Comprehensive Benefits of Weight-Loss Drugs

The initial research evaluating the overall health effects of weight-loss drugs has revealed a significant impact on the body, according to researchers.

The study, involving nearly two million individuals, found a correlation between these medications and improved heart health, reduced infections, lower chances of substance misuse, and fewer cases of dementia.

However, US researchers caution that these drugs are not devoid of risks, as they may contribute to joint discomfort and potentially fatal pancreatic inflammation.

Understanding the Impact on Health

These weight-loss medications have gained widespread popularity, yet a complete understanding of their effect on the entire body is still being developed.

According to lead researcher Dr Ziyad al-Aly, from Washington University, “This is new territory.” Initially used to treat type 2 diabetes, the weight-loss side-effect of Ozempic and Wegovy soon became widely recognised.

Study Insights

The research utilised data on US veterans with type 2 diabetes, some of whom were prescribed Ozempic or Wegovy, while others received standard treatments, to assess their impact on 175 other conditions.

The findings suggested a substantial benefit to cardiovascular health, with decreased instances of heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and high blood pressure among those taking the new weight-loss medications.

Additionally, there was a reduction in substance abuse (including alcohol, opioids, and cannabis) along with diminished occurrences of schizophrenia, suicidal ideation, and seizures.

Although the study was brief, with participants using the drugs for only 3.5 years due to their novelty, a 12% decrease in Alzheimer’s disease was reported.

Furthermore, there was a noted decrease in liver cancer, muscle pain, and chronic kidney disease, as well as a reduction in bacterial infections and fever.

Conversely, digestive issues became more prevalent among users, including nausea, abdominal discomfort, stomach inflammation, diverticulitis, and haemorrhoids.

Remarkable Findings

The data, published in the journal Nature Medicine, also indicated increased occurrences of low blood pressure, including fainting, headaches, disturbed sleep, kidney stones, and various bone or joint pains, such as arthritis.

Dr Aly remarked, “It was definitely eye-opening for me to see all these different impacts across various organ systems.” While some explanations for the drugs’ wide-ranging effects might seem straightforward, others remain elusive.

Weight loss itself contributes to better health outcomes. For instance, reduced sleep apnoea is thought to result from weight loss around the tongue and throat, which can obstruct airways. However, these medications also appear to directly modify cellular and tissue behaviour within the body.

Mechanism of Action

Ozempic and Wegovy both contain semaglutide in differing doses, mimicking the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Released post-meal by the gut, GLP-1 travels through the bloodstream and binds to receptors on brain cells, signalling the presence of food in the stomach and reducing hunger.

These receptors are found throughout the body, including in the heart and certain immune system areas. Dr Aly commented, “It is evident that this class of drugs appears to suppress reward mechanisms in the brain, thereby curbing urges to seek out alcohol, tobacco, or gambling.” Additionally, reduced inflammation, an immune response indicator, could yield extensive health benefits.

Evaluating the Risks and Benefits

The potential health advantages may bolster the argument for some individuals to use these medications, Dr Aly noted.

“For those at significant risk of these conditions, the added benefit is a plus,” he stated. However, for individuals whose weight does not compromise their health, the risks might outweigh the benefits.

The study’s limitations include a predominantly male, white veteran sample, omitting any female-specific effects, such as improved fertility and unexpected “Ozempic babies.” Moreover, reasons for prescribing Ozempic or Wegovy over other medications may offer alternative explanations for some findings.

Proven Heart Health Benefits

Extensive clinical trials have already substantiated the cardiovascular benefits—though nausea remains a known side-effect—and further rigorous testing is necessary to validate other findings.

This study suggests that a few years on semaglutide may offer protective effects against Alzheimer’s, despite its onset occurring over a decade before symptoms manifest. Trials are currently underway to assess the validity of this effect.

Prof Naveed Sattar, from the University of Glasgow, stated, “Such trials will bring us closer to the truth.” He added that while interesting, this study’s results are insufficient to alter prescription practices.

Prof Sir Stephen O’Rahilly, from the University of Cambridge, advised careful interpretation of the study but acknowledged it provided reassuring insights into the drugs’ safety for diabetic patients, with further studies eagerly anticipated.

An unexpected finding was the increase in joint pain, as weight loss typically alleviates joint pressure. The presence of GLP-1 receptors in immune cells implies that the drugs’ effects are unpredictable, potentially easing some inflammatory disorders while exacerbating others, Prof O’Rahilly explained.

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