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. 

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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.

Wegovy and cardiovascular health

Clinical trials over the past decade have shown that Wegovy 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 improves blood sugar control, which is important for reducing damage to blood vessels caused by high glucose levels. It also helps patients to lose a significant amount of weight, helping to lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels and strain on the heart.

Additionally, Wegovy has shown potential in reducing inflammation and improving vascular function, further protecting the heart's health.

The landmark SELECT trial specifically demonstrated Wegovy's cardiovascular benefits, showing a 20% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events among overweight adults with established heart disease^[2].

Notably, these protective effects appeared to emerge before significant weight loss occurred, suggesting that Wegovy provides direct cardiovascular protection beyond its weight loss effects.

The medication appears to work directly on GLP-1 receptors found throughout the cardiovascular system, improving blood vessel function, reducing arterial inflammation, and stabilizing vulnerable plaques that could lead to heart attacks.

This dual mechanism - both direct cardiovascular protection and weight-related benefits - has led to Wegovy being licensed for patients with cardiovascular risk in addition to weight management.

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Wegovy and heart failure

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is a common type of heart problem where the heart muscle becomes stiff and has trouble filling with blood, even though it still squeezes normally.

This condition is becoming more frequent, especially in people with obesity who experience severe symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and difficulty with daily activities.

Until now, no treatments have been specifically approved to help obese patients with this type of heart failure.

Researchers conducted a study with 529 patients who had both this type of heart failure and obesity (significantly overweight with a body mass index of 30 or higher). Half received weekly semaglutide (Wegovy) injections at 2.4 mg, while the other half received placebo treatments for 52 weeks.

The study measured improvements in heart failure symptoms, physical function, and weight loss.

The results showed significant benefits for patients taking semaglutide^[3]. Heart failure symptoms and physical limitations improved substantially more in the semaglutide group, with patients reporting much better quality of life compared to those on placebo.

The drug also led to impressive weight loss, with semaglutide patients losing an average of 13.3% of their body weight versus only 2.6% in the placebo group.

Physical function also improved dramatically with semaglutide treatment. Patients could walk an average of 21.5 meters farther in a 6-minute walking test compared to just 1.2 meters improvement in the placebo group. This suggests real-world benefits in patients' ability to perform daily activities and exercise without becoming as winded or tired.

The study also measured inflammation levels in the blood, finding that semaglutide reduced inflammatory markers by 43.5% compared to only 7.3% with placebo. This reduction in inflammation may contribute to the overall heart health benefits observed in the study, as inflammation can worsen heart problems.

Does Wegovy 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^[4] 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.

Wegovy and serious liver disease

Researchers have found promising results for using semaglutide (Wegovy), a drug commonly prescribed for diabetes and weight loss, to treat MASH - a serious liver disease where fat builds up and causes inflammation and scarring. This breakthrough could offer new hope for millions of patients suffering from this condition.

In this major clinical trial, 800 patients with MASH and moderate to severe liver scarring participated in the study. Half of the participants received weekly semaglutide injections at a dose of 2.4 mg, while the other half received placebo treatments. The researchers carefully monitored the results over 72 weeks of treatment to assess the drug's effectiveness.

The results showed significant improvements in liver health for patients taking semaglutide. Liver inflammation resolved in 63% of semaglutide patients compared to only 34% of placebo patients, without any worsening of liver scarring.

Additionally, 37% of semaglutide patients experienced reduced liver scarring without worsening inflammation, compared to 22% of placebo patients. When examining combined improvement in both areas, 33% of semaglutide patients showed progress versus just 16% of placebo patients^[5].

Mounjaro and sleep apnoea

Sleep apnoea and being overweight are closely connected, so losing weight can significantly help. Weight loss injections like Mounjaro are showing promising results as a new treatment option.

A recent study^[6] tested whether Mounjaro could help people with moderate to severe sleep apnoea sleep better by reducing how often they wake up at night.

The results were impressive - Mounjaro significantly improved sleep apnoea symptoms compared to a placebo, and this worked whether people were using CPAP machines or not.

For further information on how Mounjaro can help those with sleep apnoea, read the guide linked.

Can Wegovy and Mounjaro reduce alcohol abuse? 

Wegovy and Mounjaro are not designed to treat alcohol abuse, but there is some emerging evidence^[7] 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^[8]. Another review^[9] 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^[10] 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^[11] 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^[12] 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^[13] —protein accumulations associated with the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

GLP-1s and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) 

GLP-1 medications 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^[14] ’.

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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