Recent assessments commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding popular weight loss medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro reveal that these treatments can lead to significant weight reduction. However, the findings also highlight concerns over the substantial involvement of pharmaceutical companies in many of the studies reviewed, calling into question the objectivity and reliability of these results.

The newly published analyses in the Cochrane systematic reviews database focus on three medications categorized as GLP-1 receptor agonists: tirzepatide (Mounjaro), semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus), and liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda). Each of these drugs showed promising results in terms of weight loss, suggesting their effectiveness in managing obesity. Nonetheless, the WHO requested these reviews to develop global recommendations on the use of GLP-1 therapies against obesity, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and unbiased evaluation.

The reviews not only indicate potential benefits but also underline a significant gap in data. The analysis raises essential questions on the transparency of research funding and the influence of drug manufacturers on clinical outcomes. As these medications gain popularity, the need for careful consideration of all factors involved in their promotion and use becomes critical, especially in shaping public health policies and prescribing practices globally.