GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) were first approved for use in individuals with diabetes in order to improve metabolic control. However, recent studies have showcased their potential for weight loss in non-diabetic adults. Let’s take a look at the various health benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Treatment for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic the action of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone in our digestive system. When we eat, this hormone triggers the pancreas to release insulin, which helps move glucose from our blood into our cells for energy.
In people with type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn’t respond well to insulin or doesn’t produce enough of it. GLP-1 agonists help by stimulating insulin release and reducing the secretion of glucagon, a hormone responsible for the increase in blood glucose levels.
Moreover, GLP-1 agonists work on the brain to reduce hunger and slow down stomach emptying also affect the clinical trials, which can lead to weight loss, another important requirement for people with diabetes. But more on this in the next section below.
Weight Loss and Management for Overweight or Obese Patients
GLP-1 agonists also play a key role in weight management. Since it can mimic the GLP-1 hormone, these drugs can regulate insulin secretion, slow stomach emptying and control hunger.
According to Dr. Spencer Nadolsky, an obesity specialist, GLP-1 agonists activate receptors in the pancreas to regulate insulin and blood sugar. They also target receptors in the brain to reduce appetite and delay stomach emptying.
Studies show that combining a GLP-1 agonist with diet and exercise can result in up to 15% body weight loss. In contrast, diet and exercise alone often result to about 2.4% weight loss.
GLP-1 Drugs for Obesity and Cancer Risk
Obesity is linked to a higher risk of developing cancer, though the exact reasons are still debated. One theory is that people with obesity have more cells that can potentially turn cancerous. Also, both men and women who are taller tend to have a higher risk of cancer, possibly for the same reason—more cells overall.
Another factor is the impact of obesity on the immune system. These cells are essential for identifying and destroying tumor cells. Research since 2010 indicates that obesity impairs the function of natural killer cells, which can lead to an increased cancer risk. A study in 2018 linked this impairment to lipid accumulation in these cells.
A 2023 study published in the journal Obesity found that GLP-1 drug treatment could restore the anti-tumor functions of natural killer cells in people with obesity. While this study did not show a direct reduction in cancer risk, it suggested a possible mechanism by which GLP-1 drugs might help protect against cancer.
GLP-1 Drugs Lower Cardiovascular Risk
Type 2 diabetes is linked with a higher risk of cardiovascular events and damage to small blood vessels, which can lead to complications like diabetic retinopathy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to develop heart disease and the risk increases over time.
Controlling blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes can improve cardiovascular outcomes and reduce small blood vessel damage. Previous research published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that strong blood glucose control using other diabetes drugs improved cardiovascular mortality rates in a UK cohort over a 10-year period by lowering the risk of heart attacks.
Interventional cardiologist Dr. Michael Broukhim explains that GLP-1 agonists aid weight loss, which in turn improves cardiometabolic health. They help control blood sugar levels, slightly reduce blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels.
In August 2023, a trial involving 529 people with obesity and heart failure found that after one year, those on semaglutide had nearly double the heart improvement compared to those not on the drug.
GLP-1 Drugs Lower Alzheimer’s Risk in Diabetic Patients
Both obesity and type 2 diabetes are associated with a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. A 2020 study involving over 6,500 individuals in England found that obesity and a higher waist measurement were linked to an increased rate of Alzheimer’s disease.
Recent evidence suggests that GLP-1 treatment might reduce the accumulation of amyloid protein in the hippocampus, which is believed to contribute to Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. This study did not explore other potential mechanisms by which GLP-1 treatment might reduce Alzheimer’s risk, such as reducing inflammation.