Ozempic, Mounjaro and other GLP-1s do not increase the risk of surgical complications, according to research published May 14 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. 

On average, people taking Novo Nordisk's weight loss drug Wegovy see a 10% reduction in weight, which is sustained for four years, according to findings from a major trial published May 13. 

Eli Lilly's weight loss drug Zepbound could avert up to 627,000 atrial fibrillation cases by 2030, according to Airfinity analysts. 

Obesity is a significant chronic disease whose prevalence is worsening despite continued interventions and funding. Obesity is also a precursor to many other health conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and orthopedic problems.

One in 8, or 12% of adults said they have taken GLP-1s and 6% of adults said they currently take the drugs, KFF Health reported May 10.

A blockbuster drug class that includes Ozempic, Wegovy and Trulicity is pioneering avenues in the healthcare industry and redefining obesity care as the weight loss therapy market stretches toward $100 billion. 

In February, Novo Nordisk agreed to buy Catalent for $16.5 billion. The Federal Trade Commission has since requested more information from the companies as it reviews the deal, The Wall Street Journal reported May 3. 

Delayed gastric emptying, also known as gastroparesis, is a more common side effect of GLP-1s than other diabetes and weight loss treatments, according to new research.

Demand for Type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic is high across the U.S., but interest varies by state, according to research conducted by Bison Pharmacy. 

Hospital pharmaceutical costs marginally decreased in 2023 because of the lessened need for COVID-19 drugs, but overall healthcare spending on drugs grew 13.5% — largely because of weight loss medications, a new study found. 

Nearly 4 million Medicare patients could be eligible to have Wegovy covered after the FDA approved it to reduce risk of heart attack and strokes, KFF reported April 24.

Debates are swirling about surgery disruptions, a baby boom phenomenon and additional uses for Ozempic and other glucagon-like peptide-1 medicines. 

Since summer 2023, physicians have recommended patients taking GLP-1s, such as Ozempic or Mounjaro, to skip a dose before an elective surgery. Researchers from Stanford Medicine say this might be unnecessary and create adverse effects. 

Four more solutions of Zepbound and Mounjaro are in limited supply, and the shortages have prolonged, the FDA said April 17. 

While weight loss drugs have been touted as a game-changer for the nation's obesity epidemic, many Americans who would benefit most from the medications often lack access, experts told the Los Angeles Times in an April 15 report.

Researchers are expanding horizons for the diseases and disorders that GLP-1s such as Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy could treat.

Physicians and researchers say more data is needed on pregnancy outcomes in patients taking GLP-1s as a growing number of women turn to the class of weight loss medications in hopes of reducing their risk of pregnancy complications or increasing their chance of conceiving, Bloomberg reported April 18. 

After achieving promising outcomes for patients with sleep apnea, Eli Lilly said April 17 it plans to seek a wider FDA approval for Zepbound. 

Available evidence does not suggest a link between the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Ozempic and Wegovy, and suicidal thoughts or actions, according to a review from drug regulators in Europe. 

Surprise pregnancies may be an unexpected side effect experienced by women who use Ozempic or other GLP-1 medications, The Washington Post reported April 5.