Healthy Living with Dr. Hall: How Your New Weight Loss Medicine Can Affect You

Ozempic and Wegovy, medications containing GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), are known for aiding weight loss, but recent studies reveal their broader health impacts, offering both benefits and potential risks.

Health Benefits of Ozempic and Wegovy
A study led by Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Washington University, analyzed data from nearly 2 million people, including over 200,000 using GLP-1RAs. The study found that these medications reduced the risk of 42 different health conditions, including serious cardiovascular events like heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, and pulmonary hypertension.

Beyond weight loss, GLP-1RAs showed improvements in neurological health, lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and seizures. They were also linked to a reduction in mental health issues such as suicidal thoughts, psychotic disorders, and eating disorders like bulimia. These benefits might stem from how GLP-1RAs affect brain regions controlling reward, impulse, and addiction, which could explain why some users report better mental well-being while using these drugs.

Additionally, GLP-1RAs have been shown to reduce the risk of infections like pneumonia and bacterial infections, especially in people with diabetes, although these medications do not cure infections.

Potential Risks and Drawbacks
Despite these benefits, GLP-1RAs have some potential risks. The study also highlighted side effects such as gastrointestinal issues (nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain), low blood pressure, arthritis, and problems with kidneys and the pancreas. While not everyone experiences these effects, people with preexisting conditions may be more vulnerable. Therefore, careful monitoring is essential when using these medications.

Implications for Future Treatment
Although the study’s findings are promising, experts emphasize that further research is needed, especially to understand the long-term effects and how these medications affect other populations, such as those without diabetes but with obesity. The results could influence future medical practices, offering new treatment avenues for conditions like mental health issues and neurodegenerative diseases.

In conclusion, while Ozempic and Wegovy are often viewed as weight loss solutions, their broader impact on health could make them valuable for managing various conditions. As with any medication, the potential risks should be considered alongside the benefits, and patients should be carefully monitored to ensure safety.

Dr. David Hall is the owner of Hall Chiropractic Center. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Hall is proud to serve the residents of Tega Cay and Fort Mill.