Obesity is a widespread problem that affects millions of people worldwide. The condition not only impacts our physical appearance but can also lead to a slew of health issues like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension.

For decades, efforts have been made to develop drugs that can combat obesity. However, most of these drugs are either ineffective or come with severe side effects. But recent research has shown that combining two compounds can help in effective weight loss without posing any harm to our health.

The Need for Effective Weight-Loss Drugs

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), obesity has tripled since 1975, with close to 2 billion adults classified as either overweight or obese.

This unprecedented growth has led to an increased risk of several health issues that are costing peoples’ lives. For example, obesity is a significant contributor to the high rates of type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension.

In addition to these medical concerns, obesity is also a financial burden to nations globally. In the US alone, obesity-related diseases are said to cost the government over $190 billion.

In light of this, there is an urgent need for effective weight-loss drugs that can help people fight obesity without causing more significant health problems.

The Problem with Existing Drugs

Over the years, several drugs have been developed to combat obesity. However, most of these drugs have proven to be highly ineffective or harmful to human health.

For example, Orlistat, which is currently the only FDA-approved prescription drug for obesity, works by preventing the body from breaking down fat molecules, effectively reducing fat absorption.

However, this drug is known to have several side effects, including bowel issues, such as oily stools, flatulence, and an urgency to move the bowels.

Another drug, Rimonabant, was approved for use in Europe in 2006 but was later banned in 2008 due to the severe side-effects it caused. The drug worked by blocking the cannabinoid receptors in the body, which reduced appetite and cravings.

However, it was found that the drug caused depression and suicidal thoughts, leading to its eventual ban.

These examples show that there is a significant need for weight-loss drugs that are effective, safe, and have considerable benefits.

The Solution: Combining Two Compounds

Recent research has shown that combining two compounds – a peptide called oxyntomodulin (OXM) and a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist – can lead to effective weight loss without causing any harm to human health.

Oxyntomodulin is a peptide that is produced in the gut after a meal and is known to reduce appetite and increase energy expenditure. Meanwhile, GLP-1 is a hormone that is released in the gut and stimulates insulin production and reduces appetite.

Previous studies have shown that both OXM and GLP-1 can lead to significant weight loss when administered separately. However, combining the two compounds can lead to more significant weight loss than administering them separately.

A study conducted by researchers from the Imperial College London and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) found that participants given a combination of OXM and GLP-1 lost an average of 9.2kg over an eight-week period.

The subjects also reported a noticeable reduction in hunger and food cravings.

Furthermore, the joint drug treatment was well-tolerated, and no significant side-effects were reported.

The Science Behind the Combination

The reason behind the effectiveness of the OXM-GLP-1 combination lies in how each compound targets different pathways in our body.

OXM primarily targets the fat cells, which releases free fatty acids when they break down. The free fatty acids released stimulate the body’s metabolism, leading to increased energy expenditure and a reduction in appetite.

GLP-1 targets the pancreas and stimulates the production of insulin, which helps in regulating blood sugar levels. It also works on the hypothalamus, which controls appetite and cravings, leading to a reduction in food intake.

When these two compounds are combined, they work together synergistically, leading to greater fat-burning and reduced appetite.

The Benefits of the Combined Treatment

One of the significant benefits of the OXM-GLP-1 combination is that it is known to aid people in losing weight without causing any adverse health effects.

Furthermore, the treatment has several secondary benefits, including:.

Improved Insulin Sensitivity – When the body is leaner, it is more sensitive to insulin, which helps in reducing the risk of type-2 diabetes. The OXM-GLP-1 combination helps in reducing body fat, leading to increased insulin sensitivity.
Blood Pressure Regulation – Obesity can cause high blood pressure, leading to several cardiovascular diseases. The OXM-GLP-1 treatment helps in reducing body fat, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Reduced Inflammation – Adipose tissue is known to release cytokines, which lead to chronic inflammation and can contribute to several diseases. The OXM-GLP-1 combination helps to reduce adipose tissue, leading to reduced chronic inflammation.

The Future of Obesity Treatment?

While the OXM-GLP-1 combination shows great promise for obesity treatment, more research is required to determine its long-term effectiveness.

The researchers of the study have noted that more trials are necessary to assess the treatment’s efficiency in large- scale trials before it can become widely available.

Furthermore, more research is needed to determine how the treatment would affect populations that are at high risk of developing obesity.

However, the potential benefits of this new treatment are immense. The reduced risk of side-effects, combined with the drug’s secondary benefits, makes it a strong contender for future obesity drug treatments.

: Conclusion

Obesity is a significant and growing problem globally, contributing to several health issues and financial burdens. However, the search for an effective and safe obesity drug has been a challenge.

Combining the two compounds oxyntomodulin and GLP-1 has shown great promise in reducing body fat and appetite, leading to significant weight loss, without any severe side effects. The OXM-GLP-1 treatment also has several secondary benefits such as improved insulin sensitivity, blood pressure regulation and reduced inflammation.

While further research is needed, the OXM-GLP-1 combination is a strong contender for the future of obesity drug treatment.