In recent years, Ozempic—once solely a treatment for diabetes—has gained attention as a promising option for weight management. Since receiving approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2021, this medication, alongside similar glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs like Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, has revolutionized the fight against obesity. These drugs are now widely used, with an estimated 1 in 8 American adults having used a GLP-1 medication. By 2030, projections suggest that 1 in 10 Americans will likely be using these treatments.
Recent research, including a study conducted by my team at Washington University, has explored the broader health impacts of GLP-1 medications, revealing a surprising range of benefits and risks. Our study, which analyzed data from over 2.4 million individuals, examined the effects of these drugs on 175 health outcomes. The findings suggest that GLP-1 medications lower the risk of 42 different health conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and various substance use disorders. However, we also identified significant risks, including gastrointestinal issues, kidney stones, and acute pancreatitis.
Cognitive Benefits: A Breakthrough in Neurodegenerative Disease Prevention
One of the most promising findings from our research is the potential cognitive benefits of GLP-1 drugs. These medications appear to reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. This aligns with preclinical studies suggesting that GLP-1 drugs may reduce brain inflammation and promote the strengthening of neural connections, improving overall brain function and potentially slowing cognitive decline. Other studies have also indicated that diabetes patients on GLP-1 medications show a lower risk of developing dementia, raising hopes for a new therapeutic avenue for treating cognitive impairments. Ongoing randomized trials on the use of GLP-1 drugs for early-stage Alzheimer’s are expected to yield results later in 2025.
Addressing Addiction and Suicidal Thoughts
Beyond cognitive health, GLP-1 drugs also show promise in treating substance use disorders, including alcohol, tobacco, opioids, and other stimulants. This effect is likely related to the drugs’ influence on brain pathways responsible for reward, impulse control, and inflammation. Notably, our study found that GLP-1 medications reduced the risk of suicidal thoughts and self-harm, a finding that challenges previous reports of increased suicidality in some patients using these drugs. In fact, the European Medicines Agency had previously concluded there was no evidence of a heightened suicide risk. However, our data, along with other recent studies, suggest that GLP-1 drugs may actually lower the risk of suicidal ideation.
Additional Health Benefits
Our research also highlighted several other health benefits of GLP-1 drugs. These medications were found to significantly reduce the risks of cardiovascular issues, kidney problems, and blood clotting disorders, such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Another surprising discovery was the reduction in the risk of infectious diseases like pneumonia and sepsis. Previous studies have indicated that GLP-1 drugs may lower the risk of death from cardiovascular and infectious causes, including COVID-19, a known cardiovascular risk factor.
GLP-1 drugs may also prove beneficial for treating conditions such as fatty liver disease, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, depression, and even some eye disorders.
A Growing Range of Uses and Potential Risks
Despite the growing range of therapeutic applications for GLP-1 drugs, they are not without risks. Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and acid reflux. More severe risks identified in our study include low blood pressure, sleep disturbances, headaches, kidney stones, gall bladder disease, and inflammation of the kidneys and pancreas, all of which may require careful monitoring.
Furthermore, while GLP-1 medications are effective for managing obesity, they address only the symptoms of the disease, not its root causes. As a result, long-term use is necessary to maintain weight loss, but high costs and side effects may lead many patients to discontinue treatment, which can cause rapid weight regain.
Conclusion: A Complex Treatment Landscape
While GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic, offer promising benefits for weight management and a variety of other health conditions, their use comes with significant challenges. Further research is needed to better understand the long-term risks and effectiveness of these medications, particularly in comparison across different GLP-1 formulations. This will be crucial for guiding clinical practice and ensuring that patients receive the most effective and safest treatment options available.
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