GLP-1 is rapidly degraded by an enzyme named dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-4), converting to bioinactive products GLP-1 (9-36) and GLP-1 (9-37) ( GLP-1 exerts its function by binding to GLP-1R and is involved in the development and progression of many diseases ( GLP-1R agonists (GLP-1RAs) are a group of GLP-1 analogues that are resistant to DPP4-mediated degradation, working through activating GLP-1R and its downstream signaling ( The expression of GLP-1R remains controversial due to the lack of specific antibody against GLP-1R, with most of the literatures using qPCR to detect mRNA levels (26, 27)
Shauna Levy, a specialist in obesity medicine and the medical director of the Tulane Bariatric Center in New Orleans, referring to the class of drugs that include Wegovy and Zepbound
Also, retatrutide isn't FDA-approved, while Ozempic and Mounjaro are, so "better" depends on whether you prioritize efficacy or regulatory approval and availability
In my practice, I am seeing exactly this pattern, with patients reporting concerns about loose, less elastic-feeling skin on the body, not only the face, and asking increasingly specific questions about what can actually be done about it
