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Mindful Digest #6: New Drug Could Replace Bariatric Surgery
Lucas Veritas
January 30, 2025
Hey GLP-1 gang,
This week's been packed with some major updates in the weight loss med world - from Ozempic getting a green light for kidney disease to a Fortune50 VP's remarkable story about kicking alcohol after starting Wegovy, and a new drug is showing results that could rival bariatric surgery.
Weighty news:
✓ FDA Approves Ozempic for Kidney Disease – some see this as just another confirmed benefit for Ozempic. My take? This approval means doctors can now prescribe it specifically for chronic kidney disease in diabetic patients, and insurance companies will feel more pressure to cover it. That’s a really good news.
✓ The diaTribe published a solid review of GLP-1 supplements, which are widely advertised online. A key reminder: the supplement industry is unregulated, and scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited. So next time someone tries to sell you “Eriomin lemon fruit extract” for better results, take it with a grain of salt.
✓ Dr. Kevin Joseph dropped a video based on Eli Lilly’s clinical research on where to inject GLP-1 shots for the best weight loss results. Spoiler alert: abdominal injections seem to work best.
✓ A vice president at a Fortune 50 company shared how he easily quit heavy drinking and smoking after starting Wegovy: “I’m in my mid-50s. I used to drink 5-6 drinks a night - mostly vodka martinis or whiskey with ginger ale. Now? No desire for cigarettes and barely any craving for alcohol.”
Eli Lilly's Executive Patrik Jonsson talks weight-loss innovations for 2025
Since this article is behind a paywall, I’ll share some key insights here:
Eli Lilly is working on a new oral weight loss pill with an awkward name, orforglipron, designed to match Ozempic’s benefits without the hassle. If trials go well, it could hit the market by early 2026 under a yet-to-be-decided brand name.
The company is also advancing retatrutide, a "triple agonist" injection combining GLP-1, GIP and glucagon. Early research suggests it could mimic bariatric surgery, helping patients lose about 25% of their body weight in a year.
Dubbed "King Kong" by doctors, it’s showing the most powerful results yet in diabetes and weight loss treatment.
How People Treat You Differently After Weight Loss
A recent Oprah podcast explored a fascinating aspect of weight loss - how society treats you differently after losing weight.
Some feel more appreciated, like Brian, who says losing 70 pounds made him feel more confident and noticeable. Others, like Michaela, talk about how the attention can be overwhelming.
This episode is definitely worth checking out - I found it quite motivating!
Research radar
Break Through a Weight Loss Plateau
In my latest post, I break down the difference between a true plateau and a roadblock. The difference is crucial.
We'll dive into the most common reasons why your progress might stall and how to outsmart them.
Plus, the article includes numerous links to scientific research, allowing you to explore the details for yourself.
Your body isn't betraying you. It's communicating. Are you ready to listen?
Stay healthy (and hungry for knowledge),
Lucas Veritas
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