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Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the Veterans Affairs (VA) St. Louis Health Care System have conducted a study on the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) drugs, which are popular weight-loss medications sold under brand names such as Ozempic and Wegovy.
The study, which was published in the journal Nature Medicine, found that GLP-1RA drugs were associated with significant benefits to neurological and behavioral health, with reduced risks of seizures and addiction to substances such as alcohol, cannabis, stimulants and opioids. People taking the weight-loss drugs also experienced decreased risks of suicidal ideation, self-harm, bulimia and psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.
WashU Medicine’s findings also showed a decreased risk of neurocognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
The study also confirmed past research findings detailing the drugs’ potential to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular concerns.
However, the study also found that GLP-1RA drugs can increase the risk of gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in rare cases, paralysis of the stomach.
More importantly, the study found that GLP-1RA drugs can also negatively affect the pancreas and kidneys. While these adverse effects are uncommon, they can be very serious.
“GLP-1RA drugs can have broad health benefits,” said the study’s senior author, Ziyad Al-Aly, MD, a clinical epidemiologist and nephrologist who treats patients at the WashU Medicine-affiliated John J. Cochran Veterans Hospital in St. Louis. “However, they are not without risks. Our findings underscore the possibility for wider applications for these medications but also highlight important risks that should be carefully monitored in people taking these drugs.”
Overall, the study suggests that GLP-1RA drugs can be effective for weight loss and may have some cognitive and behavioral health benefits, but they also come with some potential risks. It is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of GLP-1RA drugs before starting them.
