Takeaways from ADA 2025 on new incretin (GLP-1) therapies
New GLP-1 drugs and combos are promising, but GI side effects are real. Lifestyle changes are still key.
New combo drugs are even more effective for weight loss than older meds (like semaglutide alone). CagriSema (semaglutide + cagrilintide) showed up to 20% weight loss in trials.
Other combos (like mazdutide and semaglutide + bimagrumab) can help with blood sugar, weight loss, and even help maintain muscle as people lose fat.
There’s a new once-daily GLP-1 pill (orforglipron) – easier to take, decent results, but not quite as powerful as injectables.
Once-a-month GLP-1s (like MariTide) work for weight loss, but GI side effects (nausea, vomiting) are very common – up to 90% of people!
GI side effects are the main issue with all these meds. Slow dose increases (“microdosing”) help.
Slow, steady weight loss is safer than losing weight too fast. Still need healthy eating and exercise!
