On the Pen with Dave Knapp: 3 Things I’m Watching in the Battle Against Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

When I started out my latest journey back in 2021- to get my health back, I made listening to podcasts, a way to get through my 30 min to hour long works out! As I’ve dabbled in the world of personally using Tizreptridee, I’ve found a VERY fave Podcast, “On the Pen”. Today, I’m diving into some of the latest and most promising treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes. These two conditions are growing in numbers globally, but thankfully, researchers are working hard to bring new solutions to the table. Here are the 3 exciting options I’m watching closely:

PS- I AM NOT A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL! I’m merely passing along the information of things I’m hearing about ❤ 

1. Retatrutide: A New Triple-Action Weight Loss Medication

Retatrutide is a new experimental drug being developed by Eli Lilly. What makes it interesting is that it’s a triple receptor agonist, meaning it targets three different hormone receptors in the body to help control hunger, metabolism, and fat storage. The three receptors it focuses on are:

• GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1): Helps with blood sugar control and makes you feel full.
• GIP (Gastric inhibitory polypeptide): Regulates insulin and also plays a role in blood sugar control.
• Glucagon: Helps burn fat and boosts energy use.

By targeting these three systems, Retatrutide may offer a more powerful way to lose weight compared to current treatments like semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic). Early results from clinical trials are promising, showing significant weight loss—some patients have lost up to 20-25% of their body weight. Plus, it could improve insulin sensitivity, which is helpful for managing type 2 diabetes.

This of course doesn’t come without side effects…. it does come with potential side effects, like stomach upset, nausea, and possibly some issues with the pancreas. These are still being monitored as the trials progress.

2. Cagrisema: A Power Combo for Weight Loss

Next up is Cagrisema, a new combination drug from Novo Nordisk. This one combines semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) with a new molecule called cagrilintide. Here’s why it’s exciting:

• Semaglutide helps with appetite control and blood sugar regulation, and it’s already proven to be effective for weight loss.
• Cagrilintide, which mimics a hormone called amylin, helps slow down the process of food leaving the stomach and makes you feel fuller for longer.

When combined, these two medications work together to reduce both body fat and visceral fat (the fat around your internal organs), leading to even greater weight loss compared to semaglutide on its own. Early trials suggest Cagrisema might even help improve blood sugar levels for people with type 2 diabetes.

While Cagrisema is still in the testing phase, its combination of weight loss benefits and potential to improve metabolism could be a game-changer for people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. As with any new medication, we’ll need to watch for side effects, mostly related to the stomach, as these medications are known to cause digestive issues.

3. Revita Surgery:  Non Weight Loss Surgery—-Surgical Solution for Type 2 Diabetes & Obesity 

Now let’s look at Revita, a non-surgical procedure designed to help people with type 2 diabetes. Instead of focusing on weight loss like many other treatments, Revita targets the duodenum, which is the first part of your small intestine. This area plays a key role in regulating blood sugar.

Revita DMR (duodenal mucosal resurfacing) is performed using an endoscopic procedure, where a tube is inserted through the mouth to the duodenum. This procedure resurfaces the lining of the duodenum to improve insulin sensitivity and help your body better regulate glucose. It’s not a weight loss procedure, but it could improve blood sugar control and reduce the need for diabetes medications.

The best part? It’s minimally invasive, meaning it has a short recovery time compared to bariatric surgery. Clinical trials are showing that this could be a great option for people with type 2 diabetes who don’t need surgery but still want a more effective treatment than just lifestyle changes or medication.  The way I understand this one— it will be the “OFF RAMP” for a lot of folks to get “off the pen” for GOOD! SUPER excited. 

Summary New Hope in the Fight Against Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

• Retatrutide: This triple-action medication could help people lose significant weight and improve insulin sensitivity, making it a potential game-changer in the fight against both obesity and type 2 diabetes.
• Cagrisema: A combination of semaglutide and cagrilintide, this drug may offer even more powerful weight loss and improve metabolic health for those struggling with obesity or diabetes.
• Revita: A non-surgical procedure focusing on improving insulin sensitivity through a unique treatment of the duodenum. While it doesn’t directly target weight loss, it could be a helpful solution for managing type 2 diabetes without invasive surgery.

All of these treatments are still in clinical trials, so they’re not yet widely available, but the early data is exciting. If they’re approved, they could offer new ways to help people take control of their weight and blood sugar levels, improving quality of life and reducing the risk of long-term complications.