After GLP-1, what's next for weight loss?

The GLP-1 agonist Wegovy has re-energized the hunt for obesity treatments. Alternatives -ranging from bitter taste compounds to lean muscle boosters and bacteria - are already in the clinic.

 Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used to treat adults with type 2 diabetes. It helps control blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin release, reducing glucagon release, and slowing gastric emptying. Additionally, lower doses of semaglutide have recently been developed for the treatment of obesity. Using semaglutide requires a doctor's prescription and guidance.

The supplement is so popular in the market that many people are convinced of its weight loss benefits that billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk tweeted in October 2022 that he had used Semaglutide for his weight loss transformation. On October 1, a fan posted a photo of him and asked him what his "secret" was to losing weight. "Fasting," Musk replied, before adding: "And Wegovy."

Specifically, Semaglutide can achieve weight loss in the following ways:

Appetite suppression: Semaglutide can act through the central nervous system to suppress appetite and reduce the amount of food ingested.

Promote fat burning: Semiglutide can increase the breakdown and utilization of fat, promote the burning of fat, and thus reduce the accumulation of fat.

Regulate blood sugar levels: Semaglutide can regulate blood sugar levels and prevent blood sugar from getting too high or too low, thus reducing fat synthesis and accumulation.