Weight-loss drugs may boost health in many ways

A recent study has revealed that weight-loss medications can have a significant impact on overall health. This research, which involved nearly two million individuals, found that these drugs are associated with improved heart health, a decrease in infections, a lower likelihood of substance abuse, and a reduced risk of dementia. However, the researchers cautioned that these medications are not without their risks, as they may lead to increased joint pain and potentially dangerous inflammation in the pancreas. Dr. Ziyad al-Aly, the lead researcher and a clinical epidemiologist at Washington University, emphasized that this area of research is still developing, and a comprehensive understanding of the full effects of these drugs on the body is still being established. Initially, these medications were primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes, but it was soon observed that weight loss was a significant side effect, leading to the popularity of drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. The study focused on US veterans with type 2 diabetes, comparing those who were prescribed Ozempic or Wegovy with those who received more traditional diabetes treatments. The researchers aimed to assess the impact of these medications on 175 different health conditions. The findings indicated a notable improvement in heart health among those taking the new weight-loss drugs, with lower rates of heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and high blood pressure. Additionally, the study found a reduction in the risk of substance abuse, including alcohol, opioids, and cannabis, as well as a decrease in mental health issues such as schizophrenia, suicidal thoughts, and seizures. Although the study was relatively short, with participants taking the drugs for an average of 3. 5 years, it reported a 12% reduction in the incidence of Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, there were fewer cases of liver cancer, muscle pain, and chronic kidney disease, along with a decrease in bacterial infections and fever. On the downside, individuals taking Ozempic or Wegovy were more likely to experience digestive issues, including nausea, stomach pain, and conditions like diverticulitis and hemorrhoids. Dr. Aly expressed that the breadth of health impacts observed was quite surprising. The reasons behind the drugs' wide-ranging effects are both clear and complex. For instance, losing excess weight can lead to improved health outcomes, such as reduced sleep apnea, which occurs when breathing is interrupted during sleep. This improvement is likely due to weight loss around the throat and tongue, which can obstruct airways. However, the medications also seem to directly influence the behavior of cells and tissues within the body. Dr. Aly stated, 'Obesity is detrimental to the brain, heart, and mental health. It could be the root cause of many health issues. ' The study found that the drugs provided benefits across various aspects of health. Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, which mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone is released by the gut after eating and signals to the brain that food is present in the stomach, which helps to reduce hunger. However, GLP-1 receptors are also found in other parts of the body, including the heart and immune system. Dr. Aly noted that these drugs seem to suppress the brain's reward mechanisms, which may help reduce cravings for alcohol, tobacco, and gambling. Additionally, lower levels of inflammation, which is a response from the immune system, could have various health benefits. The potential health advantages of these medications may strengthen the argument for their use among individuals at risk for certain conditions. Dr. Aly remarked, 'When additional benefits are present for those at risk, it adds to the appeal of these drugs. ' However, for individuals whose weight is not impacting their health, the risks associated with these medications may outweigh the benefits. The study does have limitations, as the majority of participants were white men, which means it did not account for potential effects specific to women, such as the anecdotal reports of improved fertility and the phenomenon of 'Ozempic babies. ' There may also be other reasons why some individuals were prescribed Ozempic or Wegovy instead of alternative treatments, which could explain some of the findings. While thorough clinical trials have already demonstrated benefits for heart health and nausea as a known side effect, other findings will require similar rigorous testing. Alzheimer's disease can begin developing more than a decade before symptoms appear, but this study suggests that just a few years on semaglutide may offer protective effects. Ongoing trials are needed to determine if this effect is genuine. 'Such trials will bring us closer to the truth,' stated Prof. Naveed Sattar from the University of Glasgow. 'Fortunately, several will report their findings in the next one to four years. ' Although the findings of this study are intriguing, they are not yet strong enough to change how these medications are prescribed. Prof. Sir Stephen O'Rahilly from the University of Cambridge emphasized that the study should be interpreted cautiously but provides 'useful reassurance' regarding the safety of these drugs for individuals with diabetes. Further studies involving other patient populations are eagerly anticipated. One of the most surprising findings was the increase in joint pain, as weight loss typically alleviates pressure on the joints. However, the presence of GLP-1 receptors in certain immune system cells suggests that the effects of these drugs can be unpredictable. While some inflammatory conditions may improve, others could potentially worsen, according to Prof. O'Rahilly.