Semaglutide and tirzepatide are widely known — and very popular — for their role in helping people lose weight, even when previous attempts at diet and exercise have failed. They're so effective as weight-loss aids that you might be surprised to learn that recent research suggests potential benefits that are far more extensive.
As an experienced provider offering semaglutide and tirzepatide at her Santa Monica practice, Shamsah Amersi, MD, wants patients to be aware of these possible benefits so that they can feel completely confident in their treatment decisions. In this post, she reviews the results of some of the most recent and ongoing research surrounding these unique medications.
Several studies have shown that people using GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide have a significantly lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia, and vascular dementia. Semaglutide, in particular, has demonstrated strong protective benefits for brain health.
Additional studies suggest GLP-1 medications reduce inflammation after a stroke, improving outcomes and functionality for survivors. Other data show the medications support nerve repair in conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS).
While tirzepatide's brain-specific research is still in its early stages, its dual action on GLP-1 and GIP receptors suggests potentially stronger neuroprotective effects. Tirzepatide has also shown promising mood-related benefits, reducing rates of anxiety and depression in some patients treated for diabetes.
Both semaglutide and tirzepatide help reduce chronic inflammation, a factor that contributes to the development of many chronic and severe health conditions. Data show these medications work in several ways to manage inflammation, reducing pro-inflammatory proteins called cytokines while increasing anti-inflammatory agents.
They also inhibit a key pathway involved in the inflammatory process while activating a second pathway responsible for cell repair and energy production.
Semaglutide has also shown benefits for cardiovascular health in recent studies. In the SELECT trial, it reduced the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death by 20%, regardless of participants’ weight loss.
These results are likely due to reductions in inflammation, improved blood pressure control, and lower body weight achieved while taking the medication. Semaglutide also showed benefits for those with heart failure and kidney disease.
Tirzepatide may offer even greater promise due to its dual action as a GLP-1 and GIP agent. So far, data show tirzepatide reduces liver fat and improves cholesterol levels, factors that play important roles in heart health. While full cardiovascular outcomes are pending, early findings are very encouraging.
GLP-1 medications have also shown promise in supporting better bone and joint health. At least one study has demonstrated semaglutide's ability to reduce osteoarthritis in people with obesity, possibly in part due to reductions in both weight and inflammation.
Tirzepatide may offer similar protection by lowering inflammation that contributes to joint destruction in arthritis. At the same time, less arthritis pain can help patients stay more active, keeping joints healthy and flexible.
PCOS is a chronic condition that involves multiple challenges and effects, including weight gain, hormone imbalances, and insulin resistance. Researchers believe GLP-1 medications can help women manage PCOS and its symptoms by improving insulin sensitivity and supporting weight management.
In turn, effective PCOS management could help women stabilize their menstrual cycles and improve fertility and conception rates. GLP-1 medications may also help lower cholesterol levels in these patients, another important benefit for women with PCOS.
Semaglutide and tirzepatide may have gained initial recognition for their ability to aid in weight loss, but researchers now know that's just part of their story. To learn more about these powerful medications and their potential role in helping you lose weight and maintain your health, request an appointment online or by phone with Dr. Amersi at her Santa Monica, California, office today.
