Beyond Weight Loss and Diabetes with GLP-1 Drugs

It seems like these new GLP-1 drugs are taking the world by storm. Like so many other issues in our politically charged environment, it seems people either love them or hate them.

There’s no doubt they help people lose a lot of weight.

Like so many other drugs, there’s also some side effects.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea for starters.

Some people have reported kidney issues, muscle weakness and even some cancers such as pancreatic and thyroid.

Whether you’re a cheerleader or a cynic, everyone can agree on the mechanism of action for these drugs. The drugs mimic a naturally-occurring hormone in your body also called GLP-1. These hormones work on the areas of your brain involved in hunger and satiety.

In other words, it quiets that little voice in your head telling you to reach for just one more cookie. The one that makes you feel like you need something sweet after your meal.

Many of us (me included) have a tough time resisting those cravings.

And so do drug addicts. Or alcoholics. Pretty much anyone with an addiction.

These GLP-1 medications turn off that voice. The same one associated with all these addictions.

Maybe you want to lose it weight loss. Maybe you don’t.

But it sure seems like this class of drugs may be beneficial for addicts.

“The Science” is showing that as well.

• 25% lower risk of opioid addiction

• 20% lower risk of cocaine and nicotine addiction

• 18% lower for alcohol

• 50% fewer substance-related deaths.

Pretty cool. That’s for people who are trying these behaviors but may not be addicted yet. For addicts there is more good news.

• 40% fewer overdose deaths

• 31% fewer ER visits

A team from the University of Washington analyzed the health records of about 600,000 veterans and looked at their GLP-1 use vs becoming addicts or helping those who were already addicted to some substance.

My obvious first take is how many veterans become addicts and how sad that is. However, it does seem like there is some hope for these drugs and helping people who are struggling with addiction.

These studies are observational and I’m sure much more research is needed. It just makes sense to think about a drug that calms cravings would help people who are addicted to something.

I often criticize the pharmaceutical and medical industries for their inability to treat chronic disease. Sometimes though they can really come through.

It seems like these drugs may actually be incredibly beneficial. Especially at a time when so many people are suffering from some kind of addiction.

My standard for what interests me in medicine is simple. Does the therapy/drug/vitamin/procedure actually work? There are so many products for heath out there that seem like just a waste of money. It’s nice to see there may be a new product that actually has value.