Weight-Loss Drugs Linked to Increased Risk of 19 Health Conditions

The Epoch Times Header

A comprehensive study of 2 million veterans reveals both risks and surprising benefits of popular weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy.

Popular weight-loss drugs like semaglutides (Ozempic and Wegovy) may help protect against over 40 conditions, including Alzheimerโ€™s disease, drug addiction, and seizures, a new review has found.

However, researchers warn that these benefits come with an increased risk of 19 health conditions, such as syncope (fainting), arthritic disorders, and kidney and pancreatic problems.

In a study published in Nature Medicine on Jan. 20, researchers from Washington Universityโ€™s WashU Medicine in St. Louis systematically evaluated health outcomes among roughly 2 million veterans with diabetes who were taking the popular weight-loss medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) for about 3.5 years.

The media, patients, and even some doctors have dubbed the medications โ€œmiracle drugsโ€ due to their profound weight-loss effects.

Administered weekly via injection, GLP-1RAs simulate naturally produced hormones that suppress appetite and slow digestion, allowing people to feel full longer. However, data on these medicationsโ€™ comprehensive effects across the bodyโ€™s organ systems have been sparse.

Health Benefits and Risks

Disorders affecting the heart, blood vessels, liver, and respiratory system (such as pneumonia) were among the risks GLP-1RA use reduced the most.

Studies have shown that GLP-1RAs may improve the health of cells lining the blood vessels. Improved endothelial function can lead to better regulation of blood flow and reduced platelet clumping, which could lower the risk of coagulation disorders and cardiovascular events.

The research team also found that GLP-1RAs were linked to improved neurological and behavioral health outcomes. There was a reduced risk of seizures and addiction to substances such as alcohol, cannabis, stimulants, and opioids. This may be linked to how the drug affects neurological pathways related to reward and impulse control.

Additionally, findings indicated a reduction in the risk of schizophrenia and suicidal thoughts, although it remains unknown why this is so.

The study noted fewer instances of liver cancer, muscle pain, chronic kidney disease, bacterial infections, and fever. The risk of cognitive disorders such as Alzheimerโ€™s disease and dementia also decreased with GLP-1RA use.

Byย George Citroner

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Columns

Viewers like you

There is no constitutional authority for any spending on public broadcasting โ€“ period. Any questions: See Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution.

Trans-wormal

No worm ever said "I am anthropomorphizing, I am a butterfly" to a toad or flock of geese and expected acknowledgement and support.

In Greenlandโ€™s Icy Capital, Past Troubles Haunt Hopes for the Future

As geopolitical realities and ongoing economic growth raise the stakes, U.S. interest in Greenland and the dream of independence may change things in a big way.

How a Chinese Government Statistician Was Forced to Report Fake Data

Chinese local govt employee produced a non-authorized report on bees and was visited by police and threatened with being sent to a mental hospital.

โ€˜This One Time, at Groomer Campโ€™

All Camp Brave Trails programs focus on helping LGBTQ+ youth find what they need most to thrive: their people, their place, and their passion.

News

Kilmar Abrego Garcia Returns to US to Face Criminal Charges

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a citizen of El Salvador, is on his way back to the US, where he will face criminal charges for allegedly smuggling illegal immigrants.

White House Adviser Gives Update on DOGEโ€™s Future Amid Muskโ€“Trump Spat

A top White House adviser said DOGEโ€™s work will likely continue amid a spat between its former chief, Elon Musk, and President Donald Trump.

Trump Administration Asks Supreme Court to Allow Dismantling of Education Department

Trump admin asked Supreme Court to allow it to resume dismantling U.S. Dept of Education, following a lower courtโ€™s previous order halting process.

FTC Warns of Rising Student Loan Scams, Says Fraudsters Took Millions From Borrowers

FTC is warning borrowers to steer clear of student loan debt-relief scams, after shutting down group of companies that allegedly charged millions in illegal fees and left customers worse off.

Walmartโ€™s Drone Delivery Coming to 5 More US Cities

Walmart is set to launch its drone delivery service in five more U.S. cities: Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Orlando, and Tampa, the company.

Court Orders Trump Administration to Restore AmeriCorps Funding to States

Federal court ordered Trump admin to restore AmeriCorps funding to states. The ruling comes as part of a lawsuit filed by 24 states and DC.

Tax Deductions You Can Take Without Itemizing

Itโ€™s not always beneficial to itemize. With IRSโ€™s current standard deduction for 2025 most Americans who canโ€™t itemize go with standard deduction.

US Economy Adds 139,000 New Jobs in May, Topping Market Forecasts

U.S. economy added 139,000 new jobs last month, surpassing economistsโ€™ expectations and indicating U.S. labor market remains in a robust position.
spot_img

Related Articles