A new study published in Nature Healthcare on Monday reveals that weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro do more than just reduce waistlines—they may even reduce the risk of certain conditions, including Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and kidney cancer. However, the study found these drugs can come with hazards, including digestive issues, arthritis, kidney issues, and gastritis.

The study, “Mapping the Performance and Dangers of GLP-1 Sensor Ligands, ” was conducted by researchers from the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs in St. Louis and Ewha Womans University in Seoul, South Korea. It found that people taking GLP-1 agonists had a reduced risk for 42 conditions, including a 9 % lower risk of heart attacks and an 8 % lower risk of dementia.

“ What this paper shows is that treating obesity and metabolic syndrome likely has a broad health profile, ” said Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, commander of research and development at the VA St. Louis Health Care System.

Launched in December 2017 by drug manufacturer Novo Nordisk, Ozempic is a prescribed injectable drugs for treating type-2 insulin in individuals. It gained recognition when Novo Nordisk researchers discovered that the medicine simulates naturally produced hormones that suppress appetite and slower metabolism, leading to pounds lost in some users.

“These drugs even reduce inflammation in the mind and result in weight loss, ” Al-Aly said. “Both these aspects may improve mental health and explain the decreased risk of problems like Alzheimer’s condition and memory. ”

Fat remains a major health problem in the U. S. ; a May 2024 record by the Centers for Disease Control states that two in five adults—approximately 41. 9 %, around 100 million people—of U. S. people are living with fat.

“We know fat is bad for many, many points, and now we have empirical evidence that treating overweight produces fine wellness benefits across the board beyond just reduction in weight, ” Al-Aly said. “ But there are also risks, and we hope these findings prompt discussion with people and their providers. ”

By analyzing nearly 2 million medical records from the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs, researchers compared individuals taking GLP-1 receptor agonists with those using other diabetes treatments or older medications.

Awareness of GLP-1RAs is growing, leading to new opportunities for combating obesity as their use becomes more widespread.

Last year, in a 2024 KFF Health Tracking Poll, 12 % of adults reported taking these medications. Usage is particularly high among individuals with diabetes ( 45 % ), heart disease ( 41 % ), or obesity ( 42 % ). But while 40 % of users turn to these drugs primarily for weight loss, cost remains a barrier for 54 % of those surveyed.

Generally Intelligent Newsletter

A weekly AI journey narrated by Gen, a generative AI model.

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!