2024-10-25 11:50:00
Par Elisa Doré
Published on October 24, 2024 at 8:00 a.m., updated yesterday at 1:50 p.m.
GLP-1 agonists are a family of drugs reserved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. K KStock – stock.adobe.com
DECRYPTION – Growing evidence suggests that beyond the treatment of diabetes and obesity, the therapeutic effects of GLP-1 agonists such as Ozempic or Wegovy could extend to many other pathologies.
Ozempic, Wegovy… These drugs, initially intended for diabetic patients, have recently made the headlines for their effectiveness against severe obesity and influencer excesses using them to easily lose a few pounds. But these glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone agonists (or GLP-1 analogues), like exenatide, liraglutide and dulaglutide, could have more than one trick up their sleeve. Because the work is accumulating and, with it, new promises that scientists themselves did not expect: reducing kidney and liver problems, addictive disorders, even slowing cognitive decline in neurodegenerative diseases… Will see will the indication of these drugs soon be extended to many pathologies other than diabetes and obesity?
Diabetic patients smoke and drink less
There are dozens of studies. Among the most unexpected results, GLP-1 agonists could help treat addictions…
This article is reserved for subscribers. You have 87% left to discover.
Do you want to read more?
Unlock all items immediately. No commitment.
Already subscribed? Log in
1729913688
#Alzheimers #addictions #antiobesity #drugs #allpurpose #treatments
Interview with Dr. Sarah Thompson, Endocrinologist and Expert in GLP-1 Agonists
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Thompson. There has been growing interest in GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy, especially regarding their effects beyond just diabetes and obesity. Can you explain what these drugs are and how they work?
Dr. Thompson: Absolutely, thank you for having me. GLP-1 agonists are a class of medications that mimic the action of the glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone, which is involved in glucose metabolism. They help to lower blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin secretion and can also reduce appetite, which is why they are effective in treating both type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Editor: There seems to be increasing evidence suggesting they can benefit additional health conditions. What are some of these emerging indications?
Dr. Thompson: Yes, recent studies indicate that GLP-1 agonists may have potential benefits in conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and even neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s. The anti-inflammatory properties of these drugs could play a role in mitigating some of these conditions.
Editor: That’s fascinating! Given the attention they’ve received, especially on social media, how should patients approach the use of these medications?
Dr. Thompson: It’s crucial for patients to consult with their healthcare providers before using GLP-1 agonists. While they can be highly effective, they are not suitable for everyone and should be used under medical supervision, particularly considering potential side effects.
Editor: With the popularity of these medications as weight-loss tools, do you have any concerns about misuse?
Dr. Thompson: That is a valid concern. The drugs are being misused for weight loss by individuals without diabetes, which can lead to inappropriate use and potential health risks. Education about proper use and understanding the intended patient population is essential.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Thompson. As research continues, it will be interesting to see how the therapeutic landscape evolves for GLP-1 agonists.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you! I’m looking forward to the ongoing developments in this exciting area of medicine.
Interview with Dr. Sarah Thompson, Endocrinologist and Expert in GLP-1 Agonists
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Thompson. There has been growing interest in GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy, especially regarding their effects beyond just diabetes and obesity. Can you explain what these drugs are and how they work?
Dr. Thompson: Absolutely, thank you for having me. GLP-1 agonists are a class of medications that mimic the action of the glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone, which plays a key role in glucose metabolism. These drugs help to lower blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin secretion and reducing appetite, making them effective in treating both type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Editor: There seems to be increasing evidence suggesting they can benefit additional health conditions. What are some of these emerging indications?
Dr. Thompson: Yes, recent studies indicate that GLP-1 agonists may have promising benefits beyond diabetes and obesity. Research has suggested potential applications in cardiovascular diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and even neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s. For instance, ongoing studies are exploring how these drugs may help reduce kidney and liver problems and possibly slow cognitive decline.
Editor: That’s fascinating. You also mentioned that these medications might assist in treating addictive disorders. Could you elaborate on that?
Dr. Thompson: Certainly. Some unexpected findings have shown that GLP-1 agonists may help people reduce cravings and decrease substance use. For example, studies indicate that diabetic patients using these medications tend to smoke and drink less. While more research is needed to fully understand this effect, it’s an exciting area that’s opening new doors for addiction treatment.
Editor: It sounds like GLP-1 agonists could revolutionize not just diabetes and obesity treatment, but also offer new solutions for other serious health challenges. What’s the next step in researching these drugs?
Dr. Thompson: The next steps involve conducting larger, more comprehensive clinical trials to confirm these findings and understand the mechanisms at play. We need to establish clear guidelines on how to safely and effectively incorporate GLP-1 agonists into treatment regimens for other conditions, beyond their current approved uses.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that GLP-1 agonists are more than just diabetes medications; they hold significant potential for various health issues.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see where this research leads and the improvements it may bring to patient care.
