The weight loss drug "glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA)" is showing effectiveness in various diseases and is gaining significant attention worldwide. However, not all GLP-1-based obesity treatments are miraculous cures or panaceas as hoped. Recent research has confirmed that GLP-1-based obesity treatments come with various benefits, but also notable side effects.
Researchers from the University of Washington School of Medicine and the U.S. Veterans Affairs St. Louis Healthcare System analyzed data from over 2.4 million diabetes patients to investigate the effects of GLP-1RA drugs on various bodily organs. The research results were published in the international journal "Nature Medicine" on the 21st.
GLP-1RA suppresses appetite, slows digestion, and helps maintain a feeling of fullness for a longer period. It is sold under brands like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Monjaro, and is also referred to as a "miracle injection." Recently, it has been reported to have efficacy in various conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, osteoarthritis, and sleep apnea, with related research ongoing. However, with the increased use of the drug, side effects such as suicidal impulses, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea have also been reported.
The researchers utilized data from the U.S. Veterans Affairs to analyze the effects of GLP-1RA on various bodily organs. An analysis of anonymized medical records from over 2.4 million diabetes patients collected from October 2017 to December 2023 showed that GLP-1RA reduces the risk of 42 health issues while increasing the risk of 19 health problems.
Patients using GLP-1RA had a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases such as thrombosis, heart attacks, and strokes, as well as reduced risk of bacterial infections and pneumonia. Notably, GLP-1RA had a positive impact on neurological and behavioral health. Individuals taking the medication had a lower risk of addiction to seizures or substances like alcohol, cannabis, stimulants, and opioids, and also exhibited lower rates of psychiatric disorders such as suicidal impulses, self-harm, binge eating, and schizophrenia. Additionally, the risk of developing neurocognitive disorders such as dementia was also reduced.
Ziad Al-Ali, a researcher at the University of Washington, noted that "GLP-1RA drugs appear to act on receptors in the brain involved in impulse control and addiction, suppressing appetite and addiction disorders," adding that "it may help reduce brain inflammation while inducing weight loss, thereby lowering the risk of brain diseases such as dementia."
The researchers mentioned that although GLP-1RA drugs improved various health issues, the effects were mostly modest, amounting to reductions of 10-20%. Al-Ali stated, "Even if the effects are not substantial, they hold great value for diseases like dementia, which have few effective treatment options," and added, "There is a great likelihood of synergy when used alongside other medications or combined with lifestyle changes."
However, numerous side effects associated with GLP-1RA have also been identified. In addition to known gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, additional reports of hypotension, fainting, arthritis, pancreatitis, and kidney problems have emerged. The research team emphasized the need for close monitoring of patients as kidney issues can be difficult to detect due to the absence of initial symptoms.
The research team stated, "While the findings emphasize the broad applicability of GLP-1RA, they also highlight the need for careful monitoring of individuals taking the medication," and added, "This study demonstrates correlations between results but does not provide clear proof of causation; therefore, further clinical research involving diverse races and genders is necessary to verify long-term effects and safety."
Reference materials
Nature Medicine (2025), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03412-w