Type 2 diabetes affects more than 800 million people globally and research shows that those with the condition are about twice as likely to have depression as the wider population. GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide are commonly prescribed for diabetes and obesity. While studies have found other health benefits beyond weight loss and better blood sugar levels, the medications' effects on mental health have been unclear.
The weight loss jabs Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy - a type of medicine containing semaglutide - are increasingly being seen as a medical wonder of the age. They bring great benefits to people with diabetes and obesity.
Novo Nordisk's closely-watched Alzheimer's trials of an older oral version of its semaglutide drug failed to help slow the progression of the brain-wasting disease, the firm said on Monday, a blow to the obesity drug giant that sent its shares sliding. The trials, which Novo had previously called a "lottery ticket" to underline its highly uncertain outcome, were testing whether the medicine could slow cognitive decline in patients.
The study, led by Lisa Beutler, MD, PhD, assistant professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, improves the understanding of the molecular mechanisms influenced by these drugs and could help refine the development of future targeted therapies for treating diabetes and obesity. Incretin receptor agonists are a class of drugs that mimic the effects of incretin hormones - glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) - to stimulate insulin secretion and regulate blood sugar levels.
Before I explain, I want to clarify that I firmly believe in body autonomy. If someone chooses to take a weight loss medication, they should be able to do so without judgment. I hope all potential users are fully informed about the risks and benefits of these medications and are followed responsibly by medical providers. Ideally, they would also be screened for a current or past eating disorder or any other condition that might contraindicate the use of GLP-1s and GIPs.
This suggests that these nerve cells control the beneficial effects of semaglutide. We have therefore identified a specific group of nerve cells that is necessary for the effects that semaglutide has on weight and appetite, but which does not appear to contribute to any significant extent to side effects such as nausea.
