In mimicking this natural hormone, GLP-1 drugs increase feelings of fullness and satiety, reduce ‘food noise’, and help regulate appetite. Photograph: Moya NolanWhen these hormones are combined, high percentages of weight loss are achieved, with “22.5% average weight loss at about 16 months”, says Alexander Miras, professor of endocrinology at Ulster University. He adds that in clinical trials, Mounjaro was the first in the GLP-1 class of drugs to break the 20% weight-loss barrier. While this may mean some people can avoid surgery, he doesn’t foresee weight-loss drugs replacing bariatric surgery in the next 15 years. What’s emerging is that these drugs have weight-loss-dependent effects, and weight-loss independent effects, Miras says, “and we are investigating both”.

Source: Irish Examiner January 09, 2026 02:08 UTC