Ozempic’s health benefits keep growing, but are the risks worth it?

January 23, 2025

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Ozempic’s health benefits keep growing, but are the risks worth it?

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Did you know that one in eight adults in the U.S. has taken Ozempic or another GLP-1 drug? These medications, containing semaglutide or liraglutide, are commonly prescribed to manage type 2 diabetes and obesity. Recent studies have revealed a plethora of benefits and some lesser-known risks associated with these drugs.

A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the VA St. Louis Health Care System analyzed the health outcomes of over two million veterans with diabetes who were prescribed Ozempic or another GLP-1 drug between 2017 and 2023. The study, published in Nature, uncovered numerous advantages linked to Ozempic.

Some of the benefits identified included reduced risks of neurocognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s and dementia, seizures, and addiction to harmful substances such as alcohol, cannabis, stimulants, and opioids. Additionally, these drugs were found to lower the chances of suicidal ideation, self-harm, bulimia, and psychotic disorders like schizophrenia.

Lead study author Ziyad Al-Aly highlighted the wide-ranging benefits of GLP-1 drugs, extending beyond weight loss to address 42 different conditions. These medications act on receptors in the brain related to impulse control, reward, and addiction, explaining their efficacy in reducing cravings for food and addictive substances.

See also Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s tough Bronx persona is under fresh scrutiny with a resurfaced childhood nickname from her suburban upstate New York upbringing casting doubt on that publicly portrayed image. The progressive champion’s latest spat with President Donald Trump over the Iran strikes again called into question her true upbringing when she declared on X she was a “Bronx girl" to make her a point against the president. The 35-year-old congresswoman wrote in part on X: "I’m a Bronx girl. You should know that we can eat Queens boys for breakfast. Respectfully," she said, referring to the president’s upbringing in Queens as she called for his impeachment over his decision to bypass Congress in authorizing U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Ocasio-Cortez was born in the Bronx but moved to Yorktown – which is nearly an hour outside New York City -- when she was 5 years old and went on to attend Yorktown High School where she graduated in 2007. She was considered an accomplished student there and well thought of by teacher Michael Blueglass, according to a 2018 report by local media outlet Halston Media News. “There, known by students and staff as ‘Sandy,’ she was a member of the Science Research Program taught by Michael Blueglass," the report states. “She was amazing," Blueglass said, per the report. “Aside from her winning one of the top spots and going to the [Intel International Science and Engineering Fair], she was just one of the most amazing presenters in all of the years I've been at Yorktown. Her ability to take complex information and explain it to all different levels of people was fantastic." After high school, Ocasio-Cortez attended Boston University, where she majored in economics and international relations, per the report. Ocasio-Cortez’s “Sandy" nickname — which carries a more suburban and preppy tone — appears to undercut her politically crafted image as a tough, inner-city fighter, one she has portrayed since her famous 2018 congressional campaign where she eventually ousted former 10-terms Congressman Joe Crowley. New York GOP Assemblyman Matt Slater, who now represents Yorktown, added to the scrutiny of Ocasio-Cortez’s persona in the wake of her brash with Trump and released images of Ocasio-Cortez from his high school yearbook. He claimed he and the rising Democratic star attended Yorktown High School at the same time when she was a freshman and he was a senior. "I saw the attacks on the president and her [Ocasio-Cortez] claims that she's a big, tough Bronx girl," said Slater. "To sit there and say that she’s a Bronx girl is just patently ridiculous." "Everybody in our community knows this is just a bold-face lie," said Slater on "Fox & Friends First" last week. "She grew up in Yorktown, she was on my track team." "She's lying about her background, she's lying about her upbringing," Slater claimed. Slater’s post sent social media ablaze and prompted Ocasio-Cortez to respond after an image if her family’s home was posted online. “I’m proud of how I grew up and talk about it all the time," Ocasio-Cortez wrote on X Friday responding to the post. “My mom cleaned houses and I helped. We cleaned tutors’ homes in exchange for SAT prep." “Growing up between the Bronx and Yorktown deeply shaped my views of inequality & it’s a big reason I believe the things I do today!"

However, the study also revealed adverse effects associated with GLP-1 drugs, including gastrointestinal problems like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as pancreas and kidney issues. Despite these risks, the overall benefits of these medications are substantial, particularly in reducing inflammation and promoting weight loss.

Experts like Seth Kipnis emphasized the positive impact of weight loss on overall health and well-being. While GLP-1 drugs can be beneficial for individuals trying to lose weight and combat addiction, proper nutritional education is essential to mitigate potential side effects.

Moving forward, it is crucial for individuals considering GLP-1 medications to weigh the pros and cons with their healthcare provider. These drugs are likely to become more prevalent due to their effectiveness in addressing obesity-related conditions, but careful monitoring and education are essential to ensure optimal outcomes.

Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, emphasized their commitment to patient safety and continuous monitoring of the safety profile of their products. With a focus on improving chronic disease management, semaglutide medicines have the potential to benefit millions of individuals worldwide.

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