A new class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, including brand names like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro, are being hailed as transformative treatments for obesity and diabetes. These drugs mimic hormones that suppress appetite and help people feel full longer, leading to significant weight loss, sometimes in a short period of time. For many patients, they succeed where diet and exercise alone have failed.

Doctors say most people will need to remain on the medications long term to maintain weight loss, similar to how cholesterol-lowering drugs are used. However, researchers still lack extensive data on the long-term effects. Short-term side effects can include nausea, constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain and fatigue, while rare but serious complications may affect the kidneys, gallbladder or pancreas.

Emerging research suggests the drugs may also improve conditions such as sleep apnea, heart disease and kidney problems, possibly because of weight loss or reduced inflammation. At the same time, the medications are expensive and require a lasting commitment, making them less suitable for people seeking modest weight loss. While they offer promise for reducing obesity-related disease, many medical and social questions remain unanswered.