A new class of weight drugs have skyrocketed over the past few years. Originally developed for diabetes, these GLP-1 agonists have now made their way into the weight loss drug market. A recent survey from KFF found 6 percent of US adults currently have a prescription for a GLP-1 agonist. And at least 25,000 people in the US are starting Wegovy each week, according to its drug maker Novo Nordisk. But given the recent popularity, many experts have raised questions about both the drugs’ effectiveness over time as well as their potential for long term side effects. A recent clinical trial both raised concerns about side effects of one such drug — and teased surprising benefits beyond weight loss.
