Health
Ozempic’s health benefits keep growing, but are the risks worth it?
One in eight adults in the U.S. has taken Ozempic or another type of GLP-1 drug, surveys show — and now a major new study has revealed a long list of benefits and some little-known risks.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1) agonists — which contain either semaglutide or liraglutide — are prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, but previous studies have linked the drugs to other, unexpected benefits.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the Veterans Affairs (VA) St. Louis Health Care System studied the health outcomes of more than two million veterans with diabetes who took Ozempic or another type of GLP-1 drug between Oct. 1, 2017 and Dec. 31, 2023, according to a university press release.
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They then compared those outcomes to veterans who took non-GLP-1 diabetes medications.
One in eight adults in the U.S. has taken Ozempic or another type of GLP-1 drug, surveys show. (iStock)
The study, published in the journal Nature on Jan. 20, identified “widespread associations” between Ozempic and some significant health benefits.
Those benefits included reduced risks of neurocognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s and dementia, seizures, and addiction to harmful substances such as alcohol, cannabis, stimulants and opioids.
Other positive health effects included lower risks of suicidal ideation, self-harm, bulimia and psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.
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“GLP-1s have many benefits for at least 42 conditions beyond weight loss – from addiction disorders to memory/cognition problems, blood clots, and infections,” lead study author Ziyad Al-Aly, clinical epidemiologist at Washington University in St. Louis, told Fox News Digital.
Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs act on receptors in the brain that are involved in impulse control, reward and addiction, Al-Aly noted, which could explain why they are effective in reducing cravings for food and addictive substances.
“GLP-1s have many benefits for at least 42 conditions beyond weight loss.”
“These drugs also reduce inflammation in the brain and result in weight loss; both of these factors may improve brain health and explain the reduced risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia,” he added.
They also found, however, that GLP-1 drugs were linked to several adverse side effects.
Novo Nordisk is the maker of Ozempic, which is approved for type 2 diabetes treatment and reduced risk of cardiovascular events. (Getty Images)
The risk of gastrointestinal problems — including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and a rarer paralysis of the stomach — were widely known before this new study, the researcher noted.
The new finding, however, was that these drugs can negatively affect the pancreas and kidneys. They were also linked to a higher chance of developing arthritis.
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“While these adverse effects are uncommon, they can be very serious; physicians must be vigilant for signs of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and monitor kidney function among people taking GLP-1RA medications,” Al-Aly stated in the press release.
“Kidney problems can occur without symptoms until the condition is at an advanced stage with limited treatment options.”
Decreased obesity has long been linked with less inflammation in every body system, an expert pointed out. (iStock)
The study, which was funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, did have some limitations, the researchers acknowledged.
“This is a discovery approach involving more than two million people and is not a randomized trial,” Al-Aly told Fox News Digital.
“People with real weight loss are happier overall — they feel empowered.”
Seth Kipnis, MD, medical director of bariatric and robotic surgery at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, was not involved in the study but said it confirms what he has seen in his own clinical practice.
“People with real weight loss are happier overall — they feel empowered that they can finally control their weight,” he said in a statement sent to Fox News Digital.
The risk of gastrointestinal problems — including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and a rarer paralysis of the stomach — were widely known before this new study. (iStock)
Decreased obesity has long been linked with less inflammation in every body system, Kipnis pointed out.
“GI problems and renal problems will always be seen if people are not eating correctly and maintaining hydration,” he said. “If you take these medications without nutritional education, they can be harmful.”
Recommendations and predictions
Based on the findings, the researchers noted, people should be aware that these drugs have not only a “broad beneficial profile,” but also important risks.
“People should use the information to discuss with their provider whether GLP-1 is the right medication for them,” Al-Aly recommended.
“A person with a lot of GI issues may find these meds intolerable.”
“A person who is trying to lose weight and quit smoking or drinking may find GLP-1s especially useful – helping hit two birds with one stone — but a person with a lot of GI (gastrointestinal) issues may find these meds intolerable,” he went on.
“Each person’s health profile is different. Pros and cons should be discussed with the provider.”
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Given their effectiveness at causing weight loss and improving health, GLP-1 drugs will likely become more common and increase in use, Hackensack’s Kipnis predicted.
“We have been prescribing many long-term drugs for hypertension, heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, arthritis, reflux and many other diseases without hesitation,” he said.
The new study revealed that GLP-1 drugs could negatively affect the pancreas and kidneys. (iStock)
“This new class of drug, as it lowers obesity, has the potential to lower the use of every other drug that is used to treat obesity-related conditions.”
Not every doctor should prescribe these medications, however, according to Kipnis.
“Doctors with weight management programs and nutrition education programs would likely have better outcomes and fewer side effects,” the doctor said.
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Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic (approved for type 2 diabetes treatment and reduced risk of cardiovascular events) and Wegovy (approved for weight management and reduced risk of cardiovascular events), provided the following statement to Fox News Digital.
“Semaglutide has helped millions of people fight chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity. As we look to help even more people with chronic diseases, we are exploring the potential of semaglutide in several other disease states.”
Wegovy, also made by Novo Nordisk, is FDA-approved for weight management and reduced risk of cardiovascular events. (Steve Christo – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
“Patient safety is of utmost importance to Novo Nordisk. The known risks and benefits of semaglutide medicines are described in their FDA-approved product labeling and we work closely with authorities and regulatory bodies worldwide to continuously monitor the safety profile of our products.”
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The company added that the “totality of data” from previous studies “provides reassurance of the safety profile of semaglutide.”
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Health
Parasitic infection causing ‘explosive’ stomach illness exceeds 1,000 cases in northern state
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Cases of cyclosporiasis infections are rising across America, with more than 1,000 people diagnosed in Michigan and more than 500 in Ohio.
This is the largest outbreak of its kind in Michigan’s history and one of the country’s largest in years, according to the Associated Press.
The parasitic infection can cause weeks of watery diarrhea. The source of the infections has not been identified and no deaths have been reported.
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Michigan officials announced the outbreak last week following the identification of more than 170 cases since June 22 in the southeastern part of the state. Typically, only about 50 cases are identified in Michigan each year, according to AP.
A cyclospora infection often causes watery, “explosive” diarrhea that can last for weeks or even months if left untreated, the CDC says. (iStock)
Similar illnesses have been reported in 28 other states, including neighboring Ohio, where diagnoses have popped up across the Michigan border.
Cases have been climbing since the CDC identified an uptick in infections in mid-June, with illnesses now reported in dozens of states.
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Michigan has now reported more than 1,200 cases and at least 40 hospitalizations. In Ohio, northwest counties have identified more than 500 cases, including at least 306 in Lucas County, according to the latest available local figures.
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Texas has reported at least 48 cases, and illnesses have been identified in numerous other states as health officials investigate the source.
The hallmark symptom of a cyclospora infection is watery, often “explosive” diarrhea that can last for weeks or even months if left untreated, the CDC says.
Other symptoms of cyclosporiasis include severe abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue and significant weight loss. (iStock)
Other symptoms include severe abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue and significant weight loss.
The official outbreak season for the parasite runs from May 1 through Aug. 31, a window where warmer temperatures historically coincide with a spike in infections, according to the CDC.
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While the infection can sometimes clear up on its own, it frequently requires antibiotics. The CDC advises anyone experiencing symptoms of cyclosporiasis to contact a healthcare provider for testing and treatment.
The CDC, alongside the Food and Drug Administration and state health officials, is actively investigating several multistate clusters, but they have yet to find a cause behind the spread.
Fresh produce should be washed thoroughly before eating, although this may not eliminate the risk of infection, the AP noted. (iStock)
Past infections have reportedly been linked to consuming contamined fruits or vegetables, or being exposed to contaminated irrigation water.
Fresh produce should be washed thoroughly before being eaten, although this may not eliminate the risk of infection, the AP noted.
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Michigan officials recommend purchasing salad mixes or whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-washed, bagged lettuce. Remove two to three leaves from the outer layer of the lettuce head before washing and cook vegetables when possible.
Fox News Digital’s Khloe Quill contributed to this report.
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Washington, DC – GLP-1 weight-loss drugs have become a prevalent part of American healthcare, and the current administration is getting behind the movement.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital at the Great American State Fair in the nation’s capital on July 6, CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz voiced his support for the use of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications, such as Ozempic, for appropriate uses.
“I’m a fan of GLP-1 drugs when used correctly,” he said. “They do help people who are overweight lose weight quite effectively. They’re not a replacement for diet and exercise, but they might jumpstart the system so it’s easier for you to use healthier tactics.”
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This is especially helpful for those who may have trouble moving due to joint pain or are experiencing internal dysfunction, Oz said.
Certain GLP-1 drugs are covered by Medicare for overweight candidates with certain conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, and Oz projected the benefits will continue to benefit taxpayers.
Dr. Mehmet Oz is pictured in Washington, D.C., at the Great American State Fair, where he spoke about federal health policy. (Angelica Stabile/Fox News Digital)
“We believe these are so effective in reducing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes that they’ll actually save money for the federal taxpayer, because [they’re] going to make you healthy enough that you don’t have to consume health services,” Oz said.
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“We think about 70% of all the money we spend on healthcare is caused by chronic conditions, and obesity is the No. 1 driver of all that, so it’s a smart decision.”
Oz recently announced the launch of the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, which will allow more seniors to access GLP-1 drugs for only $50 a month if they meet qualifying health criteria and receive prior authorization from a doctor.
The doctor expressed support for broadening affordable access to GLP-1 medications for Americans. (iStock)
“There are a lot of overweight people who don’t have high blood pressure, diabetes or other conditions, so they don’t get access to the drug normally,” he said. “We want them to have the ability to use it as well.”
Although these access shifts could boost Americans’ overall health — and in some cases could be lifesaving — Oz noted that there is “no silver bullet” when it comes to these medications.
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“I love the fact that the innovation that’s coming out of pharmaceutical companies is allowing us to save lives and make lives better,” he said. “But the real secret to longevity is eating right, exercising, sleeping, dealing with the stress of your life, finding some purpose in your existence [and] realizing you have agency over the future.”
“These are things that your mom would have told you [and that] you don’t need a doctor to be emphasizing.”
Medicating appropriately, combined with eating right, exercising and staying connected with others, can help make health goals attainable, the doctor said. (iStock)
While GLP-1s may not be a fix-all, combining these medications with foundational health practices “makes a lot of sense,” Oz said.
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“I don’t want people being fat-shamed … I don’t want you feeling guilty that you’re gaining weight even though everyone else around you seems to have figured it out,” he said. “It’s not that simple — our set points for hunger are different. We have different things going on in our lives.”
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“But if you realize how precious you are — the temple of the soul is so valuable. It’s the greatest gift your parents ever gave you, and you take advantage of every tool out there to make it work … which includes using medications when appropriate. That, to me, is MAHA.”
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