As demand for weight-loss injections sold under brand names such as Ozempic and Wegovy continues to soar, a study has uncovered neurological and behavioral health benefits amid risks for pancreatitis and kidney disease.

Popular GLP-1 medications approved for weight loss, diabetes, and heart disease may have untapped potential to reduce the risks of substance abuse disorders, psychosis, infections, some kinds of cancer and dementia,

In all, researchers found that people taking GLP-1 medications had lower risks for 42 health outcomes, including liver failure, lung failure, cardiac arrest, aspiration pneumonia and shock.

Over 2 million people were included in new research to test these drugs against 175 different health outcomes.

T he newest weight-loss drugs, Wegovy and Zepbound, are incredibly popular. But doctors are still learning about all of the ways they affect the body—both helpful and harmful—beyond reducing weight. In report published in Nature Medicine,

GLP-1 weight loss drugs - such as Wegovy and Mounjaro - may reduce risk of conditions including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

GLP-1 medications linked to a lower risk of dementia and addiction but higher risk of kidney, pancreatic, and gastrointestinal issues. Demand for weight-loss medications, including popular brands like Ozempic and Wegovy,

Obesity expert Dr. Naomi Parrella of Rush University joins Marie Saavedra to talk about the new study and the impact for patients.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have rapidly emerged as game-changers in treating diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Commonly marketed under brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy,