Now, Ozempic and others in the “GLP-1” category of drugs are approaching that critical mass. They are showing promise for an ever-expanding list of diseases, beyond today’s most common uses of weight loss and treating diabetes. Heart, kidney and liver diseases. Sleep apnea. Arthritis. Alzheimer’s disease. Alcohol addiction. Even aging.
But they also caution about use of the drugs in people who don’t medically fit the bill because it could cause malnourishment. Doctors would have to figure out ways to guard against excessive weight loss in people who aren’t overweight, perhaps putting them on special diets
The drugs—which also include Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound—mimic naturally occurring gut hormones such as GLP-1. The medicines promote production of insulin, which helps control blood-sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. They suppress appetite and make people feel full faster when eating, helping overweight people lose many pounds.
Many of the proven and potential benefits of the drugs cascade from their effect on obesity. Losing weight relieves sleep apnea. It takes pressure off the joints, helping with arthritis.
Another area being considered: Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers believe GLP-1s may have neuroprotective effects, slowing loss of brain volume.