GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro are best known for aiding weight loss, but their benefits go beyond that. They may help reduce addictive behaviours like smoking and alcohol use and even improve polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women.

What are the benefits of GLP-1s besides weight loss?

GLP-1 injections may offer a range of additional health benefits besides weight loss, including:

• Better blood sugar control for those with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
• Enhanced cardiovascular health
• Improved kidney function
• Potential boosts to fertility
• Reduced risk of alcohol abuse
• Possible decrease in nicotine cravings for smokers
• May lower the risk of obesity-related cancers
• May reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease

While current research is promising, further studies are needed to confirm these benefits.

GLP-1s and type 2 diabetes 

Before being approved for weight loss, Wegovy and Mounjaro were initially used to help manage blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.

These medications boost insulin production when needed, lower insulin resistance, and slow glucose release from the liver. They also delay stomach emptying, which helps maintain steady blood sugar levels and curb appetite.

How do GLP-1s affect cardiovascular health? 

Over the past decade, clinical trials have suggested that GLP-1 receptor agonists may do more than support heart health—they could also lower the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), such as heart attacks and strokes, by targeting key risk factors.

Wegovy and Mounjaro help regulate blood sugar, reducing the damage high glucose levels can cause to blood vessels. They also promote significant weight loss, which can help lower blood pressure, cholesterol and overall strain on the heart.

Additionally, both medications show promise in reducing inflammation and improving vascular function, offering further heart protection.

However, it’s still unclear whether the reduced risk of heart disease and stroke comes directly from GLP-1 receptor agonists or simply from the weight loss they cause.

Do GLP-1s help to improve kidney health? 

Recent studies suggest that these medications also support kidney health. Research, for instance, has linked semaglutide to a 24% reduction in significant kidney disease events.

By targeting obesity and type 2 diabetes—two major risk factors for kidney disease—these treatments help ease the strain on the kidneys.

Better blood sugar control, weight loss, and reduced inflammation may improve kidney health. However, more research is needed to confirm their direct impact on kidney function.

GLP-1s and addiction

Alcohol abuse

Wegovy and Mounjaro aren’t intended to treat alcohol abuse, but early research suggests they may influence addictive behaviours.

These medications target GLP-1 receptors in the brain, which play a role in reward and impulse control. Some studies indicate they could help reduce cravings or alcohol consumption, though the research is still in its early stages.

While these findings are promising, neither Wegovy nor Mounjaro is approved for alcohol addiction treatment. If you’re concerned about alcohol use, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider for appropriate support and options.

Smoking

GLP-1s may support smoking cessation by influencing the brain’s reward system, making nicotine less satisfying and reducing cravings.

One study found that activating GLP-1 receptors lowered nicotine use in mice by targeting key brain circuits. Another review showed that GLP-1s not only reduced nicotine intake in animals but also eased withdrawal symptoms and helped prevent post-quitting weight gain—a common concern.

While these findings are encouraging, more research is needed to confirm their effects in humans.

Do GLP-1s reduce the chance of colon cancer? 

Recent research suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists may be linked to a lower risk of colorectal cancer.

A study analysed health records from over 1.2 million individuals with type 2 diabetes and found that those using GLP-1 medications had a lower incidence of colorectal cancer compared to those on other antidiabetic treatments.

However, more clinical trials are needed to confirm whether GLP-1s reduce the colorectal cancer risk directly.

Is there a link between Alzheimer’s disease and GLP-1s? 

Emerging research suggests a possible connection between GLP-1 receptor agonists and a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

A study of 215,000 military veterans with diabetes found that those treated with GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide had a 12% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s compared to those on other diabetes treatments.

Another study analysed medical records from over 1 million individuals with type 2 diabetes. The results showed that semaglutide users had a 40% to 70% lower risk of Alzheimer’s compared to those on other diabetes medications.

While the exact mechanisms are unclear, researchers believe GLP-1 drugs may help by reducing brain inflammation, improving insulin resistance, and aiding in clearing amyloid-beta plaques—protein buildups linked to Alzheimer’s progression.

Can GLP-1s help improve polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

GLP-1 medications like Wegovy may help women manage polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal condition linked to symptoms such as acne, excessive hair growth, weight gain and fertility issues.

By promoting weight loss and improving insulin sensitivity, GLP-1s can help regulate menstrual cycles. The rise in pregnancies among women using these medications has even led to the term ‘Ozempic babies’.

As PCOS is often associated with insulin resistance and irregular ovulation, these effects may indirectly support fertility. However, GLP-1s are not a direct treatment for PCOS and should not be used while trying to conceive due to potential risks to the developing baby.