As with all prescription drugs the scientific testing doesn’t stop when they become available for doctors and healthcare providers to prescribe them.
And it’s fair to say the results of this trialling and testing for GLP-1s has been showing effects seem to encompass way more than weight loss. People were becoming healthier in ways that couldn’t always be explained by the number on the scales alone.
It’s now a pretty much accepted opinion that these revolutionary treatments could be affecting organs throughout the user’s body, including the heart, kidneys, liver and brain. Some of these halo effects are extra health benefits that are now backed by strong evidence and others are promising but need more research.
What are ‘halo effects’?
A halo effect is simply an unexpected health benefit that goes beyond weight loss.
To make things easier, we’ve grouped the evidence into three categories.
🟢 Established
Backed by large clinical trials with some now approved uses.
🟠 Promising
Supported by encouraging research but more evidence is needed.
🔵 Early-stage
Interesting findings that are still being explored.
We’re not a medical site so if you want detailed information take a look at some of the links at the end.
🟢 Established benefits
Better heart health
This is now one of the strongest areas of evidence.
Large clinical trials have shown GLP-1 weight loss treatments can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular death in people at high risk.
Lower blood pressure & healthier cholesterol
Many people see improvements in their blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides. Losing weight certainly helps but researchers also believe these medicines may improve blood vessel function and reduce inflammation.
Better kidney health
They can help slow the progression of chronic kidney disease in many people with type 2 diabetes.
Obstructive sleep apnoea
One of the newest approved uses in the USA is for treating obstructive sleep apnoea in people living with obesity. Losing weight reduces pressure around the airway helping many people breathe more easily while they sleep.
Fatty liver disease
Impressive results in reducing liver fat and inflammation, making this one of the fastest-moving areas of research.
Less knee pain
People living with obesity and knee osteoarthritis often report less pain, better mobility and an improved quality of life after losing weight.
🟠 Promising benefits
Quieter food noise
A lot of us, but not everyone, find the constant thoughts about food become quieter. Experts believe the treatments act directly on the brain’s appetite and reward centres. This explains why so many people describe feeling “normal” around food for the first time.
Alcohol & other addictions
Researchers are also investigating whether people with nicotine, alcohol and other substance addictions could be helped by GLP-1s. The early findings are encouraging. It’s definitely still too soon to know how effective they are.
Migraine
Small studies have suggested the treatments may reduce the number of migraine days for some people, even when little or no weight is lost. It’s an exciting finding but much larger studies are needed.
PCOS & fertility
In women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), GLP-1 medications have been shown to improve weight, insulin resistance and menstrual regularity. Some studies have also reported higher natural pregnancy rates. Of course, they’re not fertility treatments.
Skin conditions
Researchers are exploring whether the anti-inflammatory effects of GLP-1 medications could help conditions such as psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa. There is limited evidence so far.
🔵 Early-stage research
Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s disease
Scientists have been investigating whether GLP-1 medications could help protect the brain. The results have been mixed. Some early studies looked promising, but large Alzheimer’s trials have not shown the hoped-for improvements in slowing cognitive decline. The research is carrying on so there could be a breakthrough.
Cancer risk
This has generated plenty of headlines which we’re sure you’ve seen. Some large studies suggest people taking GLP-1 medications develop fewer obesity-related cancers than similar people who aren’t taking them. The experts don’t yet know whether that’s because of the medication itself, the weight loss it causes or other lifestyle changes. There’s more research going on and it will be a while before anything definitive will be known.
The everything drug?
Not quite. Weight loss is the key use and reason for people to use Mounjaro or Wegovy, or any future GLP-1 treatment. And it’s still responsible for many of the health improvements people experience.
But it’s becoming increasingly clear that these medications do much more than reduce appetite. Research goes on and may lead to new treatments for the issues in this article. But not all the outcomes will be a success. Of course, that’s exactly how science works and amazing breakthroughs happen.
We’ll continue updating this guide as the evidence develops, helping you separate the headlines from the science.
Important reminder: We’re not a medical site. GLP-1 medications are currently licensed for specific medical conditions. Many of the possible benefits described above are still being researched and should not be seen as approved uses. Always speak to your doctor or healthcare team before making decisions about your treatment.
For more detailed information have a look at these articles: Advisory Board on general GLP-1 benefits, Nature Magazine on the expanding landscape of GLP-1 medicines, Alzheimer Europe on Novo Nordisk early Alzheimer’s trial, Northside Hospital on GLP-1 use for migraines, ASCO Post on GLP-1’s and obesity cancers and Science Daily on GLP-1s on addictions.
