Study Highlights Benefits and Risks of Popular Weight-Loss Drugs

GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy and Ozempic show significant health benefits but carry some risks, according to a large-scale analysis.

A study of nearly 2 million individuals found that GLP-1 receptor agonists reduce risks for conditions like heart disease, stroke, and dementia by 10–20%.
The drugs also showed potential benefits for mental health, including reduced rates of addiction, psychosis, and suicidal thoughts.
Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues, joint inflammation, and rare cases of kidney or pancreatic inflammation.
The medications are approved for treating Type 2 diabetes and obesity but are not without concerns about long-term safety, including potential cancer risks that require further study.
Researchers emphasize the need for careful monitoring during treatment and call for additional studies to understand the full scope of these drugs' effects.