GLP-1's Weekly Pills Pens and Progress 4
Posted on August 7, 2026 by Sally-Anne Turner
In the UK now, we are all in a unique position. Last month, the Wegovy pill was released, and next month, the Eli Lilly pill, Foundayo, is set to be launched in the private market.
A month into our new news piece at the Bodyline Clinic, and the world of GLP-1 medications for weight loss is expanding, especially in the US and the UK. As such, research into the ideal weight loss option for those suffering from being overweight continues, and how to treat being overweight and obese in younger people may also be set to change rapidly.
So, welcome to this week's edition of GLP-1 Weekly: Pills, Pens and Progress.
VA Trial of GLP-1 Drug to Treat Alcohol Abuse
The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has launched one of the largest studies to date relating to alcohol addiction. It is aiming to investigate whether semaglutide (the core ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) can treat alcohol use disorder. The trial is set to recruit more than 600 veterans across 18 VA medical centres.
This is one of the first large-scale investigations into using a GLP-1 medication for addiction treatment. It follows reports from people who naturally drank less alcohol whilst undertaking clinical trials for Ozempic and Wegovy. There have been other studies that noted participants had a decrease in alcohol cravings and heavy drinking while taking semaglutide injectables.
Those taking part will be monitored for an extended period to assess changes in drinking behaviour and cravings, and to monitor their overall health. As alcohol use disorder affects hundreds of thousands of US veterans, researchers are hopeful that the study can lead to an important new treatment strategy if their theory is supported.
Of course, this trial is experimental. Much like other research into GLP-1s and addiction, the initial evidence is encouraging, but semaglutide is not approved for treating alcohol addiction by the FDA. The aim is to assess the potential therapeutic role of GLP-1s and to see if there are other uses for this drug besides treating obesity and diabetes.
You can find the article here. When they post the findings, we will update you, so watch this space!
Calocurb: Weight Loss without Muscle Mass Loss?
Many people are less than eager to take GLP-1s due to worries that they are not naturally derived.
However, a study from medical journal Obesity Pillars has highlighted that a natural weight management supplement, Calocurb, may do just that, potentially without muscle mass loss. The supplement is derived from patented bitter hops, called Amarasate, and has been noted to have a positive impact on fat loss and muscle preservation over a 24-week period.
This study was double blind and researchers found that those taking Calocurb had greater reductions in weight, fat and visceral fat than those given a placebo, even though both groups were following a healthy diet and exercise advice. Participants who took the medication also retained muscle mass, which has been a concern for many people taking GLP-1 medications.
Those who took Calocurb:
- Lost an average of 8.3lbs (3.77kg) over 6 months vs 0.88lbs (0.4kg) in the placebo group.
- Visceral fat reduction was 3.5 times greater than the control group.
- Muscle mass was preserved, with no difference between the groups.
Like other GLP-1s, the New Zealand-based company behind this medication (also called Calocurb) has stated that it works by stimulating satiety hormones like GLP-1, CCK and PYY, but this is achieved through activating the bitter taste receptors in the GI tract. If successful, this medication is likely to be available without a prescription.
So, a natural option to weight loss may soon be hitting the shelves.
See the press release here: New GLP-1 Clinical Study Finds Calocurb® Reduces Body Weight and Body Fat Without Loss of Muscle Mass
Bariatric Surgery Decrease for Young Adults and Teenagers
For teenagers and young adults who are experiencing being overweight or being diagnosed with obesity, the role of bariatric surgery is shrinking in favour of GLP-1 medications.
A research team analysed health records from between 2022 and 2026 and noted that more than 204,000 people aged between 13 and 25 had been prescribed GLP-1 drugs such as semaglutide and tirzepatide. However, weight loss surgery has remained stable or has declined in number.
The research team also noted that the largest increase in prescriptions was among adults aged 18 to 25, and GLP-1 use has risen sharply over the last four years. It is believed that this is happening due to the easier access to these medications, the growing popularity of them, and, of course, the fact that they are less invasive in nature compared to bariatric surgery. Even though they have side effects, GLP-1 treatments do not require downtime and do not come with a risk of infection or even death.
It should be noted that even though the tide is shifting towards GLP-1 injections and oral tablets, bariatric surgery still has an important role, especially for younger people who are exceedingly obese and do not respond to medication. Clinicians are increasingly beginning to note that GLP-1 treatments and surgeries may be more effective as complementary options and should be tailored to each person's needs.
So, even though GLP-1s are new, they are changing the world of obesity care for the younger generation. They will soon become a routine part of treatment pathways across the USA and UK and may offer adolescents and young adults struggling with obesity a safer and more effective alternative to surgeries.
Could this be the end of bariatric surgery as a standalone treatment option? Check out the article here.
At the Bodyline Clinic, we are always trying to keep up to date with the newest research in GLP-1s. Why? We know it's important for our customers to be well informed of what is happening, and to help our clinical team provide the best care.
Sources
GLP-1 drugs are changing how teens and young adults treat obesity
GLP-1 weight loss drugs may reduce alcohol use and cravings
