Health
Semaglutide and tirzepatide show possible benefits beyond weight loss in studies
Fox News reports that trials and observational studies link GLP-1 drugs to possible benefits across heart, kidney, liver, joint, lung, mood and skin conditions.
The short version
- Fox News reports that semaglutide and tirzepatide are linked to possible benefits beyond weight loss across several conditions.[Fox News]
- Reported trial results include fewer heart events in people with cardiovascular disease and fewer kidney complications in type 2 diabetes.[Fox News]
- Some findings are less certain, including an unreviewed medRxiv observational study that does not establish causation.[Fox News]
Key facts
- A Lancet study reported that semaglutide reduced heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular death among people with existing cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity.[Fox News]
- The STEP 9 trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, reported that semaglutide significantly reduced knee osteoarthritis pain and improved physical function in adults with obesity.[Fox News]
- The FLOW trial reported that semaglutide reduced major kidney-related complications and cardiovascular death by 24% among patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.[Fox News]
- A New England Journal of Medicine trial reported that semaglutide improved liver tissue findings, including inflammation and scarring, in patients with MASH.[Fox News]
- Researchers reported that 62.9% of semaglutide recipients in that MASH trial achieved resolution without worsening liver fibrosis, versus 34.3% on placebo.[Fox News]
- Real-world research presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress has linked GLP-1 medications to fewer asthma attacks and COPD flare-ups.[Fox News]
- A JAMA Dermatology trial reported that adding tirzepatide to existing psoriasis treatment improved skin clearance in adults with moderate to severe psoriasis and overweight or obesity.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- Findings from the medRxiv observational study, which linked semaglutide to lower rates of substance-related and mood disorders, have not been peer-reviewed and do not establish that the medication caused the reductions.[Fox News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.