A type of medicine designed for patients with type 2 diabetes has been found to help people who face weight problems as well. High doses of liraglutide, the active substance found in Victoza, the official name of the medicine addressed to diabetes patients can offer support for those who struggle to keep their weight at a good balance.
According to a recent extensive study, a daily injection of the diabetes drug, containing 3mg of liraglutide, along with a good diet and exercise, can do wonders to your body. A drug designed for patients with diabetes helps weight loss, showing the versatile use of certain substances. Many people with diabetes are suffering from weight problems so it is quite amazing to find out once more that everything’s not lost.
To come up with the findings, a group of researchers has evaluated 846 patients aged 18 years or older. All study subjects were struggling with type 2 diabetes as well, besides their overweight or obesity problem. Participants belonged to 126 sites in nine countries and the trial lasted for two years, starting with 2011.
Participants weighed on average around 230 pounds and entered the study with a Body Mass Index ( BMI) of 27 or over and throughout the course of the entire study, they had to choose an appropriate diet as well, and combine the medication intake and diet with constant exercise. Generally, all individuals lowered their caloric intake by 500 calories.
Results have showed that 54% of those receiving the 3mg dose have lost at least 5% of their body weight, compared to slightly more than 40% of those on the classic, 1,8mg dose given for diabetes treatments. Furthermore, those who were only given placebo have seen only a slight improvement in their body mass. Only 21% of those in the placebo group have managed to lose weight.
However, researchers have explained that a 3mg dose is pretty high so it is exclusively recommended for those who plan to lose some weight. Liraglutide is a substance which has recently seen the stamp of approval from the FDA for the treatment of obesity. The official name of the drug is Saxenda and those who plan to take it are advised to consider dieting and physical exercise as well.
Image Source: diapedia.org
