Slimming down, but at what cost? Scientists have discovered the impact of weight loss medications on our bodies.

A new study by scientists has highlighted the potential benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications, which are well-known for their use in treating diabetes and obesity. These drugs, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, have shown promising effects on various conditions such as dementia, cardiovascular diseases, and even alcohol dependence. However, these positive aspects come with the possibility of serious side effects, as reported by ScienceAlert.

Researchers and experts are urging caution, emphasizing that the findings of their new study are preliminary and do not indicate that these medications are "miracle" drugs. Their scientific work, published in the journal Nature Medicine, provides a comprehensive analysis of the efficacy of these drugs across various health indicators, a scale that has not been achieved before.

GLP-1 medications function by mimicking a hormone that regulates insulin secretion, slows gastric emptying, and suppresses appetite. These drugs have already transformed the approach to treating obesity and related diseases, leading to significant commercial success for pharmaceutical giants like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly.

In addition to their role in combating excess weight, previous smaller studies hinted at their potential in reducing the risk of various diseases. The researchers' scientific work confirmed these findings and allowed for a more detailed examination of the drugs' effects. Using health data from American veterans, the researchers compared diabetics taking GLP-1 medications with those receiving standard treatment. The results indicated a reduced risk of psychological disorders, neurocognitive issues, including Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular problems, and even infectious and respiratory diseases within the GLP-1 group.

However, scientists emphasize the complexity of GLP-1 receptors, which affect various systems in the body beyond weight control. According to Ziyad Al-Ali, a prominent epidemiologist involved in the study, their biology is intricate, and GLP-1 receptors in the body do not govern a single function but influence many aspects.

The new scientific work does not establish a direct causal relationship between GLP-1 medications and the observed health benefits, as the results are based on observational data rather than clinical trials, the scientists warned. Full-scale clinical trials, which take years, are necessary to confirm these effects.

Furthermore, the study focused on a narrow demographic group—older men with diabetes—limiting the generalizability of such results. The research also examined potential risks associated with GLP-1 medication use, such as digestive issues frequently reported by patients.

A positive aspect of the study was that, unlike previous research, no evidence was found indicating that these medications increase the risk of suicidal thoughts. Despite the positive results, pharmacologist Dipender Gill, who previously worked at Novo Nordisk, cautioned against overinterpreting the findings.

While GLP-1 medications show potential for treating conditions such as dementia and cardiovascular diseases, research in other areas, such as alcohol dependence, has yet to provide clear answers regarding their effectiveness. Additionally, the study revealed that the degree of benefit in combating certain diseases, such as dementia, was relatively modest—with a risk reduction of just over 10% observed in many individuals.

Important! This article is based on the latest scientific and medical research and does not contradict them. The text is for informational purposes only and does not contain medical advice. For a diagnosis, please consult a doctor.