may provide health benefits that extend beyond weight loss, according to a growing body of research
From reducing cardiovascular risks to potentially easing joint pain and inflammation, studies suggest these drugs may affect multiple systems throughout the body
Here are seven potential benefits beyond
Research suggests semaglutide — the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy — may provide beyond those associated with weight loss
A major study published in The Lancet found that semaglutide reduced the risk of heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular death among people with existing cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity The benefits were observed across different body weights and were not fully explained by weight loss.
GLP-1 medications have been linked to reduced joint pain, although researchers are still investigating how much of the benefit comes from weight loss versus other effects
The STEP 9 clinical trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that semaglutide significantly reduced and improved physical function among adults with obesity
GLP-1 medications may help protect kidney function through several mechanisms, including improvements in blood sugar, and inflammation
In the landmark FLOW trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, semaglutide reduced the risk of major kidney-related complications and cardiovascular death by 24% among patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease
MASH, or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, is a more severe form of fatty liver disease involving inflammation and liver cell damage
Research suggests GLP-1 medications may help improve liver health, although the extent to which these benefits occur independently of weight loss remains under investigation
A clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that semaglutide improved liver tissue findings among patients with MASH, including reductions in inflammation and liver scarring
Researchers found that 629% of semaglutide recipients experienced resolution of MASH without worsening liver fibrosis, compared with 34.3% receiving placebo.
Real-world research presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress has linked GLP-1 medications to fewer and COPD flare-ups
Researchers believe the drugs' potential anti-inflammatory effects may play a role, although additional studies are needed to determine whether the medications directly improve respiratory health
The brain contains GLP-1 receptors in regions involved in regulating appetite, emotions, motivation and responses to rewards
Emerging research suggests semaglutide may have potential benefits for mental health and
An observational study published on the preprint server medRxiv linked semaglutide use to lower rates of substance-related and However, the findings have not been peer-reviewed and do not establish that the medication caused the reductions.
GLP-1-based medications are also being investigated for their potential benefits in inflammatory , including psoriasis
A clinical trial published in JAMA Dermatology found that adding tirzepatide to an existing psoriasis treatment improved skin clearance among adults with moderate to severe psoriasis and overweight or obesity
Researchers are continuing to investigate whether these benefits result from weight loss, reduced inflammation or a combination of factors
The effects of GLP-1 medications can vary by drug and individual, and patients should consult a healthcare provider about potential risks and benefits