The benefits of taking GLP-1 agonists seem to outweigh the risks, at least when taken for approved uses, according to an assessment of how the drugs affect 175 conditions

A new study compares the benefits and risks of taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss, including risks of dementia, addiction, heart disease, and gastrointestinal problems, among others.

GLP-1 agents "have an intricate web of various effects," Al-Aly said in a press briefing. For example, the analysis showed that use of GLP-1 agonists was associated with a 5% risk reduction in neurocognitive disorders, driven by an 8% decreased risk of dementia and 12% lower risk for Alzheimer's disease.

The study included nearly 2 million patients, making it the largest ever conducted on this group of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists.

Novo Nordisk ( NYSE:NVO) and Eli Lilly ( NYSE:LLY) are making headlines againthis time, for potential benefits beyond weight loss. A new study finds that people taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro face up to a 12% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Over 2 million people were included in new research to test these drugs against 175 different health outcomes.

A comprehensive new study supports evidence of the myriad health benefits of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro — and even some new potential upsides. Analyzing the medical records of roughly 2.