Weight loss injections like Ozempic might reduce the risk of dementia and help people quit smoking, new research suggests.
A team from Oxford University explored the effects of semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic and Wegovy, on mental health and brain conditions. They found that the drug is linked to a lower risk of cognitive problems such as memory loss, the first signs of dementia, and can also aid in smoking cessation.
The study, which followed 130,000 American patients with type 2 diabetes over a year, including more than 20,000 on semaglutide, found no negative mental health effects, reassuring diabetic patients with depression or anxiety about the drug's safety. Semaglutide users did not show an increased risk of brain or psychiatric conditions, including dementia, depression, or anxiety, compared to those on other anti-diabetic drugs.
Semaglutide was also associated with a reduced risk of nicotine dependence, adding to evidence that it might help treat addictions, including quitting cigarettes or alcohol. Additionally, those taking the drug were significantly less likely to develop cognitive impairments like memory loss or difficulties with attention and decision-making.
The researchers claim this study provides the first robust evidence that semaglutide might enhance brain health and protect against addictions. Dr Riccardo De Giorgi, the lead author, stated, "Our results suggest that semaglutide use could extend beyond managing diabetes, potentially offering unexpected benefits in treating and preventing cognitive decline and substance misuse."
