ST. LOUIS — A study by the Washington University School of Medicine and the VA St. Louis Health Care System has uncovered both widespread health benefits and risks associated with GLP-1 drugs commonly marketed as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. These medications, often dubbed “miracle drugs,” are widely used to treat diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, with one in eight Americans reportedly using or having used them.
“GLP-1RA drugs can have broad health benefits,” states the director of the Clinical Epidemiology Center at the VA St. Louis Health Care System. “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.”
The research, published Jan. 20 in Nature Medicine, analyzed over 2 million veterans’ medical records, comparing health outcomes for those taking GLP-1 drugs to individuals on other diabetes treatments. The findings highlighted significant neurological and behavioral health improvements, including reduced risks of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and substance addiction, alongside decreased rates of self-harm and psychotic disorders.
“These drugs also reduce inflammation in the brain and result in weight loss; both these factors may improve brain health and explain the reduced risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia,” states Al-Aly.
The drugs are known to cause gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and, in rare cases, paralysis of the stomach. This study also linked GLP-1 drugs to increased risks of pancreatitis and kidney-related conditions.
While uncommon, these complications can be severe. Al-Aly stressed the importance of vigilant monitoring, particularly for pancreatitis and kidney dysfunction, which may progress silently until reaching advanced stages with limited treatment options.