Originally approved for diabetes management, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists like semaglutide have rapidly crossed over into mainstream aesthetic practice by delivering dramatic weight loss in remarkably short time frames
The TGA has shown it can move quickly when there is strong evidence and commercial pressure
Although strict glycemic control has beneficial effects on microvascular complications (retinopathy, nephropathy or neuropathy), it does not seem to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and it is associated with an increased risk of hypoglycemia in patients with DM2.3,6 Until recently, the antihyperglycemic drugs available have improved glycemic control, but without much benefits on cardiovascular and/or renal risk
The side effects of compounded GLP-1 therapy are typically brief and improve with time
The study compared patients who were taking GLP-1 medications with an equal number of matched patients who were not using the drugs
However, while around 12% Americans use them and they are intended to be taken long-term, the majority stop taking them within a year
