These days, you’re more likely to hear about GLP-1 in the context of weight loss than any other way. While GLP-1 medications like Ozempic® do help people shed those extra pounds, the benefits don’t stop there. In fact, the best thing about GLP-1s might actually be the benefits beyond weight loss.

What are GLP-1 medications?

GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications that mimic a natural hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone stimulates insulin secretion after you eat, which lowers blood sugar levels, and slows digestion, keeping you feeling full for longer. By activating GLP-1 receptors, GLP-1 medications support your overall health in many ways, as you’ll see below.

Benefits of GLP-1 (beyond weight loss)

Blood sugar control and type 2 diabetes management

GLP-1 medications have been used to treat diabetes for decades. They work by stimulating insulin release after meals, reducing glucose production in the liver, and slowing digestion to prevent blood sugar spikes. GLP-1s are highly effective at lowering A1C levels and managing blood sugar, which is key in diabetes management.

Brain and cognition support

Most people know that GLP-1 is created in the gut, but it’s also produced in the brain. Early research suggests that GLP-1 medications may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as support brain cell survival. Some trials suggest that GLP-1 medications are linked to lower risk of dementia in people with diabetes, as well. 

Treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and other addictions

In addition to helping to regulate appetite and blood sugar, GLP-1 also sends signals to the brain, specifically the areas associated with reward, motivation, and addition. One trial showed that weekly semaglutide injections lowered alcohol cravings and consumption amount. This suggests GLP-1 drugs may quiet the brain reward circuits that drive addictive urges.

Heart health support

GLP-1 therapy can lower cardiac problems—such as blood pressure and LDL cholesterol—in high-risk diabetes populations. Better heart health can pay big dividends over time, adding to both the length and the quality of your life.

Helps treat fatty liver disease

Studies show GLP-1 therapy improves key measures in metabolic fatty liver disease. This may help calm inflammation and improve metabolic signals.

Kidney health protection

Diabetes is a major risk factor of chronic kidney disease. GLP-1 therapy can slow kidney decline in those with diabetes by reducing inflammation, protecting kidney function, and lowering protein in the urine.

May lower cancer risk

A recent study found GLP-1 users had a 17% lower cancer risk compared to non-users. These statistics were significant for endometrial and ovarian cancers, as well as meningiomas.

The far-reaching effects of weight loss 

Everything in our bodies is connected—losing weight can bring your blood pressure down, getting your blood sugar at healthier levels can give you more energy, sleeping better can improve cognition. So for most people, GLP-1s do more than just help them lose weight; they help improve health markers in other ways, too. Many report feeling better than they’ve felt in years, with the ability to do things they couldn’t before starting GLP-1 therapy.

Thinking about starting your own weight-loss journey? Visit tryshed.com to learn more. 

FAQs

Are GLP-1 medications only for weight loss?

Nope! While GLP-1 medications are well-known for supporting weight loss, they were originally developed to help manage type 2 diabetes. They can also improve blood sugar, support heart and kidney health, and even show potential in treating addiction and protecting brain function.

How do GLP-1 medications help with type 2 diabetes?

GLP-1 agonists work by increasing insulin release after meals, slowing digestion, and reducing glucose production in the liver. Together, these effects lower blood sugar spikes and improve A1C levels, making them a highly effective tool for diabetes management. 

Can GLP-1 medications improve heart health?

Yes. GLP-1 therapy can lower blood pressure, reduce LDL cholesterol (aka, the “bad” cholesterol), and decrease the risk of major cardiac events in people with diabetes. These effects can go a long way in supporting long-term cardiovascular health. 

Do GLP-1 medications affect brain health?

Early research suggests GLP-1s may support brain function by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, improving brain cell survival, and lowering the risk of dementia in people with diabetes. Some studies also suggest GLP-1 therapy may influence reward pathways in the brain, which could help reduce addictive behaviors. 

Who should consider GLP-1 therapy?

People with type 2 diabetes and/or obesity have benefitted from GLP-1 therapy, but other patients may benefit as well. Consult with a healthcare provider to see if GLP-1 is right for you. You can also take this quick survey to see if you qualify.

‍

This content is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.