Wegovy and Mounjaro benefits beyond weight loss

Wegovy and Mounjaro are widely known for helping patients lose weight, but their advantages go beyond just shedding pounds. These medications may also improve health in other ways, such as cardiovascular health. 

Whether you're considering these treatments or already using them, this guide will help you discover their full range of potential health benefits. 

What are the benefits of semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) apart from weight loss? 

Some of the other potential benefits of weight loss medications may include: 

• Improved blood sugar in those with type 2 diabetes and those in the prediabetic stage

• Improvement in cardiovascular health 

• Improvement in kidney function 

• Indirectly improved fertility 

• Reduction in alcohol abuse 

• May reduce nicotine cravings in those who smoke

• May reduce the risk of obesity-related cancers 

• May reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease 

Based on current evidence, these benefits look promising, but more research is still needed. 

Wegovy Weight Loss Injections

Starting from £99.00

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Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)

Starting from £129.00

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Wegovy and Mounjaro in treating type 2 diabetes 

Before they were approved as weight loss treatments, Wegovy and Mounjaro were used to regulate blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. 

They work by increasing insulin production when needed, reducing insulin resistance, and slowing glucose release from the liver. They also delay stomach emptying, leading to steadier blood sugar levels and reduced appetite.

How do Wegovy and Mounjaro affect cardiovascular health? 

Clinical trials over the past decade have shown that GLP-1 receptor agonists may not only improve heart health but also reduce major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE)^[1] like heart attacks and strokes by addressing the key risk factors. 

Wegovy and Mounjaro improve blood sugar control, which is important for reducing damage to blood vessels caused by high glucose levels. They also help patients to lose a significant amount of weight, helping to lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels and strain on the heart. 

Additionally, both medications have shown potential in reducing inflammation and improving vascular function, further protecting the heart's health. 

Nevertheless, it's hard to determine whether the improvement in obesity-related conditions like heart disease and stroke is due to the weight loss caused by GLP-1 receptor agonists or the direct effects of the medication itself. 

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Does Wegovy and Mounjaro improve kidney health? 

Recent studies suggest that these drugs may offer additional health benefits, including potential improvements in kidney health. For example, research has linked semaglutide to a 24% reduction^[2] in major kidney disease events.

By addressing obesity and type 2 diabetes—some of the main risk factors for kidney disease—these medications can reduce stress on the kidneys. 

Improved blood sugar control, weight loss and lowered inflammation may improve kidney health. However, there isn’t conclusive evidence that these medications improve kidney function just yet.

Can Wegovy and Mounjaro reduce alcohol abuse? 

Wegovy and Mounjaro are not designed to treat alcohol abuse, but there is some emerging evidence^[3] suggesting that they might influence behaviours related to addiction.

These medications work on the brain's GLP-1 receptors, which also involve reward and impulse control. Some studies indicate that GLP-1 receptor agonists could reduce cravings or consumption of substances like alcohol, but this research is still in its early stages.

While these findings are promising, neither Wegovy nor Mounjaro is approved for reducing alcohol abuse. If you're concerned about your alcohol use, it’s important to seek guidance from a healthcare provider for appropriate treatment options. 

Do GLP-1s help with quitting smoking?

GLP-1s may help with quitting smoking by affecting the brain's reward system, particularly the part that drives addiction. They make nicotine feel less rewarding, which can reduce cravings.

A study found that activating GLP-1 receptors lowered nicotine use in mice by targeting specific brain circuits^[4]. Another review^[5] showed that GLP-1s not only reduced nicotine intake in animals but also eased withdrawal symptoms and helped prevent weight gain after quitting, which is a common worry. While these results are promising, more research is needed to confirm their effects in humans.

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Does Wegovy and Mounjaro reduce the chance of colon cancer? 

Recent research indicates that GLP-1 receptor agonists may be associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. 

A study published in JAMA Oncology^[6] analysed the health records of over 1.2 million individuals with type 2 diabetes and found that those treated with GLP-1 medications had a lower incidence of colorectal cancer compared to those on other antidiabetic treatments.

However, further clinical trials are necessary to establish a clear relationship between GLP-1 use and decreased colorectal cancer risk. 

Is there a link between Alzheimer’s disease and Wegovy and Mounjaro? 

Recent studies suggest a potential link between GLP-1 receptor agonists and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. 

A study involving 215,000 military veterans with diabetes who were treated with GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide found a 12% reduction^[7] in Alzheimer's risk compared to those on other diabetes treatments.

Another study by Case Western Reserve University analysed medical records of over 1 million individuals with type 2 diabetes. The findings indicated that semaglutide users had a 40% to 70% lower risk^[8] of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to those on other diabetes medications. 

The mechanisms behind these results are not yet fully understood. However, it's thought that GLP-1 drugs may reduce brain inflammation, improve insulin resistance, and aid in clearing amyloid-beta plaques^[9] —protein accumulations associated with the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

GLP-1s and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) 

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

GLP-1s make weight loss easier and improve insulin sensitivity, which can help regulate menstrual cycles. The babies born during this rise in pregnancies among those who have used GLP-1s have been referred to as ‘Ozempic babies^[10] ’.

Since many women with PCOS struggle with insulin resistance and irregular ovulation, these effects can indirectly support fertility. However, GLP-1s are not a direct treatment for PCOS and shouldn’t be used while trying to conceive due to the risks to the developing baby. 

As we’ve established, there is great potential for GLP-1 receptor agonists to do more than help people lose weight. From improving cardiovascular health and PCOS to potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer's and certain cancers, the outlook of these drugs is promising. 

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