Can Weight Loss Drugs Boost Your Health?

So much have been discussed about the wight-loss drugs and what it might do to your health. While mostly it is a great deal of help with helping people fight off diabetes and obesity, we have also seen cases of it being linked with mental health problems, though not directly related. However, in a new study, based on data from the US veterans with type 2 diabetes revealed some notable benefits of the weight loss drugs.

Drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro were originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, have now gained popularity for weight loss and thus their uses have also expanded.

What did the study find?

The study found that these drugs have shown lower rates of heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and blood pressure. It has also in fact shown a significant decrease in conditions like schizophrenia, suicidal thoughts, and seizures. This finding could throw off what the US doctor claimed about weight loss drugs links with mental health issues. Substance abuse involving alcohol, opioids and cannabis too have declined as per the study.

The study further found a 12% reduction in Alzheimer's disease, especially in participants taking the drugs for 3.5 years. The drug also reduced bacterial infections, liver cancer and chronic kidney diseases, along with fever and muscle pain.

What Could Be The Potential Risks?

Digestive Issues

Participants reported increased instances of nausea, stomach pain, inflammation, and conditions like diverticulitis and hemorrhoids.

Joint and Bone Problems

Unexpectedly, these drugs were linked to joint pain and arthritis, despite weight loss often reducing joint stress.

Other Side Effects

Low blood pressure, fainting, headaches, kidney stones, and disturbed sleep were among the reported issues.

Pancreatic Inflammation

The study also noted an increase in potentially deadly inflammation of the pancreas.

Also Read: These Foods Can Mimic The Effects of Ozempic

So How Does It Really Work?

The active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy is semaglutide, which mimics the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This is a hormone which is released by the gut after you eat, it signals the brain to suppress appetite and makes you feel full sooner. However, GLP-1 receptors are present throughout the body, including your heart and immune system, which can lead to a range of effects beyond just appetite suppression. This is what the weight loss drugs also does, it triggers the hormone that makes you feel full, and also leads to various affects in the other parts of bodies where the receptors are present.

Like everything, medically approved drugs too have two sides to it. Losing excess weight improves conditions like sleep apnea by reducing fat around the throat, which can block airways. Lower levels of inflammation can also improve various health conditions, it can also suppress reward mechanism in brain, reducing addictive behaviors like drinking and gambling.

Limitations And The Need For Caution

Despite the promising findings, the study has limitations. Most participants were white men, leaving gaps in understanding how these drugs affect women or other demographics. Anecdotal evidence of improved fertility and so-called “Ozempic babies” further highlights the need for more comprehensive research.

Moreover, the study’s observational nature makes it difficult to determine whether the benefits were directly caused by the drugs or influenced by other factors. Clinical trials are ongoing to confirm the findings, especially in areas like Alzheimer’s prevention.

Read More: Explained: How Does Ozempic Work?