One in eight adults within the U.S. has taken Ozempic or one other kind of GLP-1 drug, surveys present — and now a serious new research has revealed a protracted checklist of advantages and a few little-known dangers.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1) agonists — which comprise both semaglutide or liraglutide — are prescribed to deal with type 2 diabetes and weight problems, however earlier research have linked the medication to different, surprising advantages.
Researchers at Washington College College of Drugs in St. Louis and the Veterans Affairs (VA) St. Louis Well being Care System studied the well being outcomes of greater than two million veterans with diabetes who took Ozempic or one other kind of GLP-1 drug between Oct. 1, 2017 and Dec. 31, 2023, in accordance with a college press launch.
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They then in contrast these outcomes to veterans who took non-GLP-1 diabetes medications.
One in eight adults within the U.S. has taken Ozempic or one other kind of GLP-1 drug, surveys present. (iStock)
The research, revealed within the journal Nature on Jan. 20, recognized “widespread associations” between Ozempic and a few important well being advantages.
These advantages included lowered dangers of neurocognitive issues like Alzheimer’s and dementia, seizures, and habit to dangerous substances comparable to alcohol, hashish, stimulants and opioids.
Different optimistic well being results included decrease dangers of suicidal ideation, self-harm, bulimia and psychotic issues comparable to schizophrenia.
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“GLP-1s have many advantages for at the least 42 situations past weight reduction – from addiction disorders to reminiscence/cognition issues, blood clots, and infections,” lead research writer Ziyad Al-Aly, medical epidemiologist at Washington College in St. Louis, instructed Fox Information Digital.
Ozempic and different GLP-1 medication act on receptors within the mind which might be concerned in impulse management, reward and habit, Al-Aly famous, which might clarify why they’re efficient in decreasing cravings for meals and addictive substances.
“GLP-1s have many advantages for at the least 42 situations past weight reduction.”
“These medication additionally cut back irritation within the mind and end in weight loss; each of those elements could enhance mind well being and clarify the lowered danger of situations like Alzheimer’s illness and dementia,” he added.
In addition they discovered, nevertheless, that GLP-1 medication have been linked to a number of hostile unwanted side effects.
Novo Nordisk is the maker of Ozempic, which is accredited for kind 2 diabetes therapy and lowered danger of cardiovascular occasions. (Getty Photos)
The danger of gastrointestinal problems — together with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and a rarer paralysis of the abdomen — have been extensively recognized earlier than this new research, the researcher famous.
The brand new discovering, nevertheless, was that these medication can negatively have an effect on the pancreas and kidneys. They have been additionally linked to the next probability of creating arthritis.
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“Whereas these hostile results are unusual, they are often very severe; physicians should be vigilant for indicators of pancreatitis (irritation of the pancreas) and monitor kidney perform amongst individuals taking GLP-1RA medicines,” Al-Aly acknowledged within the press launch.
“Kidney issues can happen with out signs till the situation is at a complicated stage with restricted therapy choices.”
Decreased weight problems has lengthy been linked with much less irritation in each physique system, an professional identified. (iStock)
The research, which was funded by the U.S. Division of Veterans Affairs, did have some limitations, the researchers acknowledged.
“It is a discovery strategy involving greater than two million individuals and isn’t a randomized trial,” Al-Aly instructed Fox Information Digital.
“Individuals with actual weight reduction are happier general — they really feel empowered.”
Seth Kipnis, MD, medical director of bariatric and robotic surgical procedure at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore College Medical Middle, was not concerned within the research however mentioned it confirms what he has seen in his personal clinical practice.
“Individuals with actual weight reduction are happier general — they really feel empowered that they’ll lastly management their weight,” he mentioned in an announcement despatched to Fox Information Digital.
The danger of gastrointestinal issues — together with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and a rarer paralysis of the abdomen — have been extensively recognized earlier than this new research. (iStock)
Decreased weight problems has lengthy been linked with much less irritation in each physique system, Kipnis identified.
“GI issues and renal issues will at all times be seen if individuals are not eating correctly and sustaining hydration,” he mentioned. “Should you take these medicines with out dietary training, they are often dangerous.”
Suggestions and predictions
Based mostly on the findings, the researchers famous, individuals needs to be conscious that these medication haven’t solely a “broad useful profile,” but in addition essential dangers.
“Individuals ought to use the data to debate with their supplier whether or not GLP-1 is the best treatment for them,” Al-Aly advisable.
“An individual with lots of GI points could discover these meds insupportable.”
“An individual who’s making an attempt to shed weight and quit smoking or ingesting could discover GLP-1s particularly helpful – serving to hit two birds with one stone — however an individual with lots of GI (gastrointestinal) points could discover these meds insupportable,” he went on.
“Every individual’s well being profile is totally different. Execs and cons needs to be mentioned with the supplier.”
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Given their effectiveness at inflicting weight reduction and improving health, GLP-1 medication will doubtless turn out to be extra frequent and improve in use, Hackensack’s Kipnis predicted.
“We have now been prescribing many long-term medication for hypertension, coronary heart illness, excessive ldl cholesterol, diabetes, arthritis, reflux and plenty of different illnesses with out hesitation,” he mentioned.
The brand new research revealed that GLP-1 medication might negatively have an effect on the pancreas and kidneys. (iStock)
“This new class of drug, because it lowers weight problems, has the potential to decrease the usage of each different drug that’s used to deal with obesity-related conditions.”
Not each physician ought to prescribe these medicines, nevertheless, in accordance with Kipnis.
“Docs with weight administration packages and vitamin teaching programs would doubtless have higher outcomes and fewer unwanted side effects,” the physician mentioned.
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Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic (accredited for kind 2 diabetes therapy and lowered danger of cardiovascular events) and Wegovy (accredited for weight administration and lowered danger of cardiovascular events), offered the next assertion to Fox Information Digital.
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“Semaglutide has helped hundreds of thousands of individuals struggle persistent illnesses comparable to kind 2 diabetes, heart problems and weight problems. As we glance to assist much more individuals with persistent illnesses, we’re exploring the potential of semaglutide in a number of different illness states.”
Wegovy, additionally made by Novo Nordisk, is FDA-approved for weight administration and lowered danger of cardiovascular occasions. (Steve Christo – Corbis/Corbis by way of Getty Photos)
“Affected person security is of utmost significance to Novo Nordisk. The recognized dangers and advantages of semaglutide medicines are described of their FDA-approved product labeling and we work intently with authorities and regulatory our bodies worldwide to constantly monitor the security profile of our merchandise.”
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The corporate added that the “totality of information” from earlier research “offers reassurance of the security profile of semaglutide.”