Home >  Medicine MDTV >  Medicine Shorts >  Study Highlights Benefits...

Study Highlights Benefits and Risks of Popular Weight-Loss Drugs

By - Dr. Bhumika Maikhuri
Published On 2025-01-23 02:45 GMT   |   Update On 2025-01-23 02:45 GMT
Advertisement
A new study has systematically evaluated health outcomes among more than 2 million people with diabetes taking the popular weight-loss drugs, GLP-1 receptor agonists. They found widespread associations with benefits to cognitive and behavioral health, while also revealing increased risks for pancreatitis and kidney conditions, among others. The study is published in the journal Nature Medicine.
For the study, researchers analyzed de-identified medical records in a database maintained by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. They compared 175 health outcomes between veterans who took GLP-1RA drugs to treat their diabetes and those who took more traditional medications sold under brand names such as Jardiance, Glipizide and Januvia. Altogether, the dataset examined more than 2 million veterans who were treated for diabetes from 2017 to 2023. Patients included people of diverse ages, races and sexes.
Advertisement
GLP-1RA drugs were associated with significant benefits to neurological and behavioral health, with reduced risks of seizures and addiction to substances such as alcohol, cannabis, stimulants and opioids. People taking the weight-loss drugs also experienced decreased risks of suicidal ideation, self-harm, bulimia and psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. The findings also showed a decreased risk of neurocognitive disorders such as
Alzheimer’s and dementia. The study also confirmed past research findings detailing the drugs’ potential to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular concerns.
But what is novel is the potential ways GLP-1RA drugs can negatively affect the pancreas and kidneys. While these adverse effects are uncommon, they can be very serious; physicians must be vigilant for signs of pancreatitis and monitor kidney function among people taking GLP-1RA medications. Kidney problems can occur without symptoms until the condition is at an advanced stage with limited treatment options.
“GLP-1RA drugs can have broad health benefits,” said Ziyad Al-Aly, MD, a clinical epidemiologist and nephrologist who treats patients at the WashU Medicine-affiliated John J. Cochran Veterans Hospital in St. Louis. “However, they are not without risks. Our findings underscore the possibility for wider applications for these medications but also highlight important risks that should be carefully monitored in people taking these drugs.”
Reference: Xie, Y., Choi, T. & Al-Aly, Z. Mapping the effectiveness and risks of GLP-1 receptor agonists. Nat Med (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03412-w
Full View
Tags:    
Article Source : Nature Medicine

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Dr. Bhumika Maikhuri
Comments Policy
Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Similar News

Rare Disease Show - Episode 26: Understanding Pfeiffer Syndrome ft Dr. Roshan Daniel

Tirzepatide proves to be more effective than semaglutide- Results of Surmount 5 Trial

Risk of long COVID in Children May be Twice as High After a Second Infection: Study Reveals

What's Putting India at Risk for Diabetes and Obesity? ICMR Study Reveals the Hidden Dietary Culprit

Real-World Case Insight: Triple FDC Therapy in a Young Diabetes Patient - Dr Naresh Kumar

Evidence-Based Recommendation by Indian Pediatric Experts on the Use of Acid-Reducing Medications in Children

Study Reveals Why Some People with Obesity Avoid Disease Through Genetic Mapping

Acupuncture May Ease Chronic Back Pain and Boost Function in Older Adults: Study Shows