13 possible health benefits of weight-loss medication

In the Netherlands, more than half of adults are now overweight. You don’t only notice those extra kilos in your clothing size. Low energy, getting out of breath more quickly, sleeping worse and feeling insecure – overweight can have a major impact on your daily life.

On top of that, being overweight puts you at greater risk of serious health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea and even certain types of cancer.

In other words, overweight can weigh heavily, both physically and mentally.

The cost to society also runs into billions every year through extra healthcare, sick leave and reduced productivity, and people with overweight often face stigma.

The solution: losing weight.

Medication as a solution‍

For many people, GLP-1 medicines such asOzempic,Wegovy,MounjaroandSaxendaare the solution after years of dieting and yo-yoing. The medicines not only help you shed kilos, but also appear to lower the risk of all kinds of diseases.

Although the scientific world is still carrying out plenty of research, one thing is clear: the first results are promising.

What started as diabetes medication then turned out to move the scales, and now also seems to offer all kinds of health benefits.

In people with diabetes, researchers saw a lower risk of no fewer than 42 different conditions, including cardiovascular disease, liver cancer and even psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia [1].

No proof yet

We do want to stress the following: the first results are promising, but hard causal evidence is still lacking.

Much of the current research is observational or was done in people with diabetes, who often have other health problems too

So we don’t yet know for sure whether these benefits come directly from the medicines themselves, or mainly from theweight lossthey cause. It’s also unclear to what extent the results apply to people without diabetes.

A great deal of additional research is currently under way to answer these questions.

The popularity of weight-loss medication such asOzempicandSaxendacontinues to grow rapidly. And given the promising additional health benefits, that trend doesn’t look like stopping any time soon. We tell you about 13 important possible health benefits.

Please note:although research suggests the medicines may offer the following benefits, this has not yet been conclusively established.

1. Heart health: lower risk of heart attack or stroke

GLP-1 agonists such as Wegovy andMounjaroalso appear to protect your heart.

A large cardiovascular study found that people using these medicines had a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, a non-fatal heart attack or a non-fatal stroke [3]. A serious extra bonus.

2. Kidney protection: less chance of damage

Semaglutide, one of the best-known GLP-1 medicines, also shows positive effects on the kidneys.

In the large FLOW study, researchers saw that the medicine slowed the decline in kidney function in people with type 2 diabetes. The risk of serious kidney damage fell by 24% [4].

It’s no coincidence that the FDA and EMA have now also approved semaglutide for kidney protection in diabetes patients.

3. Brain & dementia: hopeful protection

GLP-1 medication also appears to affect your brain. These medicines curb inflammation in the brain, reduce the build-up of harmful proteins (such as amyloid), and may slow cognitive decline.

An analysis of 26 studies even showed that the risk of dementia was 53% lower among GLP-1 users [5].

There are also promising results from animal studies. In mouse models for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and liraglutide (Saxenda) were found to protect brain cells, reduce harmful protein build-up and curb inflammation [6,7].

4. Better sleep & less sleep apnoea

Sleep apnoea, where you regularly stop breathing at night, is common in people with overweight. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) appears to have positive effects here.

In people with moderate to severe sleep apnoea and obesity, tirzepatide reduced the number of breathing pauses per hour (the so-called AHI score), oxygen deficiency during sleep, and inflammation markers in the blood. Their blood pressure also fell and their self-reportedsleep qualityimproved [8].

5. Lower blood pressure: small drop, big difference

Weight-loss medication produces a slight but measurable reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (1 to 5 mmHg) in people with type 2 diabetes [9].

It may be a modest drop, but it’s still a valuable contribution to protecting your cardiovascular system.

6. Fatty liver: hopeful results for your liver

In people with fatty liver disease (NAFLD or NASH), GLP-1 medication, especially liraglutide and semaglutide, has been shown to significantly reduce the fat content in the liver [10]. Inflammation markers also improved and the chance of further liver damage appeared smaller.

Researchers call the results promising, but stress that more research is needed before GLP-1s become a standard part of treating fatty liver disease.

7. Bowel cancer: possibly lower risk

In a large cohort study from 2023, GLP-1 users had a 25% lower chance of colorectal cancer than people using metformin [11].

The researchers do warn: this is an observation, not a proven cause-and-effect relationship. But it certainly gives food for further research.

8. Anti-inflammatory: calm in your body

GLP-1 medication lowers inflammation markers in the body [12].

Less inflammation in your body means that your body, and especially your cardiovascular system, suffers less damage, which lowers the risk of diseases such as heart problems.

9. Addiction: fewer cravings, more peace of mind

Many people who useGLP-1 medicationnotice that their need for sugar, alcohol or even cigarettes decreases sharply. Where that inner voice used to nag all day for “just one more drink” or “something sweet”, it suddenly goes quiet in your head.

In one study, alcohol cravings among participants fell by no less than 40%, and the number of heavy drinking days also dropped considerably [2].

10. Protecting your pancreas: preserving beta cells

GLP-1 protects the beta cells in your pancreas against breakdown [13].

These beta cells produce insulin, the hormone that helps regulate your blood sugar; by protecting these cells from breakdown, GLP-1 medication supports more stable blood sugar control and prevents diabetes problems in the long term.

11. Less joint pain with osteoarthritis: moving more freely

Semaglutide may offer relief for people with overweight and moderate to severe knee pain due to osteoarthritis.

In one study, theweekly injectionnot only led to weight loss, but also to a clear reduction in knee pain compared with the placebo [14].

12. Lung function & fewer infections: breathing with fewer worries

In people with both COPD and type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 agonists showed impressive results: the number of lung attacks fell by 18%, pneumonia by 28%, oxygen dependence by 34% and even the risk of death dropped by 40% [15].

In other words, GLP-1s give your lungs room to breathe.

13. Mental health: a little happier, a little calmer

GLP-1 medication also appears to have a beneficial effect on your mood.

A meta-analysis with more than 2000 participants showed a small but significant drop in depression scores, pointing to less low mood and tension [16].

However promising the benefits, GLP-1 medication also has its downsides.

First of all, these medicines can causeside effects. The most common are nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and constipation. Especially in the first few weeks, many users have to get used to how their stomach and intestines respond.

In addition, rapid weight loss can also causemuscle massto disappear. That’s why it’s important to eat enoughprotein, do strength training and have your progress monitored closely.

Finally: the medicines are a tool, not a miracle cure. For a healthy weight and good health, yourlifestyleremains the most important thing.

The development of weight-loss medication is far from standing still. Worldwide, researchers are working on new variants with fewer side effects and exploring innovative applications. Think, for example, of medicines that counteract muscle loss or target the treatment of addiction.

Expectations are also high in the neurological field. Large long-term studies are investigating the role of GLP-1 medication in Alzheimer’s and other brain disorders.

The coming years will therefore be crucial: more and more research results will make clear where else these medicines can contribute.

GLP-1 medication is no miracle cure, but it is a promising breakthrough in healthcare. What started as a treatment for diabetes now offers benefits for weight loss, and possibly for your heart health, brain function and mental health.

That said, it still holds true: a healthy lifestyle remains the foundation. And because we don’t yet know everything about the long term, it’s important to discuss your situation with a doctor before you start.

Have you already tried everything to lose weight, but can’t manage to reach and maintain your target weight? Then weight-loss medication may be the solution for you.Fill in our short questionnaire and find out straight away what’s possible for you.

What exactly are GLP‑1 medicines?

So-called ‘GLP‑1 receptor agonists’ are medicines originally developed for type 2 diabetes, but now also used for weight loss. They mimic the natural hormone GLP‑1, which among other things curbs your appetite and regulates blood sugar.

What health benefits are there besides weight loss?

Recent studies show that these medicines may contribute to a lower risk of, among other things:

• Cardiovascular disease

• High blood pressure

• Sleep apnoea

• Dementia and Alzheimer’s

• Depression

• Liver and kidney failure

• Infections

Are the health benefits of weight-loss medication proven?

Not entirely. Most findings are based on statistical associations from large studies. They point to possible beneficial effects, but more research is needed to establish whether they are also direct causes.

Is the weight-loss medication itself responsible for those benefits?

That’s not yet clear. The benefits may come from the medicine itself, the weight loss it causes, or a combination of both.

Do people without diabetes also benefit from these medicines?

Yes, more and more studies (such as the SELECT study) show that people without diabetes also benefit from weight loss and health gains.

Are there risks or side effects?

As with any medicine, there can be side effects, such as nausea, diarrhoea or constipation. In rare cases there are concerns about gallbladder problems or pancreatitis. Always consult a doctor before you start.

Can weight-loss medication reduce sleep apnoea?

Possibly. Recent research (such as the SURMOUNT-OSA study) showed that medicines like tirzepatide can significantly reduce the number of breathing pauses per hour in people with obesity.

Is this medication reimbursed?

That depends on, among other things, your insurance and medical indication. In many cases it is only reimbursed for a combination of obesity with, for example, diabetes or other risk factors.