GLP-1 drugsThe drug, widely prescribed for weight loss and diabetes management, may offer unexpected health benefits, according to a study published Jan. 20 in Nature Medicine. These drugs — known by brand names such as Ozempic, Vegovy, Monjaro and Zepbound — are showing promise in reducing the risk of a variety of conditions including substance abuse, psychosis, infections and even dementia.

Researchers reviewed data from nearly 2 million patients treated by the Veterans Health Administration, including more than 216,000 individuals prescribed GLP-1 medications. The results were shocking: GLP-1 users had a 24 percent lower risk of liver failure and a 22 percent lower chance of cardiac arrest compared with other people. diabetes treatmentAdditionally, the study highlighted reduced risks for 42 different health outcomes, including lung failure, aspiration pneumonia, shock and serious infections such as sepsis.

These findings are consistent with broader public health trends, including a decline in US obesity rates for the first time in more than a decade, as reported in 2023. GLP-1 drugs play an important role in this change.

However, the medications are not without drawbacks. Researchers found that GLP-1 users faced a higher risk for 19 adverse health outcomes, primarily nausea, heartburn, vomiting, stomach pain, and gastroparesis (a condition that causes stomach muscles to become inactive). Like it was related to digestive issues. They also had a higher risk of musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis and tendinitis compared to those taking other diabetes medications.

Beyond physical health, GLP-1 drugs have demonstrated notable benefits for brain health. The study found a 12 percent lower risk of dementia and lower rates of psychosis and schizophrenia among GLP-1 users. These unexpected findings suggest that drugs may affect cognitive and mental health in ways not previously understood.

“It’s hard to make a blanket recommendation because the side effects are real,” said study lead author Dr. Ziad Al-Ali, chief of research and development at the VA St. Louis Health Care System. “People should have a conversation with their healthcare provider and do an individual risk-benefit analysis.”

The research analyzed medical records from October 2017 to December 2023 to create a comprehensive “atlas of association” mapping the effects of the drugs on various organ systems. Despite promising findings, experts urge caution. Most of the study participants were older white men with diabetes, which may limit how applicable the results are to the broader population.

“This paper expands our current knowledge about the effectiveness of this class of drugs,” said Dr. Scott Busch, director of obesity therapy at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. “This is a very interesting study and provides a useful big picture perspective.”

While GLP-1 drugs continue to gain popularity, the full range of their benefits and risks highlights the importance of patients and healthcare providers making informed decisions.

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