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  • New Research Deep Dive: 28 Benefits, 16 Risks of Ozempic/Wegovy

New Research Deep Dive: 28 Benefits, 16 Risks of Ozempic/Wegovy

Author

Lucas Veritas
January 24, 2025

This week, the media buzzed with headlines about a groundbreaking study published in the respected science journal Nature. The research explored how GLP-1 receptor agonists (like Ozempic and Wegovy) impact 175 health conditions.

While the media only scratched the surface, I took the time to thoroughly analyze the study.

I’ve broken it down into simple, clear insights so you can easily understand the key findings.

Research Team & Methodology Breakdown

The research was led by Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly from the VA St. Louis Health Care System.

In May 2024, Dr. Al-Aly was named to the inaugural TIME100 Health list, which honors the 100 most influential figures in global health. This list celebrates leaders across various fields who are driving meaningful improvements in health worldwide. Thats solid!

Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly at his office

Study Scope

  • Total Participants: 1,955,135 individuals

  • Follow-up Period: Median of 3.68 years (range: 2.05-5.37 years)

  • Total Study Duration: 7,239,854 person-years

  • Key Objective: Systematically examine associations between GLP-1 receptor agonist use and 175 health outcomes

Picture this: a team of dedicated researchers tracking nearly two million people over several years. To put this into perspective, most medical studies might include a few thousand participants. This study represents the gold standard: large-scale, long-term and rigorously documented.

So, here’s what the study found.

BENEFITS (with risk reductions)

Substance Use & Mental Health

  • Alcohol use disorders: 11% lower

  • Cannabis use disorders: 12% lower

  • Stimulant use disorders: 16% lower

  • Opioid use disorders: 13% lower

  • Suicidal ideation/self-harm: 10% lower

  • Bulimia: 19% lower

  • Schizophrenia/psychotic disorders: 18% lower

Neurological

  • Seizures: 10% lower

  • Neurocognitive disorders: 5% lower

  • Dementia: 8% lower

  • Alzheimer’s disease: 12% lower

Cardiovascular & Blood

  • Myocardial infarction: 9% lower

  • Cardiac arrest: 22% lower

  • Heart failure: 11% lower

  • Ischemic stroke: 7% lower

  • Hemorrhagic stroke: 14% lower

  • Blood clotting disorders: 8% lower

  • Deep vein thrombosis: 8% lower

  • Pulmonary embolism: 12% lower

Other Systems

  • Acute kidney injury: 12% lower

  • Chronic kidney disease: 3% lower

  • Bacterial infections: 12% lower

  • Pneumonia: 16% lower

  • COPD: 10% lower

  • Respiratory failure: 23% lower

  • Hepatic failure: 24% lower

  • Inflammatory bowel disease: 12% lower

  • Liver cancer: 18% lower

Dr. Al-Aly attributed the wide range of risk reductions primarily to obesity reduction, calling it "the mother of all ills."

He stated, "Effectively treating obesity with GLP-1 receptor agonists delivers benefits that go beyond just lowering BMI."

GLP-1 RISKS (with risk increases)

Gastrointestinal

  • Drug-induced pancreatitis: 146% higher

  • Nausea and vomiting: 30% higher

  • GERD (acid reflux): 14% higher

  • Gastritis: 10% higher

  • Noninfectious gastroenteritis: 12% higher

  • Gastroparesis: 7% higher

  • Diverticulosis/diverticulitis: 8% higher

Other Systems

  • Hypotension (low blood pressure): 6% higher

  • Syncope (fainting): 6% higher

  • Sleep disturbances: 12% higher

  • Headaches: 10% higher

  • Arthritis: 11% higher

  • Joint pain: 11% higher

  • Tendinitis/synovitis: 10% higher

  • Kidney stones: 15% higher

  • Interstitial nephritis: 6% higher

Despite identifying more advantages than disadvantages, Dr. Al-Aly cautioned against an unqualified endorsement, stating, "It's challenging to make a universal recommendation, as the side effects are genuine"

The results show that GLP-1 medications can help with many health problems, from heart disease to mental health. However, the study also points out some risks, especially with gastrointestinal issues and kidney health.

Though there are still risks to consider, this research shows how far we’ve come in understanding and improving health. We still have challenges to face, but it highlights how much we can achieve when we truly understand our bodies.

The possibilities are now wider than ever.

❝

Would you like me to invite Dr. Al-Aly for a Q&A session? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Stay healthy (and hungry for knowledge),
Formerly Obese

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