The battle against the bulge has taken a new turn with the introduction of Orforglipron, a daily pill that promises to keep the weight off after the use of weight loss jabs like Ozempic and Mounjaro. While these injections have been effective in helping people lose weight, the downside has been the inevitable weight regain within a year or two of stopping the injections. Orforglipron, produced by Eli Lilly, the same pharmaceutical giant that manufactures Mounjaro, has shown promising results in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The drug has already been approved for use in the US and is currently under review by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for use in Australia. The results are impressive, with 70% of patients who switched to Orforglipron maintaining their weight loss compared to only 38-50% of those given a placebo. This is particularly fascinating because it offers a potential solution to the problem of weight regain after stopping injectable weight loss medications. What makes this even more interesting is the fact that Orforglipron is easier to take, just as effective, and far cheaper than its rivals. The drug is already available in the US for around $149 per month for the lowest dose, compared to the over $1000 a month Americans are paying for some GLP-1 injections. This is a significant development, especially considering the skyrocketing sales of weight loss medications in Australia. According to University of NSW research, Australian sales of weight loss medications have increased 10-fold since 2020, with at least half a million Australians taking weight loss drugs every month. However, many of these people will have to stay on the jabs for life or risk the dreaded 'Ozempic rebound', which can lead to the loss of many of the associated health benefits. In my opinion, Orforglipron is a game-changer for people who have struggled to maintain their weight loss after stopping injectable weight loss medications. It offers a convenient, effective, and affordable solution to a common problem. However, it is important to note that the drug is still under review and may not be available in Australia for some time. Additionally, it is crucial to consider the potential side effects and long-term implications of the drug. Overall, Orforglipron is a promising development in the field of weight loss and offers a new hope for those struggling to maintain their weight loss after stopping injectable medications. Personally, I think it is an exciting development that could change the way we approach weight loss and maintenance. However, it is important to approach it with caution and to consider the potential risks and benefits before making any decisions about its use.
