A recent study suggests that weight-loss injections, including popular drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic, could offer broader health benefits, potentially reducing the risk of serious conditions such as stroke and dementia.
Published in Nature Medicine, the research examined the effects of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), a class of drugs that has gained attention for their effectiveness in weight loss. The study, which analyzed data from over 2.4 million participants, found that users of GLP-1RAs experienced a 42% reduced risk of a range of health conditions, compared to those using other diabetes medications. These conditions included heart and blood disorders like deep vein thrombosis, heart attacks, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
The observational study, led by Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, a clinical epidemiologist at Washington University, also suggested that the drugs may offer potential benefits beyond those currently recognized. These include a lower risk of mental health disorders, such as substance use disorders and psychosis, as well as a reduced risk of seizures, bacterial infections, and pneumonia.
GLP-1RAs, which mimic the hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 to stimulate insulin production and lower blood sugar, were originally developed for diabetes management. In recent years, they have gained popularity as a treatment for obesity, with effects that include slowing digestion and reducing hunger.
However, the study also noted some potential risks associated with the drugs. Participants using GLP-1RAs had a higher risk of 19 health outcomes, including gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, as well as low blood pressure, fainting, and arthritis.
In December, the NHS’s spending watchdog recommended the use of another GLP-1RA, Mounjaro (tirzepatide), for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) over 35 who also suffer from at least one weight-related illness.
The study’s findings were based on data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which analyzed 175 health outcomes in nearly 216,000 diabetes patients. This data was compared with control groups using non-GLP-1RA anti-hyperglycemic medications.
While the study’s authors emphasize that their findings are observational and do not establish causality, they believe the results provide important insights into the broader health impacts of GLP-1RAs. They caution, however, that further research, including clinical trials, is needed to confirm the results across different populations.
Additionally, the researchers pointed out that future studies should include more diverse participants, as the current data predominantly reflects older white men.
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