Doctors are uncovering the wide-reaching health effects—both positive and negative—of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy and Zepbound, which have skyrocketed in popularity as weight-loss treatments.
A new report in Nature Medicine, led by Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly from Washington University School of Medicine and the VA St. Louis Health Care System, analyzed the broader health outcomes of these drugs, originally developed to treat diabetes. Al-Aly’s team examined health records of over two million individuals with diabetes in the Veterans Affairs database, comparing those on GLP-1 medications with patients on other diabetes treatments.
The study tracked 175 health conditions over four years, revealing a complex picture of risks and benefits. People using GLP-1 drugs exhibited a reduced risk for several conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, heart issues, blood clots, addiction, and infections. However, these medications were also linked to gastrointestinal problems, low blood pressure, arthritis, kidney conditions, and pancreatitis—most of which are known side effects.
“Treating obesity and metabolic syndrome has a broad health profile,” said Al-Aly. “We now have evidence that addressing obesity yields widespread health benefits beyond just weight loss. But there are also risks, and we hope these findings prompt conversations between patients and healthcare providers.”
Broad Health Impacts
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently acknowledged some of the benefits of these medications. Wegovy’s label now includes evidence that it reduces the risk of heart events by 20% in people with obesity. Similarly, Zepbound was updated in December 2024 to reflect its effectiveness in alleviating obstructive sleep apnea symptoms.
The study also found a 12% reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease among people taking GLP-1 drugs, though this benefit is still under investigation. Many tissues in the body have GLP-1 receptors, which likely explains the drugs’ varied effects.
GLP-1 medications work by mimicking a natural hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar. They suppress reward signaling in the brain associated with food, which could also explain their ability to reduce addictions to alcohol, tobacco, and opioids. Additionally, their anti-inflammatory properties may stabilize blood vessel function and reduce clotting risks.
Unanswered Questions
While promising, the findings leave several questions unanswered. The study could not determine whether the health benefits are solely due to weight loss or whether the drugs provide independent effects.
“These medications are rewriting the book on obesity treatment,” Al-Aly said. “We’re just beginning to map out their full potential and limitations. The story of GLP-1s is still being written.”
As newer drug formulations targeting multiple hormones are developed, scientists hope to unlock even greater health benefits in the years ahead.
