Over the last decade glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications have become widely used and highly sought after for weight management and diabetes control. There is an abundance of research proving their effectiveness, such as 5-20% weight loss and hemoglobin a1c reduction ranging from 0.5-1.8%. Recent studies are also uncovering other promising effects that GLP-1s can provide beyond weight and diabetes treatment. Let’s explore other exciting health benefits that are occurring with this class of medications
Decreasing cardiovascular risk
GLP-1 medications have protective effects on the heart and cardiovascular system in those with diabetes, obesity and other health conditions. In fact, many of these medications, such as Trulicity, Ozempic, and Wegovy now have added prescribing indications focused on reducing cardiovascular risk. These medications may act directly on the cardiovascular system, namely blood vessels and the nervous system to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular death. They may also help indirectly by decreasing weight which in turn reduces blood glucose, blood pressure and blood lipids.
Stabilizing mood
In some cases, GLP-1 medications have been shown to help with depression and anxiety symptoms, potentially due to their ability to increase serotonin and dopamine levels in the body, both neurotransmitters that help boost mood. While there have been some studies showing promising effects, results are still mixed, and more research needs to be conducted.
Preventing sleep apnea
Recent studies indicate that GLP-1 medications reduce symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition which causes interruptions in sleep due to narrowing or blocking of the airway. By aiding in weight loss, they decrease excess weight around the airways. One GLP-1 medication, Zepbound has just been approved to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in those with obesity.
Combating cognitive decline
GLP-1 medications may also protect the brain and help regulate cognitive functions. New research points to their potential to benefit the brain by decreasing inflammation and shrinkage in the areas that control memory, language, learning and more. GLP-1s are being investigated as potential treatment for neurological conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Helping manage addictive behaviors
Another potential benefit of GLP-1s being explored is their ability to help reduce additive behaviors. Studies have already shown that these medications are very successful in reducing “food noise”, meaning that they are able to quiet constant obsessive thoughts about eating and intense cravings. By impacting the brain’s reward system through regulating dopamine, these medications help the potential to quell cravings for substances other than food, such as nicotine, alcohol and opioids.
Improving fatty liver disease
Conditions where too much fat builds up in the liver, causing problems with metabolism and liver scarring called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) are also impacted by GLP-1 medications. Studies have shown that weight loss alone reduces fatty liver, but studies suggest these medications may also work directly on the liver to protect against these conditions as well.
While there is plenty of definitive research to support the use of GLP-1s to effectively treat obesity and diabetes, there are other potential health benefits being uncovered in this class of medications as well.