Major update on weight loss drugs as new unexpected health benefits revealed

Weight loss drugs have been a huge topic of conversation for months now, as more and more people are turning to them to help shed the pounds, but recent studies have shown they may have some other benefits too.

Injectables like Mounjaro, Wegovy and Ozempic - the latter of which is approved to treat type 2 diabetes rather than losing weight - have become increasingly popular in recent years.

According to the Independent, a whopping 2.5 million people are using weight loss jabs in the UK, which is seven times more than the same period last year.

Meanwhile, in the US, it was reported last year that a whopping one in eight adults have tried a GLP-1 drug.

And as more research is being carried out, it turns out that the drugs could actually be helping with more than weight loss.

Here, we'll break down the latest big developments in the world of these medications and what they could mean for the future.

The use of GLP-1 medication is expanding beyond weight loss and type 2 diabetes treatment (Getty Stock Image)

What else can GLP-1 drugs help with?

Most recently, new research has suggested that the drugs could actually reduce the risk of heart patients being hospitalised or dying early by half.

The findings were presented at the 2025 European Society of Cardiology Congress in Madrid, Spain, last month.

GLP-1 drugs have been found to offer 'dramatic benefits' to heart patients, significantly cutting their risk of becoming seriously ill, reports The Guardian.

The author of the study, Dr Nils Krüger, said: "Both semaglutide and tirzepatide are well known for their effects on weight loss and blood sugar control, but our study suggests they may also offer substantial benefits to patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes by reducing adverse heart failure outcomes.

"Our findings show that in the future, GLP-1 targeting medications could provide a much-needed treatment option for patients with heart failure."

Most recently, a study revealed that the drugs can reduce risk of early death and hospitalisation in heart patients (Getty Stock Image)

Meanwhile, a different 2024 study found that weight loss drugs can also have a positive impact on blood sugar, blood pressure and inflammation, as well as direct effects on the heart muscle and vessels, therefore reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

And as per Your GP, another separate study revealed strong benefits to cognitive and behavioural health.

The American research found that users had a decreased risk of seizures and addiction to various substances such as alcohol, cannabis, stimulants and opioids, as well as a reduction in suicidal ideation, self-harm, bulimia and psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.

What are the latest GLP-1 drug developments?

Pills

As for the latest developments, as reported by Mercer, one of the most highly anticipated developments is the introduction of oral GLP-1 drugs.

So, pills rather than injectables.

According to the publication, semaglutide which can be taken orally is expected to gain approval soon for 'both obesity treatment and secondary cardiovascular risk reduction in people with obesity'.

The first oral GLP-1 medication is reportedly on the way (Getty Stock Image)

Reportedly, it comes into play as early as the end of this year, making history as the the first oral GLP-1 option for weight management.

And as we say, another huge development is that the drugs continue to expand beyond their original uses.

Other uses

For example, Wegovy has just gained approval for treating metabolic-associated steatohepatitis, also known as a MASH, which is a serious liver condition.

Meanwhile, Ozempic is reportedly expected to address peripheral artery disease in people with type 2 diabetes soon, with other ongoing trials exploring GLP-1’s potential to help osteoarthritis, diabetic complications, Alzheimer’s, and even addiction treatment.