In a follow-up study, which ended in December 2024, researchers grouped patients who discontinued their obesity medications into those who discontinued early (within 3 months) and late (within 3-12 months). Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! They found that more than 20% of patients discontinued their medications early and 32% discontinued their medications late. Additionally, more than 80% of patients were on lower maintenance dosages of their medications. After a year of treatment, the average weight loss was 3.6% for those who discontinued their treatment early, compared to 6.8% for those who discontinued their treatment late. Those who continued treatment lost about 12% of their body weight. During clinical trials for the GLP-1s, patients lost about 15% to 20% of their body weight. 'Our findings about the real-world use patterns of these medications and associated clinical outcomes could inform the decisions of healthcare providers and their patients on the role of treatment discontinuation and maintenance dosage in achieving clinically meaningful weight reductions,' Dr. Hamlet Gasoyan, Cleveland Clinic researcher and lead author of the study, said in a statement. The study notes that discontinuation rates during real-world use were higher than those in a clinical trial setting due to high out-of-pocket costs, issues with insurance coverage, side effects and supply shortages. Read the original article on People
Miami Herald
12-06-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
Study: Real-world results of GLP-1 drugs don't match trials
Real-world results for blockbuster weight-loss meds like Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound aren't as impressive as those promised by the drugs' clinical trials, a new study says. People taking such GLP-1 drugs lost just under 9% of their body weight on average after a year, researchers reported Tuesday in the journal Obesity. That's far less than the 15% to 21% body weight reduction promised by the clinical trials that led to the approval of Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) for weight loss, researchers said. "Patients treated for obesity with semaglutide or trizepatide lost less weight on average in a regular clinical setting compared to what is observed in randomized clinical trial," lead investigator Hamlet Gasoyan said in a news release. He is a researcher at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Value-Based Care Research. People taking the drugs in real-world settings appear to be more likely to quit taking the meds, researchers said. They also might be prescribed lower dosages in clinical practice than were used in the drug trials. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs mimic the GLP-1 hormone, which helps control insulin and blood sugar levels, decreases appetite and slows digestion of food. For this study, researchers tracked nearly 7,900 patients being treated by the Cleveland Clinic for severe obesity, of whom about 6,100 were prescribed semaglutide and the rest tirzepatide. Average body weight loss after a year was nearly 9% for the whole group, results show. But weight loss varied based on when a person stopped taking the drugs, researchers found. Average weight loss was under 4% for those who stopped treatment early, versus nearly 7% or those who stopped later on, the study says. Those who stayed on their medications lost an average 12% body weight. Results also show that more than 4 in 5 (81%) of patients were prescribed a low maintenance dose of their GLP-1 drug, and that made a difference as well. People who stayed on their meds and received high doses lost nearly 14% of their body weight with semaglutide and 18% with tirzepatide. "Our findings about the real-world use patterns of these medications and associated clinical outcomes could inform the decisions of health care providers and their patients on the role of treatment discontinuation and maintenance dosage in achieving clinically meaningful weight reductions," Gasoyan said. Overall, patients had higher odds of losing 10% or more of their body weight after a year if they remained on their meds, were prescribed a high dosage, were taking tirzepatide rather than semaglutide, and were female, results show. The cost of the drugs and problems were insurance were a common reason for patients stopping GLP-1 treatment, along with side effects and medication shortages, researchers said. Staying on the GLP-1 meds particularly helped the nearly 17% of patients who had prediabetes, a condition in which elevated blood sugar levels increase a person's risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. About 68% of those who stuck with their treatment wound up with normal blood sugar levels, compared with 41% who stopped taking the drugs later in the study and 33% who stopped earlier. "Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common complications of obesity, so diabetes prevention is very important," Gasoyan said. "This study highlights that treatment discontinuation, especially early, negatively affects both weight and glycemic control outcomes." A follow-up study is in the works to better track why patients stop taking their GLP-1 drugs, researchers said. More information Harvard Medical School has more on GLP-1 drugs. Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Copyright 2025 UPI News Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
