Study Finds Potential Health Benefits of Popular Diabetes Drugs beyond Weight Loss

A new study released on Monday highlights the potential benefits of popular diabetes medications, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, for a wide range of health issues, including dementia and heart disease. However, experts caution that these drugs should not be seen as a “miracle cure.”

Published in Nature Medicine, the study is unique because it looks at the effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of drugs that have been widely used for weight loss and treating obesity. These drugs, which mimic a hormone that helps control insulin, slow down stomach emptying, and reduce appetite, have been on the market for about a decade.

The study found that patients using GLP-1 medications not only experienced weight loss but also showed better results in managing other health problems like heart disease, dementia, and even alcohol addiction. Researchers believe this is a major medical breakthrough, with drug companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly benefiting greatly from the sales of these medications.

While the results are promising, experts, including epidemiologist Ziyad Al-Aly, warned that the drugs are not a cure-all, and more research is needed to fully understand the risks and long-term effects.