A massive new study has shed more light on the real potential — and possible downsides — of GLP-1RA drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.
Published in the journal Nature Medicine, the study analyzed data from more 215,000 U.S. participants with diabetes over about four years. Researchers track associations between GLP-1RA drugs and 175 other health conditions. Researchers found that the drug was associated with decreased risk of heart attack, deep vein thrombosis, and Alzheimer's disease. People who took GLP-1RAs were also less likely to develop substance use disorders (including alcohol and cannabis use disorders).
Researchers also found some common side effects such as low blood pressure, increased risk of arthritis, and gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain. And according to a study published in October 2023 in the journal JAMA, some gastrointestinal issues can be serious — researchers at the University of British Columbia found that people who took GLP-1RAs for weight loss had higher rates of bowel obstruction, pancreatitis, and gastroparesis compared to people who took a different type of weight loss drug (bupropion-naltrexone, marketed under the name Contrave).
According to Live Science, numerous clinical trials are underway to gather additional information about the potential therapeutic benefits and risks of GLP-1RAs for a number of health conditions. Results from these trials are expected within the next one to four years.