Research has long shown that diet and exercise benefits men more than women when it comes to weight loss. However, a recent clinical trial suggests that injected GLP-1 weight loss medications may work better for women on average.
The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, compared two GLP-1 medications: semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound). The results showed that women lost about 50% more weight than men when using these medications. Specifically, participants who used Zepbound, a newer medication, lost an average of 8.5 pounds more than those who used Wegovy.
Researchers are still unsure why this is the case, but several theories have been proposed. One possibility is that women tend to store fat differently than men, with more subcutaneous fat under their skin. This may make GLP-1 medications more effective for weight loss in women.
Estrogen, which women have in higher amounts than men, also plays a role in the effectiveness of these medications. Research has shown that estrogen can amplify the effects of GLP-1 by increasing the number of receptors on the surface of cells where this gut hormone can attach.
While the results are promising, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these sex differences. This could lead to improved treatment options for women and potentially even strategies to enhance weight loss in men.
Understanding the impacts of these sex differences is crucial, as they may have implications for the treatment of women before or after menopause, hormone-blocking therapies after breast cancer, and even adherence to medications. By studying these effects, researchers can develop more personalized treatment plans that take into account individual biology and sex.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/16/health/glp-1-weight-loss-medications-women-men