Landmark Study Reveals New Benefits and Risks of Obesity Drugs Like Ozempic

A new study published in Nature Medicine on Monday reveals that weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro do more than just shrink waistlines—they may also reduce the risk of certain diseases, including Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and liver cancer. However, the study found these medications can come with risks, including gastrointestinal issues, arthritis, kidney problems, and pancreatitis.

The study, “Mapping the Effectiveness and Risks of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists,” was conducted by researchers from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in St. Louis and Ewha Womans University in Seoul, South Korea. It found that people taking GLP-1 agonists had a reduced risk for 42 conditions, including a 9% lower risk of heart attacks and an 8% lower risk of dementia.

“What this paper shows is that treating obesity and metabolic syndrome likely has a broad health profile,” said Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, chief of research and development at the VA St. Louis Health Care System.

Launched in December 2017 by drug manufacturer Novo Nordisk, Ozempic is a prescription injectable medication for treating type-2 diabetes in adults. It gained popularity when Novo Nordisk scientists discovered that the drug simulates naturally produced hormones that curb appetite and slow digestion, leading to weight loss in some users.

“These drugs also reduce inflammation in the brain and result in weight loss,” Al-Aly said. “Both these factors may improve brain health and explain the reduced risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.”

Obesity remains a significant health issue in the U.S.; a May 2024 report by the Centers for Disease Control states that two in five adults—approximately 41.9%, around 100 million people—of U.S. adults are living with obesity.

“We know obesity is bad for many, many things, and now we have empiric evidence that treating obesity produces good health benefits across the board beyond just reduction in weight,” Al-Aly said. “But there are also risks, and we hope these findings prompt discussion with people and their providers.”

By analyzing nearly 2 million medical records from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, researchers compared individuals taking GLP-1 receptor agonists with those using other diabetes treatments or older medications.

Awareness of GLP-1RAs is growing, leading to new opportunities for combating obesity as their use becomes more widespread.

Last year, in a 2024 KFF Health Tracking Poll, 12% of adults reported taking these medications. Usage is particularly high among individuals with diabetes (45%), heart disease (41%), or obesity (42%). But while 40% of users turn to these drugs primarily for weight loss, cost remains a barrier for 54% of those surveyed.

Edited by Andrew Hayward