Latest evidence has unveiled some “unrecognised benefits and risks of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA)”.
A new study led by Washington University School of Medicine has demonstrated that popular weight loss drugs can improve a person’s cognitive ability.
However, the weight loss jabs have also been found to trigger the development of kidney complications.
Sold under brand names such as Ozempic and Wegovy, weight loss injections are “skyrocketing” in popularity, with one in eight people in the US using the drugs to treat heart disease, type 2 diabetes or obesity.
- Social media influencers raking in thousands for promoting weight loss jabs
- Wes Streeting: Exercise should not be replaced by weight loss jabs
- Unemployed could receive weight-loss jabs to return to work, says Health Secretary Wes Streeting
During the study, the team of researchers examined the health outcomes of roughly 2 million veterans with type 2 diabetes who are using weight loss jabs.
They discovered that the weight loss drugs improved the cognitive abilities of the participants.
However, the drugs did also trigger the development of pancreatitis and kidney conditions among some of the participants, the findings have shown.
First author Dr Ziyad Al-Aly said: “Given the drugs’ newness and skyrocketing popularity, it is important to systematically examine their effects on all body systems – leaving no stone unturned – to understand what they do and what they don’t do.
“Our approach has allowed us to build a comprehensive atlas mapping the associations of GLP-1RA spanning all organ systems.”
He added: “The study’s results provide insights into some known and previously unrecognised benefits and risks of GLP-1RA that may be useful to inform clinical care and guide research agendas.”
Weight loss jabs act on areas of the brain which are involved in regulating your appetite. It increases feelings of fullness, reduces feelings of hunger and reduces the preference for high-fat foods.
The study has shown that the participants using GLP-1RA drugs saw substantial benefits to their neurological and behavioural health.
Compared to people not using weight loss jabs, they are less likely to suffer from seizures or become addicted to substances such as alcohol, stimulants, cannabis and opioids, the research has revealed.
Additionally, those taking weight loss drugs are less at risk of experiencing bulimia, suicidal ideation, self-harm, Alzheimer’s, dementia and psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, according to the results.
Dr Al-Aly said: “Interestingly, GLP-1RA drugs act on receptors that are expressed in brain areas involved in impulse control, reward and addiction—potentially explaining their effectiveness in curbing appetite and addiction disorders.
- New study raises concerns over serious side effects of weight loss injections
- Weight loss can be achieved by intermittent fasting
- Weight management programmes found to help treat long COVID
“These drugs also reduce inflammation in the brain and result in weight loss; both these factors may improve brain health and explain the reduced risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.”
Previous research has found that weight loss jabs can prevent people from experiencing cardiovascular events, such as a stroke or heart attack.
This study also highlighted that GLP-1RA drugs can negatively affect the pancreas and kidneys, with some renal problems occurring without symptoms until the condition is at an advanced stage.
Dr Al-Aly said: “GLP-1RA drugs can have broad health benefits. 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.”
Read the study in full in the journal Nature Medicine.