Home / Health / Fat Jab 'Non-Responders' Emerge: 1 in 10 See Little Weight Loss
Fat Jab 'Non-Responders' Emerge: 1 in 10 See Little Weight Loss
23 Mar
Summary
- One in ten users of weight-loss jabs like Ozempic and Wegovy are non-responders.
- These individuals fail to achieve significant weight reduction despite treatment.
- Experts note obesity has varied causes, not all addressed by these drugs.
Recent trials indicate that about one in ten people using weight-loss injections such as Wegovy and Ozempic fail to achieve significant weight reduction, being classified as 'non-responders.' Demand for these GLP-1 medications has surged, particularly since Wegovy’s NHS approval in 2023. Clinical studies initially showed weight loss of 15 to 20 percent.
These drugs mimic the hormone GLP-1, which regulates appetite and promotes feelings of fullness by acting on the brain. However, obesity is complex, involving multiple biological mechanisms. Experts explain that these medications target only one mechanism, leading to varied responses among individuals. Some scientific theories suggest 'metabolic defence,' a natural survival response to reduced calorie intake, might also limit weight loss for certain individuals.
Despite their potential, the injections are not a universal solution. For some, like Samantha Jess, who used Ozempic for diabetes, no weight loss occurred over eight months. Similarly, Niamh Shackleton reported losing only one stone over five months with Wegovy, less than she expected. Experts emphasize that while these drugs aid dieting, they are not a magic cure and require consistent adherence to healthy eating and exercise for optimal results.
