Explainer
Evidence-led entry points for non-clinicians. What is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, what does ATC A10BX mean, why are some peptides legal in Russia but not the EU.
GLP-1 Drugs and Hair Loss: Cohort Evidence
A 2026 cohort study found semaglutide and tirzepatide carry higher alopecia odds than other GLP-1 drugs, with rapid weight loss as the likely driver.
Hypothalamic obesity drugs: 7 RCT review
A 2026 systematic review found just 7 RCTs on drug treatment for acquired hypothalamic obesity, with low-certainty evidence for GLP-1 receptor agonists.
IDE: the second enzyme clearing GLP-1
Science Advances (Aug 2026) identifies IDE as a second GLP-1 protease. D-amino acid substitutions at its cleavage sites extend semaglutide stability in mice.
Retatrutide plus BPC-157: the evidence gaps
No study has examined retatrutide alongside BPC-157. What the literature says about each compound, and what the absence of combination data means.
Sleeve gastrectomy in teens vs young adults
A propensity-matched cohort study compares one-year weight loss and metabolic outcomes after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in adolescents versus young adults.
US employers pulling GLP-1 coverage in 2027
About 14% of large US employers have dropped or plan to drop GLP-1 obesity drug coverage in 2027, as pharmacy costs hit 25% of total healthcare spend.
Zepbound cost savings; ivonescimab biliary
A matched cohort study finds Zepbound users over 55 spent up to $607 less per month by month 12; ivonescimab shows a survival benefit in biliary cancer.
Lilly's Medicare GLP-1 push: what changed
Lilly's 'A Life Covered' campaign targets the Medicare Part D exclusion for obesity drugs. Here is what the campaign asks for and what has already shifted.
Lilly obesity campaign and GLP-1 access
Lilly's new obesity campaign brings older adults into view as CMS prepares a limited Medicare GLP-1 access demonstration.
Semaglutide: body composition at 12 months
A 2026 Obesity Facts study followed 83 adults for 12 months. Semaglutide cut more weight, improved muscle quality scores, and preserved handgrip strength.
Synthetic semaglutide: the reporting gaps
Singh et al. (2026) find that synthetic semaglutide products make clinical claims the branded trial record does not support.
Tirzepatide cost of care: over-55 data
A 2026 matched cohort study found tirzepatide reduced monthly healthcare costs by $145-$319 in adults over 55 with obesity but without diabetes.