Beyond Weight Loss: Other Health Benefits of GLP-1 Medications

Improved Cardiovascular Health

GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide), as well as Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirzepitide), have demonstrated significant benefits for heart health. New York endocrinologist Beverly Tchang, MD, an obesity medicine advisor for RO, highlights, “Two large-scale clinical trials, each spanning approximately four years, revealed that semaglutide provides protection against heart attacks and strokes among individuals with pre-existing heart disease, in addition to obesity or diabetes.”

These findings prompted the FDA to approve Wegovy, the weight-loss formulation of semaglutide, for reducing the risks of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in overweight or obese adults with cardiovascular disease.

Healthier Liver Function

GLP-1s also show promise in improving liver health. Dr. Tchang explains, “Semaglutide and liraglutide reduce fibrosis in some patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, a more severe form of fatty liver disease.” This reduction in liver fat and inflammation has users seeing a profound impact on their liver health in general.

Guarding Kidney Function

GLP-1s have also been shown to improve kidney health. “A recent study called the FLOW trial found semaglutide to protect against severe kidney disease or the progression of it in people with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes,” notes Dr. Tchang. This can be crucial for patients with or at risk for chronic kidney issues.

Helping with Addiction

There is emerging evidence that GLP-1 medications can help reduce cravings for substances. Dr. Tchang explains that “the peptide GLP-1 works in multiple areas of the brain, including the ‘dopamine reward system,’ which is responsible for cravings.” New research suggests that semaglutide and tirzepatide are associated with reduced alcohol consumption, offering a potential new tool in addiction treatment.

Enhancing Fertility

As many users are finding out on Reddit threads and chat rooms across the world, GLP-1 medications can also improve reproductive health, particularly for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A lot of women on the drug have reported successful pregnancies after struggling to conceive for years. “Weight loss, whether by lifestyle changes or medication, can increase fertility and reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy,” says Dr. Tchang.

“The reproductive health benefits are directly related to weight loss,” explains Austin, TX plastic surgeon Johnny Franco, MD. “As patients achieve better health, their reproductive situation improves significantly. Reducing BMI decreases risk during pregnancy and helps improve hormonal balance. A healthier BMI also enhances overall cardiac and renal health, which further reduces risks during pregnancy.”

Reducing Inflammation Throughout the Body

One of the benefits of GLP-1s is their ability to reduce inflammation. “Markers of inflammation decrease with weight loss, including weight loss supported by GLP-1 medications,” says Dr. Tchang.

Dr. Franco adds, “An article published in Nature showed an overall decrease in brain inflammation in a study evaluating GLP-1 medications.” Decreased inflammatory markers throughout the body could indirectly benefit conditions like acne and chronic pain.