The Many Other Benefits of GLP-1 Medications
Although GLP-1 medications are widely used for appetite control and weight loss, they were originally used to treat type 2 diabetes – and, of course, still are. As you probably already know, GLP-1 works for diabetes by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone – glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) – to help regulate blood sugar levels. It does this by stimulating insulin release, suppressing glucagon secretion and slowing stomach emptying. Patients who were prescribed GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic® found they also lost weight – thereby starting a revolution in treating obesity and overweight.
Now, scientific research is revealing that GLP-1 medications offer many other benefits beyond allowing people to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. We at Solutions Weight Loss are closely following these developments, and share with you what we know at this time.
GLP-1 Medications Can Treat Sleep Apnea
In December of 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zepbound® (tirzepatide) for the treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity, to be used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
OSA is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder. It occurs when an individual’s airway is obstructed while they sleep, resulting in restricted or occluded airflow. In some cases changes in the vocal cords or apnea events may happen throughout the night.
Clinical trials found that tirzepatide reduced symptoms of OPS by nearly two-thirds, or 66% in some adults, while a placebo only resulted in a reduction of 5%.
GLP-1 Medications Linked to Lower Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
GLP-1 receptor agonists have shown promise against Alzheimer’s in recent studies – with Phase III results expected from Novo Nordisk. According to BioSpace, “Data from two recent studies showed that Novo Nordisk’s GLP-1 drugs semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic and Wegovy®) and liraglutide could help protect against Alzheimer’s disease or cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s, sparking hope that the trendy therapeutic class could offer a new weapon in medicine’s arsenal against the memory-robbing disorder.
“The more recent paper, published in Alzheimer’s and Dementia in October, described a real-world study showing that patients with type 2 diabetes taking semaglutide had a 40% to 70% reduction in the risk of Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis. This followed results from a Phase II trial of liraglutide, Novo’s older GLP-1 (sold as Saxenda in obesity and Victoza in type 2 diabetes), demonstrating slower decline in cognitive function among patients on the drug compared with placebo.”
As the situation now stands, GLP-1 agonists show promise in potentially reducing the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Continuing research is being conducted to confirm these benefits and understand the underlying mechanisms.
GLP-1 Medications May Lower the Risk of Substance Addiction
Ziyad Al-Aly, MD, clinical epidemiologist, Washington University in St. Louis, chief of research at the VA St. Louis Health Care System, led a study investigating the health outcomes of diabetes patients taking GLP-1. Among the findings: Those who took GLP-1 medications experienced significant neurological and behavioral health benefits, including a reduced risk of substance addiction to alcohol, cannabis, opioids and stimulants, compared to those taking traditional diabetes medications. They also had a reduced risk of seizures, suicidal ideation, self-harm, bulimia and psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.
“GLP-1 reduces neuroinflammation and also affects centers in the brain that are responsible for impulse control and reward signaling,” said Dr. Al-Aly in Medical News Today. “There are many studies showing that we indeed have GLP-1 receptors in our brain. These are likely mechanisms by which GLP-1 may impact neuropsychiatric conditions.
“I think there is clearly (an) added benefit for several conditions. For example, a person with obesity who also wants to quit smoking – getting GLP-1 may help that person hit two birds (with) one stone – simultaneously addressing obesity and also help them quit smoking. Clearly, the added benefits are welcome news.”
GLP-1 Medications Can Reduce Blood Pressure
Studies have shown that semaglutide can significantly reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, regardless of whether a person has diabetes or not. While the exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, research suggests that semaglutide’s ability to lower blood pressure is likely linked to its effects on weight loss, improved blood sugar control and potentially a direct impact on blood vessels. Numerous studies have demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in blood pressure with semaglutide – even in individuals with normal blood pressure or hypertension.
A review of studies found that semaglutide, on average, led to a decrease of 5 mmHg in systolic blood pressure (the top number) and 2.5 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number). The blood pressure-lowering effect of semaglutide, combined with its ability to reduce weight and improve blood sugar, can contribute to overall heart health and potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.
GLP-1 Medications Can Reduce “Bad” Cholesterol Levels
In clinical trials, GLP-1 drugs have been shown to lower total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol – commonly known as “bad” cholesterol – and triglycerides. At the same time, they also potentially increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol – commonly known as “good” cholesterol. This effect is attributed to their ability to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce weight – both of which are factors that can influence cholesterol levels. Moreover, weight loss in and of itself can help reduce cholesterol levels.
GLP-1 Medications Can Help Protect Organs
“Researchers have known for a long time that these medications can reduce inflammation and scarring and potentially protect our organs,” said Katherine Tuttle, MD. Dr. Tuttle is a kidney disease specialist at the University of Washington and the executive director for research at Providence Health Care in Spokane, WA. She discussed her research into the benefits of GLP-1 medications with WebMD.
Dr. Tuttle helped lead a 2019 clinical trial called FLOW, which included people who had both type 2 diabetes and serious chronic kidney disease – a common complication of diabetes. People in the study either received semaglutide once a week or a placebo. After an average of about 3.5 years, people in the semaglutide group were 24% less likely to have a major kidney disease event such as dialysis, transplant, or kidney-related death, compared to those who got the placebo. People in the semaglutide group were also 20% less likely to die from any cause during the study period.
Those receiving semaglutide were also 20% less likely to have a heart attack or stroke during the study. In fact, the drugs were so good at reducing cardiovascular risk and improving kidney health that the researchers stopped the study early. “Basically, it was not ethical to continue giving people placebo,” Dr. Tuttle said.
The Take-Home Message
Should you take your weight loss journey with a GLP-1 medication, you may also realize the additional health benefits we just covered!
Our Solutions Weight Loss team is committed to offering safe, effective and personalized weight loss solutions to help you achieve lasting results. We are proud to offer brand-name GLP-1 medications – including Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, and Mounjaro® – through our GLP-1 Prescription Program. This allows you to receive a written prescription for popular medications that are FDA-approved for weight management. Simply take the prescription to the pharmacy of your choice.
If a GLP-1 medication is not suitable for you, we offer Phentermine, the most well-known FDA-approved oral appetite suppressant for over 60 years, which has helped countless people achieve substantial long-term weight loss.
William E. Newsome, M.D. – Medical Director and co-owner of Solutions Weight Loss – will tailor a weight loss program based on your individual needs during an in-office appointment. During your first appointment, he will measure your body mass index (BMI), take your vital signs (body temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure) and talk with you about your medical history to learn about any health conditions you’ve had or currently have.
During this appointment, Dr. Newsome will also have an in-depth conversation with you about your weight loss goals. If you feel frustrated by the lack of results and setbacks from previous weight loss programs you’ve tried, Dr. Newsome has been where you are – and knows that losing excess weight is a difficult and emotional process.
He also knows that the doctor-patient relationship is essential to successful, sustainable weight loss. Dr. Newsome and our entire Solutions Weight Loss team are with you on every step of your medically supervised weight loss journey! You’ll never feel that you’re on your own. You will know us, and we will know you – which allows us to give you the individual help and advice you need, whenever you need it!
See what makes Solutions Weight Loss the #1 weight loss clinic in Florida! Schedule your consultation with Dr. Newsome here, or call 407-413-5503, and experience the benefits of his approach to sustainable weight loss! Don’t wait another day to start living your best life!
