Saxenda (Liraglutide) FDA approval: 2014 for chronic weight management Indicated population: Adults with BMI 30, OR Adults with BMI 27 with at least one weight-related condition Also available as: Victoza (lower dose, approved for Type 2 diabetes) Ozempic (Semaglutide) FDA approval: 2017 for Type 2 diabetes Indicated population: Adults with Type 2 diabetes as adjunct to diet and exercise Not approved for: Weight loss (though commonly prescribed off-label) Wegovy (Semaglutide) FDA approval: 2021 for chronic weight management Indicated population: Adults with BMI 30, OR Adults with BMI 27 with at least one weight-related condition Adolescents aged 12+ with obesity Same medication as Ozempic: Different dosing and FDA indication Practical Implications The regulatory distinctions matter for: Insurance coverage: Medications are often covered only for their approved indications
Contrave averages 5 to 9% body weight loss, with mood, reward-system, and food craving control as its main mechanisms
As an incretin hormone, GLP-1s reduce blood glucose levels through insulin secretion, glucagon suppression, and slowed gastric emptying
Competing interests VRA has served as a consultant for Applied Therapeutics, Fractyl Health, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, and Sanofi
The Time in Range recommendations for South Asia suggests frequency for repeating TIR evaluation, which may be minimal for therapies such as SGLT2i and DPP4i with minimal glycaemic variability again reducing the cost and complications [19]