- Researchers report that GLP-1 drugs prescribed for weight loss, like Ozempic and Mounjaro, may improve cognition and lower dementia and cardiovascular disease risk.
- However, they also found that GLP-1 drugs may lead to gastrointestinal, kidney, and pancreas issues.
- The researchers recommend that doctors closely monitor their patients as these medications become more widely prescribed.
GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy, commonly prescribed for weight loss, may also benefit cognitive and behavioral health.
However, this popular class of drugs, which also includes Mounjaro and Zepbound, may cause health issues with the gastrointestinal system, kidneys, and pancreas.
That’s the conclusion of a new study published in the journal Nature Medicine, which examined the effects of GLP-1 drugs on 175 different health outcomes.
“Given the drugs’ newness and skyrocketing popularity, it is important to systematically examine their effects on all body systems — leaving no stone unturned — to understand what they do and what they don’t do,” said Ziyad Al-Aly, MD, the study’s senior author and a clinical epidemiologist and nephrologist who treats patients at the Washington University Medicine-affiliated John J. Cochran Veterans Hospital in St. Louis, in a statement.
GLP-1 drugs improve cognition, heart health
In their research, scientists at the Washington Universal School of Medicine in St. Louis and the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Health Care System looked at the health records of 2 million veterans who were treated for diabetes from October 2017 through December 2023.
Some of the veterans took GLP-1 medications, while others were given more traditional drugs sold under brand names such as Jardiance, Glipizide, and Januvia.
The researchers said their goal was to determine the GLP-1 medications’ effects on the body’s organ systems.
The researchers reported there was widespread associations with the GLP-1 drugs and improvements to cognitive and behavioral health.
These benefits included reduced risks of seizures as well as a lower risk to addiction to substances such as alcohol, cannabis, stimulants, and opioids.
Researchers said that people taking the GLP-1 drugs also experienced decreased risks of suicidal ideation, self-harm, bulimia, and psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.
The findings also showed a lower risk of neurocognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
“GLP-1RA drugs act on receptors that are expressed in brain areas involved in impulse control, reward and addiction — potentially explaining their effectiveness in curbing appetite and addiction disorders,” Al-Aly explained. “These drugs also reduce inflammation in the brain and result in weight loss; both these factors may improve brain health and explain the reduced risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.”
The study also confirmed past research findings detailing the drugs’ potential to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular concerns.
However, the researchers noted these benefits were a somewhat modest 10% to 20% reduction in most risks.
“This is an interesting analysis that is much needed given what the authors cited as drugs that are ‘skyrocketing in popularity,’” said Kristin Kirkpatrick, a registered dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic Department of Wellness & Preventive Medicine and president of KAK Consulting. Kirkpatrick wasn’t involved in the study.
“It provides a good assessment for individuals considering these drugs on what risks and benefits may occur, which can then prompt the right discussions with their healthcare providers related to potential individual benefits and risks,” she told Healthline.
Possible GI, kidney, and pancreatic risks of GLP-1s
The research also highlighted some potential downsides to the medications, including an increased risk of gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in rare cases paralysis of the stomach
In addition, the researchers reported evidence that GLP-1 medications cause increased risks of pancreatitis and kidney conditions.
The researchers urged physicians to be vigilant for signs of pancreatitis and to monitor kidney function among people taking GLP-1 medications. Kidney problems can occur without symptoms until the condition is at an advanced stage with limited treatment options.
“GLP-1RA drugs can have broad health benefits,” Al-Aly stated. “However, they are not without risks. Our findings underscore the possibility for wider applications for these medications but also highlight important risks that should be carefully monitored in people taking these drugs.”
Kirkpatrick said the decision whether to take these medications really depends on the individual.
“I think the benefits vs. risk is really related to the patient. Some patients may find that benefits outweigh risks while others may feel that their personal health history is such that the risks may be too high to consider,” she said.
Sun Kim, MD, an associate professor of medicine at Stanford University in California, said the benefits of taking these weight-loss drugs probably outweigh the risks for most people. Kim wasn’t involved in the research.
“Many of the risks are known (GI disorders), and some potentially could have been prevented (hypotension),” she told Healthline. “It’s important to decrease blood pressure medications while losing weight on GLP-1 meds as weight loss can lower blood pressure, and GLP-1 meds may also have direct effects to lower blood pressure.”
Mir Ali, MD, a bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, agreed that GLP-1 drugs are an effective treatment for most patients. Ali was likewise not involved in the research.
“I believe the benefits outweigh the risks,” he told Healthline. “Although gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, or constipation are common, they are manageable for the most part. More serious side effects like pancreatitis and kidney complications are very rare.”
What to know about GLP-1 drugs for weight loss
Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound are all classified as GLP-1 drugs.
These medications, which are taken by injection, work by simulating naturally produced hormones that curb appetite and slow digestion. A healthy diet and exercise are usually recommended along with taking the drugs.
All these medications have been proven to be effective in helping people lose weight.
Ozempic and Wegovy contain the active ingredient semaglutide. Ozempic has been approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes while Wegovy has been approved to treat people with obesity and other weight management issues.
Mounjaro and Zepbound contain the active ingredient trizepatide. Mounjaro is approved to treat type 2 diabetes while Zepbound has been approved for weight management treatment.
These GLP-1 medications have also shown promise in studies in lowering the risk of heart attack, stroke, colon cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Experts say the use of these medications is likely to grow in the future.
“Based on the interest I see in my patients, I agree that popularity will probably only rise, especially If the data remains positive,” said Kirkpatrick.
“I think one thing that could be discussed more is the exit strategy. I say this because so many of my patients have found success with these drugs but now tell me that they are ‘terrified to get off of them.’ Truly, the plan for onboarding should include an effective strategy for weaning off the drug once the goals of the individual are met.”
Kim noted that about 40% of adults in the United States have obesity, so the need for GLP-1 medications is increasing.
“GLP-1 meds represent the first class of medications that offer effective weight-loss options for patients,” she said. “In addition, randomized clinical trials show that the GLP-1 meds are associated with significant benefits including decreasing risk for cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, sleep apnea, and arthritis. The future is bright for GLP-1 drugs.”
Ali agreed. “I think these drugs, which have already been around for some time, will likely find increasing applications, and newer drugs [that] target similar receptors are on the horizon,” he said.
“There is a shift toward treating obesity as a long-term chronic disease, like hypertension or diabetes. With that change, these medications will likely be used long term.”
Learn more about how to get GLP-1 medications like Zepbound and Mounjaro from vetted and trusted online sources here:
Takeaway
In a new study, researchers looked at the effects of GLP-1 medications across 175 different health outcomes.
They reported this class of drugs, widely prescribed for weight loss, may improve cognition and behavioral function and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and dementia.
However, they found the medications may also cause health issues for the kidneys, pancreas, and gastrointestinal system.
Experts say doctors and patients should consider the benefits versus risks when deciding whether to take these drugs.
GLP-1 Drugs Benefit Brain and Heart Health, but May Cause Kidney, GI Issues
Source: Pinoy Lang Sakalam
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