GLP-1: THE REVOLUTION THAT PROMISES TO MELT WEIGHT WITHOUT EFFORT?
What if a simple weekly injection could help you lose up to 15% of your body weight in one year? That’s the promise of GLP-1 analogues. An impressive medical breakthrough, but is the reality as simple as it seems? Let’s find out.
WHAT IS GLP-1? BEHIND THE “MIRACLE MOLECULE”, A MAJOR INNOVATION
THE SECRET OF SATIETY: HOW GLP-1 REGULATES YOUR APPETITE
GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a naturally occurring hormone that plays a key role in regulating appetite. By slowing digestion and stimulating the feeling of satiety, it also helps manage blood sugar levels.
Main effect: Appetite reduction.
Length of action: Prolonged thanks to analogues.
Results observed: Up to 15% weight loss after one year’s treatment.
DRUGS IN THE VOGUE: WEGOVY, OZEMPIC, AND MORE
Brands such as Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro dominate this booming market. Laboratories, including Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, are investing heavily to meet growing demand.
| Drug | Laboratory | Price (USD)Treatment duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy | Novo Nordisk | 1350 | 68 weeks |
| Ozempic | Novo Nordisk | 850 | Variable |
| Mounjaro | Eli Lilly | 950 | Variable |
WEIGHT LOSS WITHOUT EFFORT: A PROMISE TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE?
BEHIND THE NUMBERS: 10-15% LESS WEIGHT, BUT WITH CHALLENGES
Certainly, these treatments are showing impressive results for many patients. But their adoption is not without its challenges.
Yo-yo effect: After treatment is stopped, the lost weight can return.
Frequent side effects: Nausea, vomiting, constipation.
High cost: A treatment often inaccessible to modest families.
MEDIATIZED SUCCESSES AND PERSONAL DISAPPOINTMENTS
When Oprah Winfrey or Elon Musk talk about their experience with these treatments, enthusiasm around GLP-1 grows. But behind the spotlight, patients recount complex journeys: rigorous medical monitoring, strict diets, and sometimes disappointments.
WHO CAN ACTUALLY BENEFIT FROM GLP-1 ANALOGUES?
TREATMENT RESERVED FOR SERIOUS CASES
These treatments are not for everyone. They are intended for people with a high BMI or specific comorbidities. Medical supervision is a sine qua non.
Required BMI:
≥ 30 for obese patients,
≥ 27 in the presence of comorbidities.
Prescription only by specialists.
Mandatory rigorous follow-up.
NOT A MIRACLE SOLUTION: THE IMPORTANCE OF SUPPORT
A weekly injection is not enough. For lasting results, you need to combine treatment, dietary changes and psychological support. It’s no secret that losing weight takes effort.
SIDE EFFECTS AND RISKS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
UNDER-ESTIMATED ADVERSE EFFECTS
From the medical point of view, digestive effects such as nausea or vomiting are common. And after treatment? Many observe weight regain.
AN INQUIRING MISUSE
On social networks, another reality is emerging: the misuse of these drugs by those who, at all costs, seek to be slim. This trend is alarming and highlights potential abuses.
THE PRICE OF THINNESS: BETWEEN INEQUALITY AND INACCESSIBILITY
TREATMENT OUT OF REACH FOR MANY
In the USA, Wegovy costs up to 1350 USD per month. Even in Switzerland, where the treatment is slightly cheaper, it remains unaffordable for many households.
INEGAL REPAYMENTS BY COUNTRY
In France, repayment is exceptional. In Switzerland, it’s considered on a case-by-case basis. And in the United States, only the wealthiest can afford it. A markedly unequal healthcare system.
PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY: WHEN DEMAND EXCEEDS SUPPLY
ECONOMIC ISSUES AND PENURIES
With a massive increase in demand, the pharmaceutical industry is generating billions. But with these profits come drug shortages, further complicating access for patients.
| Trend | ImpactExpected date||
|---|---|---|
| Explosion in demand | +90 billion USD | 2025 |
| Risk of GLP- shortages.1 | Consumers affected | 2023-2025 |
ALTERNATIVES AND SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS: WHAT OPTIONS?
GOING BEYOND “MIRACLE” SOLUTIONS
Some people are exploring natural options such as berberine or psyllium, but evidence of their effectiveness remains weak. One thing’s for sure: combining a change in habits with support remains a must.
The key to the future: a bet on prevention
Experts stress the importance of prevention and psychosocial support. It’s not just about treatment, but about reinventing the way obesity is perceived and tackled.
GLP-1: A NEW START OR A DANGER?
Stéphany Gardier and Zoltan Pataky evoke a decisive turning point in the treatment of obesity, but also question the ethical stakes of this “revolution”. What do you think? Do we have a real solution, or do we need to rethink the way we do things?
