Physicians Reveals GLP-1s for Weight Loss are Overprescribed and Unsustainable by Jasmine Pennic 08/06/2024 Leave a Comment What You Should Know:  – A large majority of physicians feel GLP-1s are being overprescribed, according to a new survey from Virta Health, a leader in type 2 diabetes reversal.  – The Virta Health survey was conducted in partnership with Beresford Research and included 300 primary care providers, endocrinologists, and obesity specialists across the United States sheds light on the medical community’s views on the rapidly growing class of GLP-1 medications, often hailed as “miracle drugs” for weight loss.  Key Findings Reveals Skepticism About Weight Loss Drugs The key findings reveal significant concerns about the long-term efficacy, potential side effects, and overall impact of these medications on public health:  – Doubtful about long-term efficacy: Most physicians believe GLP-1 medications are not sustainable beyond two to three years and should not be used as a long-term solution. – Overprescription concerns: A large majority of physicians feel GLP-1s are being overprescribed and that lifestyle interventions should be prioritized. – Need for stricter guidelines: Physicians advocate for increased oversight through prior authorization and greater provider involvement in prescribing decisions. – Patient misconceptions: Many doctors report that patients have unrealistic expectations about the effectiveness and safety of GLP-1 medications. – Potential for increased healthcare costs: The widespread adoption of GLP-1s is expected to drive up healthcare costs due to increased demand and limited supply. – Concerns about health equity: Physicians are worried about the potential for increased health disparities as GLP-1 medications may not be equally accessible to all patients

Following GLP-1 deprescription, weight did not significantly increase at 6 or 12 months post deprescription, compared to many well-known drug trials (in red) where patients regain up to 2/3rds of weight loss after discontinuing the drug. (Graphic: Business Wire)Following GLP-1 deprescription, weight did not significantly increase at 6 or 12 months post deprescription, compared to many well-known drug trials (in red) where patients regain up to 2/3rds of weight loss after discontinuing the drug. (Graphic: Business Wire)DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Virta Health has released first-of-its-kind, peer-reviewed data demonstrating the company’s approach to personalized nutrition therapy results in sustained weight loss after the discontinuation of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s), including Ozempic. Published today in Diabetes Therapy, the data demonstrates Virta is a powerful and sustainable off-ramp from GLP-1s.These outcomes stand in stark contrast to other real-world results of GLP-1 weight loss treatments. Discontinuing the medications has been shown to lead to rapid worsening of blood sugar and weight regain, even when accompanied by physical activity and calorie restriction. Additionally, as many as two out of three people on GLP-1s stop within a year and quickly regain the weight they lost, underscoring the need for an effective medication-free alternative and off-ramp from the medications to achieve sustainable results.The study assessed weight loss in two groups of Virta members with type 2 diabetes: those for whom (a) GLP-1s were fully deprescribed and (b) GLP-1s were continued

DENVER-(BUSINESS WIRE)- Virta Health has released first-of-its-kind, peer-reviewed data demonstrating the company's approach to personalized nutrition therapy results in sustained weight loss after the discontinuation of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s), including Ozempic.