HQ Team
January 21, 2024: The popular diabetes drugs, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists such as Ozempic, have gained immense popularity for their weight-loss capabilities. A comprehensive study of data from nearly 2 million individuals has highlighted both the therapeutic benefits and potential risks associated with these medications.
Researchers from the United States reviewed health data from about 2.4 million people who have type 2 diabetes, including around 216,000 people who used a GLP-1 drug, between 2017 and 2023.
Pros and cons of GLP-1
The study revealed that GLP-1 drugs are linked to a lower risk of 42 health conditions, including serious cardiovascular issues like heart attacks and strokes. Specifically, participants using these medications experienced a reduction in the incidence of psychotic disorders by 18%, Alzheimer’s disease by 12%, and addiction disorders by an average of 13%. The drugs appear to exert their effects by influencing brain regions related to reward and impulse control, potentially reducing cravings for substances like alcohol and opioids46.
While the benefits are notable, the study also identified significant risks. Users of GLP-1 drugs exhibited an 11% increased risk of developing arthritis and a staggering 146% higher risk of pancreatitis, a serious inflammation of the pancreas that can lead to life-threatening complications. Other adverse effects include gastrointestinal issues, low blood pressure, and kidney-related problems.
Expert opinions
Despite the promising findings, experts caution against drawing definitive conclusions from the data. Randy Seeley, an obesity specialist at the University of Michigan, noted that while associations between drug use and health outcomes are informative, they do not establish causation. He emphasized the need for more detailed studies that consider various factors such as age and lifestyle, to accurately assess risks and benefits.
According to research by the Kaiser Family Foundation, about 1 in 8 adults in the U.S. has taken a GLP-1 drug to treat diabetes, promote weight loss or prevent heart attacks or strokes. Another insurance study says that nearly 60% quit within 12 weeks of starting the drug. This is not long enough to show any benefits. The reasons are varied: the high price, availability, or side effects.
Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, who led the research and is chief of research and development at the VA St. Louis Health Care System, acknowledged that while the data is valuable for guiding real-world applications of these drugs, future studies must focus on specific diseases and include diverse populations to validate these findings further. “It’s hard to make a blanket recommendation, because the side effects are real,” Al-Aly said. “I think people should have a conversation with their practitioners or their doctor or provider and do their own individualized risk benefit analysis.”
Implications for patients
The findings come at a time when there is a growing recognition of obesity’s impact on overall health. As medical views evolve, healthcare providers must weigh the potential benefits against the risks when prescribing GLP-1 drugs. While GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic present exciting opportunities in treating obesity and related conditions, ongoing research is essential to fully understand their long-term effects on health.
