A recent study analyzing data from over 2 million Veterans Health Administration patient records has revealed both promising and unexpected findings regarding GLP-1 medications.
These drugs, commonly used to treat diabetes and assist with weight loss, were shown to offer a range of health benefits, including a reduced likelihood of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and substance abuse disorders. However, the study also uncovered some potential risks, including gastrointestinal issues and an increased risk of arthritis.
Published in Nature Medicine, this comprehensive study reviewed the health outcomes of veterans who used GLP-1 medications—such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy—from October 2017 to December 2023. Researchers compared these patients with others who received traditional diabetes treatments.
The findings were significant, showing that GLP-1 drugs were linked to a reduced risk of several health conditions. These included neurological issues like Alzheimer’s disease, seizures, and psychotic disorders, as well as cardiometabolic conditions, respiratory problems, and certain infections. The drugs also appeared to offer protective benefits against blood clotting disorders.
However, the study also noted that GLP-1 medications were associated with some adverse effects. These included an increased risk of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as nausea, low blood pressure, kidney stones, and pancreatitis. One particularly surprising result was the association between GLP-1 drugs and an increased risk of arthritis, despite expectations that weight loss from the medications would ease joint pain.
Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, a co-author of the study, speculated that the increased risk of arthritis could be related to a loss of muscle and bone mass in patients who rapidly lose weight. Further studies will be needed to better understand this unexpected outcome and other potential risks.
The study also confirmed that GLP-1 medications provided widespread health benefits beyond their primary use for weight loss and blood sugar control. For example, GLP-1s were linked to a lower risk of psychiatric disorders, including a reduction in suicidal ideation, and a 13% reduced risk of opioid-use disorders.
While the findings are promising, the researchers emphasize the need for more targeted studies to explore these connections further. The current analysis relied on real-world data, rather than controlled trials, which limits its ability to draw definitive causal conclusions. Nonetheless, the study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that GLP-1 medications could have broader therapeutic potential.
As the popularity of these drugs continues to rise, with more individuals using them for weight loss in addition to diabetes management, these findings may open new avenues for treating a variety of conditions. Still, experts such as Dr. Al-Aly caution that these drugs should not be seen as a one-size-fits-all solution. The effects of GLP-1 medications will need to be studied further, especially regarding their long-term safety and efficacy in different populations.
With input from Axios, the Washington Post, and the Guardian.
