Best Diabetes Drug For Weight Loss 2023 (MAY UPDATE), Which Diabetes Injection Medication Is Best To Lose Weight

There have been significant developments in May 2023 with the announcement that two new diabetes drugs for weight loss are in the last stage of clinical trials. GEP44 and Retatrutide are expected to be available at the end of the year.

Currently, the best diabetes drug for weight loss is Mounjaro, according to some sources. It has proven to be more effective than Ozempic and Wegovy.

Although diabetes medication is highly effective for losing weight it can be prohibitive - some of the prescribed drugs are injectable, some are very expensive (up to $1100 per month) and of course you will need to have a BMI over 27 to qualify for some weight management medication.

There are, however, effective natural, cheaper and safer over the counter weight loss alternative that work equally well - and (unlike diabetic injections that stop working when you stop taking them) produce long term permanent weight loss results!

Natural Weight Loss Pills for Weight Management

These two brands are available directly from the manufacturer and without a prescription. They are both covered by a long money back guarantee.

1.    PhenQ - fat burner, fat blocker and appetite suppressant
2.    Zotrim - herbal hunger reducer

These two brands are available directly from the manufacturer and without a prescription. They are both covered by a long money back guarantee.

Most Effective Nature Weight Loss Pills

Here are the two most effective alternatives for diabetes drugs for losing weight.

PhenQ

CLICK to view lowest PhenQ price and availability

PhenQ is a natural weight loss supplement that can be purchased online directly from the manufacturer. It has been on the market for several years and arguably sets the bar as far as natural diet pills are concerned. 

There is no hype or influencers attached to the PhenQ - it has a large base of satisfied customers. 

PhenQ doesn't address low blood sugar or control diabetes - but what it does do is act as a fat burner to increase metabolism to burn excess body fat, even at rest.

PhenQ can also prevent new fat cells from forming.

Perhaps the jewel in the crown is PhenQ's ability to suppress appetite, reduce hunger and prevent food cravings. Some might say that PhenQ can help prevent diabetes!

Zotrim (Herbal Hunger Reducer)

CLICK to view lowest Zotrim price and availability

Zotrim is a weight management supplement composed of three active ingredients - Yerba Mate Leaf Extract, Guarana Seed Extract, and Damiana Leaf Extract. Yerba Mate Leaf Extract helps by suppressing hunger pangs for up to three hours after consumption. Guarana Seed Extract has the ability to increase mental alertness and physical energy levels, making it easier to resist the urge to snack on unhealthy food. 

Damiana Leaf Extract helps by regulating mood and controlling the amount of cortisol released by the body. This helps quell cravings for emotional eating as well as keeping hunger levels at bay. All three ingredients help create balance within the body that leads to less snacking, helping people manage their cravings and lose weight more easily.

Most Effective Diabetes Drug Class Medication for Weight Loss

There are several high profile prescription medications to treat diabetes on the market that can also treat obesity. Doctors and health care professionals are prescribing medications such as Semaglutide, Liraglutide and Tirzepatide for glycemic control and also as weight loss medications.

Although diabetes medication is highly effective for losing weight it can be prohibitive - some of the prescribed drugs are injectable, some are very expensive (up to $300 per month) and of course you will need to have a BMI over 27 to qualify for some weight management medication.

New Diabetes Drug for Weight Loss 

There are two new drug class diabetes medications awaiting final clinical trial and should be released October - December 2023.

GEP44

GEP44 is an experimental new diabetes medication currently in clinical development. It works by activating two receptors in the body that help control blood sugar levels and appetite:

• Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor: GLP-1 is a hormone secreted by the intestines that stimulates insulin release, suppresses glucagon secretion (which raises blood sugar), and slows digestion. Activating the GLP-1 receptor can help lower blood glucose levels and reduce appetite.

• Glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) receptor: GIP is another gut hormone that also promotes insulin release when glycemic levels are high. Stimulating the GIP receptor may enhance the blood sugar lowering effects of GLP-1 activation.

GEP44 is a "bifunctional peptide" which means it is designed to activate both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors at the same time. By targeting two biological pathways involved in controlling blood sugar and hunger, GEP44 could be more potent for reducing glucose levels and promoting weight loss than other diabetes medications that only activate one or the other.

Some key potential benefits of GEP44 based on early studies include:

• Significant lowering of blood sugar levels (HbA1c reduction of up to 2.7%)
• Weight loss results of up to 12-15% of body weight
• Lower risks of gastrointestinal side effects like nausea which can be problematic with other injectable diabetic drugs
• Simpler dosing with a once a week or less frequent injection

Retatrutide

Retatrutide is an experimental new medication for type 2 diabetes and obesity that works by activating gastrointestinal hormone receptors involved in blood sugar regulation and appetite control. Some key points about Retatrutide include:

It stimulates the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), and glucagon receptors. By targeting multiple gut hormone pathways, Retatrutide may have greater effects on blood sugar lowering and weight loss than other drugs that only activate one of these receptors.

The drug is designed to mimic the effects of three natural hormones: GLP-1, GIP and glucagon. GLP-1 and GIP promote insulin release when blood sugar is high, while glucagon helps raise blood glucose levels when they are low. Activating these hormones in a balanced way could help stabilize glycemic levels. 

It is formulated for oral administration as a capsule taken once daily. Most other diabetic drugs that work by manipulating gut hormones require injection. An oral medication may be preferable and improve access and adherence for some patients. 

Clinical trials have found that Retatrutide can lower HbA1c by up to 2.5%, reduce blood sugar spikes, decrease appetite and spur body fat loss of 5-12% over 6-12 months. The most frequently reported side effects were nausea, diarrhea and constipation. 

Retatrutide is still in development and not yet FDA approved as the safety and efficacy are still being evaluated in ongoing research studies. The cost and insurance coverage for Retatrutide would depend on decisions still left to be made based on demonstrated clinical benefits and available means within healthcare systems. 

Who Can use a Diabetes Drug for Weight Loss

People with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes who also need to lose excess weight. Some diabetes drugs can help lower blood sugar levels while promoting weight reduction through appetite suppression and calorie deficit. This can improve health by reducing risks associated with excess weight like high blood pressure or heart disease.

Those with obesity (BMI over 30) who have not lost weight through lifestyle changes alone or have a weight related health condition. For some, prescription weight loss drugs may be medically necessary to treat obesity and lower risks such as high cholesterol or sleep apnea. Specific diabetes medications can be used off-label for chronic weight management under medical supervision.

Individuals with a family history of diabetes, heart disease or other weight-related health conditions. Some diabetes medications may aid weight loss and lower disease risk factors based on genetic predisposition. However, drugs would only be used along with major diet and exercise changes.

People struggling with weight regain after initial loss. Certain diabetes drugs could help maintain weight loss long-term when lifestyle approaches have not been enough. But medication would still only be part of a comprehensive weight management plan.

Best Diabetes Drug for Weight Loss

At this point in time May 2023 - Mounjaro is the best diabetes drug for losing weight. 

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a promising newly approved diabetes treatment for obesity. It activates two natural  hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, to enhance satiety and insulin sensitivity. Studies show 22% body fat reduction in some - far more than Ozempic or Wegovy. 

Mounjaro may change food choices and calorie burn. It requires injection  but the higher dose and potency means lower volume and dosing frequency. Though expensive, Mounjaro provides opportunity to melt fat, gain control of blood glucose and hunger.

Semaglutide

Semaglutide (brand names Ozempic and Wegovy) is a prescription medication used to treat obesity and improve glycemic control in adults with diabetes. It works by slowing down stomach emptying and adjusting hormones involved in feeling full. It also helps reduce hunger cravings, making it more difficult to overeat. 
Specifically, Semaglutide helps patients reach their desired body weight and improve the hemoglobin A1c levels that confirm overall metabolic control. This can significantly reduce an individual's risk of developing life-threatening conditions associated with high weight like stroke and heart disease. Overall, taking Semaglutide in combination with diet and exercise can provide invaluable help in achieving sustained weight loss results over time.

Liraglutide

Liraglutide (brand name Victoza ) is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which is a type of medicine prescribed by doctors to help treat obese individuals who want to lose weight. This drug works by stimulating the satiety center in the brain, allowing users to feel fuller faster and longer so that they will naturally eat less. It also helps slow down the absorption of carbohydrates, preventing blood sugar levels from spiking too rapidly. 

Overall, liraglutide provides patients with a way to decrease caloric intake without feeling like they’re being deprived of good food or just “dieting”. Furthermore, it provides an additional boost for people who engage in regular physical activity and promote healthier lifestyle choices.

Through these effects combined, it has been shown that liraglutide can be incredibly effective for promoting weight loss and other health benefits in obese patients, making it an appealing option for many individuals dealing with obesity-related issues.

Dulaglutide

Dulaglutide (brand name Trulicity ), a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) receptor agonist, is an injectable medication that helps overweight and obese individuals better manage blood glucose levels. The obesity treatment works in the body to promote feelings of satiety or fullness, leading to reduced food intake while also helping the body break down fat more efficiently. 

It can be used alone or in conjunction with dietary changes to help reduce caloric intake and ultimately make a headway against obesity. Dulaglutide has been approved by regulatory bodies in both the United States and Europe for its safety and effectiveness, making it a popular tool for physicians to combat obesity where other treatments have failed.

Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is an effective injectable drug developed by Eli Lilly and Co. to treat obesity in individuals whose body mass index (BMI) is greater than 27 or whose BMI is greater than 25 with comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes and/or hypertension. The drug works by suppressing hunger signals from the brain, allowing users to consume fewer calories without feeling uncomfortable hunger pangs. Initial results from Phase 3 clinical trials have been promising, with participants experiencing a mean reduction of 12.9% in body weight after 68 weeks of treatment. 

Furthermore, 77.4% of study subjects reported improved glycemic control and 62% experienced decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure on tirzepatide therapy. This data indicates that tirzepatide is a promising weight loss treatment for patients dealing with severe obesity and comorbidities.

Exenatide

Another prescription medication to control blood sugar but used to help people with diabetes lose weight. Exenatide is a synthetic hormone that has been proven to be an effective weight-loss aid. This impressive drug works by targeting the body's naturally-produced glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) hormone, which plays an important role in controlling appetite, digestion, and energy balance.

Inhibition of this hormone can cause a decrease in food intake and caloric absorption, resulting in greater degrees of weight loss. Exenatide helps reduce hunger and boost satiety signals while also encouraging better glycemic control and improved lipolysis of fat within the body. With its ability to kickstart the metabolism and suppress appetite, Exenatide has become a popular choice for those seeking to focus on long-term lifestyle changes without overly restrictive measures or extreme dieting.

Why Use Diabetes Drugs for Weight Loss?

Diabetes treatments that target blood glucose levels and appetite can also lead to significant weight loss. Excess weight puts strain on the body, increasing risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, and other weight-related health conditions.

By using diabetes medications for chronic weight management and obesity treatment, people may achieve average weight loss of 10% or more, which can help manage blood pressure, lower their cholesterol levels, reduce risk of kidney disease and improve health overall.

Some anti-diabetic medicines, like GLP-1 agonists, work by slowing digestion and reducing appetite, which decreases calorie intake and leads to weight reduction. Medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro activate GLP-1 receptors to improve blood sugar control and promote weight management. For people with type 2 diabetes who also need to lose excess weight, these FDA approved medications can have the dual benefit of managing glucose and facilitating significant body fat reduction.

Even without diabetes, these injectable drugs may be options for some based on blood glucose levels, family history of weight related health conditions, or a personal need for long term weight loss solutions when lifestyle changes alone have not been sufficient. Under medical supervision, certain diabetes medications can be used specifically for obesity treatment and the chronic management of excess weight which contributes to health issues like high blood pressure or heart disease.

In summary, specific diabetes medications that work by controlling glucose levels and appetite may also induce significant weight loss for some. By addressing excess weight that strains health, these drugs could reduce risks or comorbidities of cardiovascular disease like high cholesterol or kidney disease.

Best Diabetes Drugs for Weight loss Summary

All of the anti diabetic drugs, medications and treatments above have had at least one clinical trial, most of them several. They are from highly reputable manufacturers. Like so many other medications that were created for one condition, diabetes medicine can also work well as an obesity treatment. To date - May 2023, Mounjaro is the most effective diabetes injection for weight loss.

There are certain caveats though for using diabetes treatments as a weight loss medication. Not everyone is comfortable with injection and not everyone has a high enough body mass index (BMI of 27 and above) to be considered for a prescription.

There is also the issue of cost, some of the diabetes drugs for weight loss can cost $300 per month. For these reasons natural weight loss pills can be ideal alternatives to diabetes injections and pills.

Disclaimer: The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.