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Should Everyone Be Taking Ozempic? Doctors Say More People Could Benefit

Should Ozempic be added to the water supply? That is the kind of half-joking question that doctors kick around when a new class of drugs begins to help a big chunk of the population. Cardiologists used to quip about spiking water systems with cholesterol-reducing statins because of their ability to prevent heart attacks. Now, Ozempic and others in the “GLP-1” category of drugs are approaching that critical mass. They are showing promise for an ever-expanding list of diseases, beyond today’s most common uses of weight loss and treating diabetes. Heart, kidney and liver diseases. Sleep apnea. Arthritis. Alzheimer’s disease. Alcohol addiction. Even aging. Some of these are potential benefits that…

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 The unexpected ways Ozempic-like drugs might fight dementia

With GLP-1 agonists already helping millions of people manage diabetes and weight loss, the added bonus of lowering the risk of dementia might seem like yet another reason to start taking one. But for otherwise healthy people, the science is not as clear-cut. 

Articles of Interest

Ozempic and similar weight loss drugs may lower risk of 42 health conditions, but also pose risks

One of the most important health benefits we found was that the GLP-1 drugs lowered the risk of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. These findings align with other research, including evidence from preclinical studies showing that these drugs may reduce inflammation in the brain and enhance the brain’s ability to form and strengthen connections between its cells, improving how they communicate with one another. These effects contribute to mitigating cognitive decline.

A Deep Dive Into GLP-1s — What Are They and How Do They Aid Weight Loss?

After a slew of media headlines and TikTok "before-and-afters," it’s impossible not to be at least a bit Ozempic-curious. Many are wondering if it's a miracle drug heralding a healthier era, or yet another pharmaceutical temporary fix. To get to the bottom of it all, let’s start with some simple science.

Are GLP-1s a Cure for Menopausal Weight Gain?

The hormonal changes of menopause can make the weight gain more resistant to traditional diet and lifestyle adjustments, says Peminda Cabandugama, MD. But studies have found that GLP-1s can be a very effective reinforcement of diet and exercise.

How a New Weight-Loss Pill Could Transform Health

The implications—if Lilly’s drug makes it through the testing and review process—could be transformative, not just for the company, but for patients.

Ozempic and Mounjaro have another benefit: treating inflammation

A new study in mice shows that popular weight loss drugs can lower inflammation. What might this mean for the treatment of other diseases and neurodegenerative conditions?

Ozempic and Mounjaro may also lower your risk of obesity-linked cancer

A study found another potential benefit of the weight loss drugs: lowered risk of chronic conditions.

Ozempic has a surprising side effect: Drinking less alcohol

People taking new weight-loss drugs say they curb cravings for booze, drugs, and nicotine. Did scientists inadvertently create an addiction-busting drug?

Ozempic is hailed as a miracle drug. But how does it affect people with eating disorders?

Doctors worry about GLP-1s being used by people with restrictive eating disorders – but research also shows they could help others struggling with binge eating

The unexpected health benefits of Ozempic and Mounjaro

Research is showing that these new weight-loss drugs can help treat conditions from addiction to kidney disease—and may even be contributing to a boom of “Ozempic babies.”

Weight Loss and Diabetes Drug Could Slow Alzheimer’s Progression, Preliminary Study Suggests

In a year-long trial, people who received a daily injection of liraglutide showed an 18 percent lower cognitive decline than people who received a placebo.

Weight loss drugs can halve heart patients’ risk of early death, study finds

GLP-1 agonists could be given to millions with heart conditions to help them stay out of hospital and live longer

Weight-loss drugs like Wegovy may help stave off some cancers

Drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound have transformed treatment for obesity and diabetes. Now researchers are excited about their potential impact on other conditions, including addiction and sleep apnea — and even cancer. Scientists see this class of drugs, called GLP-1 agonists, as a breakthrough because of how they act on the brain to regulate the body’s hormones, slow digestion, and tamp down hunger. And in several recent studies, they show early promise in preventing many common cancers — including breast, colon, liver, and ovarian — known to be driven by obesity and excess weight.

Weight-loss jabs may be good for mental health, research shows

A study by scientists from the University of Bern in Switzerland has found that appetite-suppressing injections also improve mood, wellbeing and quality of life more than insulin and other antidiabetic drugs. Originally developed for diabetes patients, the medicines have transformed how obesity is treated and there is growing evidence of wider health benefits.