A group of medications, including well-known drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus (semaglutide), Mounjaro, and Zepbound (tirzepatide), has shown effectiveness not only in managing weight loss and diabetes but also in potentially treating other conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, and COVID-19, according to growing evidence.
Key Facts
- Although the drugs were first approved for Type 2 diabetes maintenance, they were approved for weight loss in recent years, and research has shown they cause significant results: Tirzepatide typically causes patients to lose an average of 22.5% of body fat, while semaglutide causes a 15% reduction.
- However, growing evidence suggests these medications may treat other diseases like cancer, substance abuse, cardiovascular disease and brain disorders like Alzheimer’s and depression.
Covid-19: Semaglutide (ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) Could Impact Death Rate
Researchers found that while patients taking semaglutide during the COVID-19 pandemic had similar infection rates to those in the placebo group, those on the drug had a 33% lower risk of dying from the virus.
Cardiovascular Issues: Semaglutide Drugs May Reduce Strokes, Heart Attacks
A study from August found that semaglutide reduces the risk of cardiovascular conditions such as stroke and heart attack in people with heart failure by 28%. It also led to a 24% decrease in cardiovascular-related deaths and a 19% reduction in all-cause mortality. Earlier research showed that the drug lowers the risk of stroke, heart attack, or death from cardiovascular disease by 20% in obese or overweight individuals, prompting the FDA to approve semaglutide for cardiovascular management in those with higher BMIs.
Diabetes: Tirzepatide Reduces Type 2 Risk
A recent study revealed that Tirzepatide significantly lowers the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 94% in individuals with prediabetes who are overweight or obese. This breakthrough highlights Tirzepatide’s potential in diabetes prevention.
Sleep Apnea: These Weight Loss Drugs Can Reduce Sleep Breathing Problems
Researchers found tirzepatide significantly reduces the number of breathing interruptions during sleep—one of the main factors to measure disease severity—for obese people with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea. Some patients saw such drastic improvements that they may no longer need their continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, which keep airways open, while sleeping.
High Blood Pressure: Weight Loss Drugs Show Promise in Reducing Risk
A February study found that overweight and obese patients taking tirzepatide experienced significant reductions in blood pressure, with the most notable improvements seen in those on the highest dose of the medication.
Alcoholism: Ozempic May Help Reduce Alcohol Use Disorder
Obese patients taking semaglutide experienced a 50%-56% reduction in the risk of developing or relapsing into alcohol use disorder. Similar results were observed in a study involving patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Kidney Disease: Semaglutide Could Prevent Chronic Issue
Participants taking semaglutide who had Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease had a 24% lower chance of experiencing a major kidney-related event like kidney failure, according to research by the New England Journal of Medicine.
Cancer: 10 Types Could Be Reduced By These Drugs
GLP-1s like semaglutide and tirzepatide caused significant risk reductions of 10 types of cancers in people with Type 2 diabetes when compared to insulin, according to a JAMA Oncology study. The cancers included in the study were gallbladder, colorectal, ovarian, endometrial, kidney, esophageal, liver, multiple myeloma, meningioma and pancreatic cancers—which are all obesity-related cancers.
Pancreatitis: Semaglutide Could Reduce It In Those With Diabetes
Patients with Type 2 diabetes and a history of pancreatitis took semaglutide and were followed for 15 years. They were up to three times less likely to experience a recurrence of pancreatitis compared to participants taking other drugs.
Liver Disease: Both Drugs May Reduce Risk
Patients with Type 2 diabetes and chronic liver disease who took GLP-1s had a reduced risk of developing liver cancer and cirrhosis—scarring of the liver—compared to those who didn’t take the drug, a Gut study found.
Parkinson’s: Drug Could Stall Worsening Symptoms
Participants in a phase II trial with Parkinson’s who took an older GLP-1 called lixisenatide saw no worsening of motor function symptoms over a year, compared to the placebo group who did see intensified symptoms.
Alzheimer’s: Drug Might Slow Decline
Researchers found patients with Alzheimer’s who took liraglutide had 18% slower cognitive decline over the course of a year compared to those taking a placebo.
Depression: Drugs Might Stave Off Depression
Patients taking tirzepatide, semaglutide, dulaglutide, and exenatide had a lower likelihood of being diagnosed with depression after starting the medication, compared to those who didn’t, according to a February study.
Suicide Risk: GLP-1s and Their Impact on Suicidal Thoughts
The connection between GLP-1 drugs and suicidal thoughts has been a topic of discussion. The FDA found no initial link between semaglutide and suicidal ideation after reviewing various reports. However, recent studies suggest that individuals with no prior suicidal thoughts who took semaglutide were four times less likely to experience such thoughts compared to those on non-GLP-1 medications. Additionally, patients with a history of suicidal ideation who used semaglutide were twice as likely to see a reduction in suicidal thoughts compared to those taking non-GLP-1s.
Potential Side Effects of GLP-1 Drugs (Ozempic, Mounjaro)
GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, can cause common side effects like nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and dizziness. Other possible effects include headaches, increased heart rate, and indigestion. Research indicates a higher risk of developing serious conditions, including nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (a rare blindness), bowel obstruction, and gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying). The risks are especially noted in patients using semaglutide for Type 2 diabetes or obesity.
Key Background
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are a class of drugs used to treat diabetes and weight loss by interacting with the hunger part of the brain to suppress the appetite, and lowering blood sugar and A1C. Two of the most popular GLP-1s are semaglutide (brand name Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus) and tirzepatide (brand name Mounjaro and Zepbound), but other drugs in this class include dulaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide and lixisenatide. Tirzepatide is a two-part medication, as it’s a GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which works with the GIP hormone in the brain to increase insulin production and control appetite.