The Science
The evolution of weight loss medicine
The science of obesity treatment has advanced dramatically in the last decade. What was once considered a matter of willpower is now understood as a complex hormonal condition — and the medications to treat it have never been more effective.
A New Era
How we got here
Clinical Data
Average body weight loss by medication
Based on published clinical trial data
Average patient body weight reduction in clinical trials
Appetite Regulation
Communicates directly with the hypothalamus to quiet food noise.
Insulin Sensitivity
Maintains blood sugar and regulates appetite through GLP-1 receptor activation.
Gastric Emptying
Slows digestion to ensure a sustained release of nutrients and energy.
Peer-Reviewed Research
The evidence behind the medications
Every medication we prescribe is backed by landmark clinical trials published in the world's leading medical journals.
New England Journal of Medicine|2021
STEP 1 Trial — Semaglutide 2.4 mg
14.9% mean body weight reduction over 68 weeks vs. 2.4% with placebo in adults with obesity.
doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
New England Journal of Medicine|2022
SURMOUNT-1 Trial — Tirzepatide
Up to 22.5% body weight reduction at highest dose over 72 weeks — the largest weight loss seen with any approved anti-obesity medication at time of publication.
doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
New England Journal of Medicine|2023
SELECT Trial — Cardiovascular Outcomes
Semaglutide reduced major adverse cardiovascular events by 20% in patients with obesity and established cardiovascular disease, without diabetes — a key distinction proving cardiovascular benefit independent of glycemic control.
doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2307563
New England Journal of Medicine|2023
Phase II Retatrutide Trial
Triple agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors demonstrated up to 24.2% weight reduction at 48 weeks.
doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2301972
What Comes Next
From weight loss to whole-body optimization
The next generation of obesity medicine isn't just about losing weight — it's about reshaping body composition, preserving muscle, and optimizing metabolic health from the inside out.
Muscle Preservation
Myostatin inhibitors and activin receptor antibodies are being combined with GLP-1 therapies to protect lean mass during weight loss — early trials show muscle gains of up to 3% even while losing fat.
Triple Agonists
Retatrutide targets GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors simultaneously — increasing energy expenditure and fat metabolism. Phase II trials demonstrated up to 24% body weight reduction.
Oral GLP-1s
Orforglipron and oral semaglutide are eliminating the need for weekly injections. An FDA decision on the first oral-only GLP-1 for weight loss is expected in 2026.
Body Composition
The goal is shifting from pounds lost to fat-to-muscle ratio. Combination therapies aim to reduce visceral fat by 40%+ while maintaining or building lean muscle mass.
Liver & Metabolic Health
Dual agonists like survodutide are showing dramatic improvements in liver fat and metabolic dysfunction (MASH) — treating the root metabolic disease, not just the symptom.
Cardiovascular Protection
The SELECT trial proved semaglutide reduces major cardiac events by 20% in patients with obesity. Future therapies are being designed with cardiovascular endpoints built in.
See what modern medicine can do for you
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Rhee to explore your options and start your personalized treatment plan.