A study found that weight loss drugs may reduce risks of dementia, seizures, sleep apnea, and infections by 10% to 20%|GLP1 drugs|CC BY-NC 4.0
GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic are making headlines for benefits beyond weight loss, but the excitement comes with complications.
A study of nearly 2 million veteran health records found that weight loss drugs may reduce risks for conditions like dementia, seizures, sleep apnea, and infections by 10% to 20%.
However, researchers caution against calling them cure-alls, urging more studies before expanding their use.
Additionally, the FDA approved GLP1s only for obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart risk, and sleep apnea. For users getting it off-label, insurers may not cover the treatments, which cost $1,000–$1,350 a month.
Research shows that about 36% of patients stop within a year due to cost or side effects.
Side effects include gastrointestinal disorders, nausea, kidney stones, and bone and muscle loss.