Everything You Need to Know about the Next Generation of GLP-1 Medications

GLP-1s and novel combination medications treat obesity by targeting receptors for naturally-occurring hormones, including GLP-1 and other incretin hormones (such as GIP). At Calibrate, we use GLP-1 and GLP-1 combination medications in the context of our proprietary intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI)  to compliment physiological changes for sustained weight loss and improved metabolic health. Calibrate’s comprehensive program improves results and establishes a new standard of care as we work to change the way the world treats weight.

Here’s what to know:

Can you give me an example of these new medications?

There are two new groundbreaking medications, Wegovy® (semaglutide) and Mounjaro™ (tirzepatide), that show average weight loss results of 15% and 20%, respectively. Less than a year after the GLP-1 Wegovy® was launched to treat obesity in June of 2021, Mounjaro™ was approved to treat type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro™ (tirzepatide) is the first combined GLP-1 medication to mimic the effects of both GLP-1 and GIP hormones, building on decades of GLP-1 research and showing breakthrough weight loss of more than 20% in its phase 3 clinical trial. It was approved by the FDA for type 2 diabetes in May 2022. Its manufacturer, Eli Lilly, is currently seeking FDA approval for tirzepatide to treat obesity. 

Beyond these two drugs, current clinical trials include 15+ medications (including new medications administered orally as opposed to via injection, such as Pfizer’s danuglipron) that address underlying biology critical for weight loss and metabolic health in new ways, revealing a shift towards the highly effective root cause approach Calibrate has pioneered.

What about health, not just weight loss?

We know that obesity is a symptom of poor metabolic health: Calibrate was designed to treat the root cause of obesity. By improving metabolic health, we produce sustained weight loss outcomes. In addition to contributing to weight loss results previously only achievable with surgery, GLP-1s and novel combination medications offer critical health improvements beyond the scale, helping to reduce the risk of chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and fatty liver. 

GLP-1 medications and behavior modifications work synergistically on key metabolic health pathways to shift underlying physiology and improve and support metabolic health. By including clinically appropriate medications in a holistic program that emphasizes lifestyle change, as we do at Calibrate, we can put people in control: to shift their biology, reduce chronic disease, and sustain their weight loss and metabolic health improvements.

What is the role of medication in the Calibrate program? 

While GLP-1 medication is an important tool, it is not a holistic treatment. Our goal is to create a treatment for our members that allows them to sustain their results long after medication. To do this, we implement a time-limited intervention with these medications (12-18 months) to help shift an individual’s underlying biology (including their set point), and transition members off of medication after they’ve been equipped with the tools they need to sustain their results.

Our purpose-built program includes biweekly, 1:1 video coaching and an expert-created curriculum covering the Four Pillars of Metabolic Health to shift underlying physiology, improve outcomes, and sustain results after medication. Need proof? Our Second Annual Results Report demonstrated average weight loss results of 15% sustained for two years, and 9/10 members say Calibrate is the most effective program they've tried.

What medications do Calibrate doctors prescribe?

Calibrate’s program was designed around GLP-1 medication, combining targeted behavior change with GLP-1 mechanisms to achieve better results than medication alone. Calibrate doctors prescribe a GLP-1 medication that is proven to be effective for weight loss in clinical trials, clinically appropriate for each member given their medical history, and covered by their insurance. We ensure that the right members receive the right medication for the right amount of time to drive sustainable outcomes.

Looking for a strategy to reduce costs and secure better health outcomes across your employee population? By integrating medication with behavior change, Calibrate's Enterprise product lines deliver an immediate impact on total medical expense through the advancement of impactful metabolic health improvements. Learn more about Calibrate for Employers here.