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GLP-1 Drugs Reduce Risks for 42 Conditions, Including Alzheimer's, but Increase Risks for 19 Others, Study Finds

Jan 21, 2025, 12:18 PM

A large study involving over 2 million individuals has revealed that GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro—medications commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity—may offer additional health benefits beyond their intended use. The research, published in Nature Medicine and conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs, analyzed data from 215,950 individuals starting GLP-1 drugs compared to over 1.2 million others on different diabetes medications over an average of 3.7 years. The study mapped 175 health conditions and found that these drugs are associated with a reduced risk of 42 health conditions, including a 10-20% reduction in neuropsychiatric outcomes such as schizophrenia, substance use disorders, psychotic disorders, addiction, and neurocognitive disorders like Alzheimer's disease. They also demonstrated decreased risks for heart attacks, stroke, pneumonia, liver failure, and certain infections. However, the study also indicated an increased risk for 19 health outcomes, including an 11% higher risk of arthritis and a 146% increased risk of pancreatitis. The findings suggest that while GLP-1 medications may have broad beneficial effects on brain and cardiovascular health, they may also pose significant risks to other organ systems such as the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and pancreas.