Tejal Somvanshi
Recent studies show that while drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have revolutionized weight management, they also come with significant limitations that users should understand. The drugs, which contain GLP-1 receptor agonists, offer substantial benefits but present challenges including side effects, cost barriers, and the fact that weight typically returns when patients stop treatment.
What These Drugs Actually Do
Both Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide, a compound that mimics the GLP-1 hormone in our bodies. This hormone regulates blood sugar and controls appetite signals in the brain.
“When we talk about obesity as a disease, it’s not just about excess fat or adiposity, it’s also a metabolic abnormality,” explains Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director of Novo Nordisk India, the company that manufactures these drugs.
Clinical trials have shown these medications can help patients lose 15-20% of their body weight. But how do they actually work? The drugs slow food movement through the digestive system and directly impact brain regions involved in hunger and fullness.
As one user named Jenni described, “All of that [food craving] was just blanked out, completely cancelled, which was so great.” Many users report the drugs eliminate their constant thoughts about food – what some call “food noise.”
The Challenges Patients Face
Despite impressive results, these medications come with notable drawbacks:
Side Effects: Users commonly experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Research continues into potential long-term risks including thyroid tumors and pancreatitis.
Weight Regain: A JAMA Network Open analysis found that most people stop taking these drugs within two years – and when they do, the weight typically returns. The study showed half of participants discontinued treatment within one year, and nearly three-quarters did so by the second year.
“Just as conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid disorders return when medication is stopped, weight loss through diet and exercise alone is often temporary,” Shrotriya noted. “The body fights back due to its natural survival instinct.”
Affordability: These medications remain expensive, costing hundreds of dollars monthly, putting them out of reach for many who might benefit.
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Not Magic Pills
A key misconception is that these drugs work independently of lifestyle changes.
Shrotriya emphasized at the India Today Conclave 2025: “This is not a magic pill, it is a medication.” He stressed the “ABC mantra” – attitude, behavior, and choices – alongside medical treatment.
“When you eat less, your hunger hormones eventually compensate, causing weight to rebound,” Shrotriya explained. “Lifestyle, exercise, and diet are integral to a person’s well-being.”
Beyond Weight Loss
Research now suggests GLP-1 drugs might have additional benefits beyond weight management. Some studies indicate potential reductions in dementia risk and cardiovascular disease. Moreover, early research suggests they may help curb alcohol cravings in some patients.
A small US study published in JAMA Psychiatry found participants taking semaglutide reported reduced alcohol cravings compared to those on placebo. However, not all studies show consistent results in this area.
Looking Forward
New advancements could address current limitations. Stanford Medicine researchers have identified a molecule called BRP that might mimic semaglutide’s effects without common side effects.
Meanwhile, global demand for these drugs continues to rise, with the market expected to exceed $100 billion by 2030. Regulatory agencies are working to resolve supply shortages, potentially improving accessibility for patients.
As researchers and medical professionals learn more about these medications, the focus remains on helping patients understand both the benefits and limitations of what some have called a “weight-loss revolution” – one that requires ongoing treatment rather than a one-time fix.
