By Shelby Stewart-Soldan
ssoldan@mihomepaper.com
Brandon Twp. — Recent studies of people taking GLP-1 diabetes management and weight-loss drugs, such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro, have shown the possibility of reduced risk of certain cancers and slower cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients.
The drugs, originally approved for diabetes management in 2017, were approved for weight-loss in 2021. Other uses are still being studied.
“When they started using the drug for diabetes, they caused significant weight loss,” said Dr. Rachel Young, DO, of McLaren Ortonville Family and Internal Medicine. “The drug companies looked at that to market for weight loss because blood sugar doesn’t drop too low.”
The drugs, taken as injections, were originally thought to target the digestive system. Through studies, it was found they actually target the brain.
“They’re finding they work in the brain to alter appetite, work to decrease appetite,” said Young. “The appetite suppression and making you more insulin sensitive, helps in processing blood sugar.”
While the drugs have two uses approved by the Food and Drug Administration, studies are finding other benefits.
A study recently published in the Journal of the Medical, which studied people with type-2 diabetes on the GLP-1 drugs over 13 years, found that patients were less likely to develop certain forms of cancer that are associated with obesity. The study found that patients were less likely to be diagnosed with ten types of cancer than those who took insulin alone for diabetes management. The cancers included gallbladder, pancreatic, colorectal, ovarian, esophageal, endometrial, living and kidney, as well as meningioma and multiple myeloma. The risk was lowered 24-65%, depending on the type of cancer. It did not reduce the risk for postmenopausal breast cancer, stomach cancer, or thyroid cancer.
Another current study, unveiled this week mid-stage at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, showed that GLP-1 drug Novo Nordisk liraglutide may slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients. The study reported that those who took the drug, versus a placebo, had an 18% less decline, and loss 50% less volume in the areas of the brain that control memory, learning language and decision making. The study is still in early stages and is still being investigated and reviewed.
“They can help reduce risk with diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, even some cancers and high cholesterol,” said Young. “It’s relatively new for weight loss. They’re saying patients should commit to a year at least.”
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine also found that patient taking Mounjaro, which has the active ingredient tirzepatide, were three times as likely to lose 15% or more of total body weight than those taking Ozempic with the active ingredient semaglutide. The study analyzed more than 18,000 patients with obesity, with or without type-2 diabetes.
“They’re typically very effective,” she said. “We start at a low dose and work your way up. And lifestyle changes are important, smaller portions, good diet, and being physically active. The medications aren’t magic, they help the patient to make the lifestyle changes.”
Young said the range of weight loss varies patient to patient. In a month, it can be five to 15 pound loss, and over months can be 30-40 pounds.
“If they’re coming in for weight loss, we make sure they’re eating a healthy diet, fresh, whole foods, focusing on less processed and smaller portions and physical activity,” she said. “We always start there first.”
Young also said that insurance coverage has varied in the last few years, and that some insurances require the patient to be on a weight-loss program, and some won’t cover weight-loss drugs without a co-morbid condition. The prescription can be upwards of $600 for a month’s supply.
“While guidelines continue to change, insurance companies change monthly coverage just for weight loss,” she said. “You have to be considered by BMI standards to be obese.”
Young said if people are curious about options of weight loss or diabetes management, such as GLP-1 drugs, to see your physician.
“At least make sure it’s the right choice or see if there are other options,” she said.