Drugs could become personalized for individuals, study says

A new study published in “Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism” suggests GLP-1 drugs could deliver benefits beyond weight loss, with results varying by dose and specific medication. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania (Perelman School of Medicine), Yale School of Medicine, and UT Southwestern Medical Center analyzed data from more than 13,000 overweight trial participants using the Cardiometabolic Efficacy Index (CEI). Higher-dose GLP-1 agonists produced larger cardiometabolic improvements. In comparisons, semaglutide injections at 7.2 mg scored highest on CEI, followed by orforglipron at 36 mg and injected semaglutide at 2.4 mg. All achieved average placebo-adjusted weight reductions of at least 10%. Orforglipron showed strongest blood sugar and HDL effects, while semaglutide best improved LDL, weight, and waist circumference.