Even if you don’t have diabetes or obesity, could Ozempic be right for you?
since the weekly injection Approved in 2017 To treat diabetes in adults, researchers have been testing your superpowers On other chronic diseases, such as colorectal cancerosteoarthritis, drug and alcohol addiction, brain disorder and more.
“I am using [Ozempic] Off-label for many conditions – and has been for years,” Dr. Caroline Messer, an endocrinologist at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital told The Post. “Even though it’s not approved for sleep apnea yet, we’re using it for that. we are using it fatty liver [disease]High cholesterol, you name it.
Ozempic, monjaro, wegovy, Victoza And Trulicity are part of a class of diabetes and obesity drugs called GLP-1 drugs. They make you feel full longer by mimicking the body’s GLP-1 hormone that is naturally produced after eating.
Most of the secondary conditions these drugs are being used to treat are obesity-related.
Obesity causes low-grade chronic inflammationWhich occurs when the body’s natural chemical response to a stimulus or injury remains active long after the danger has passed.
GLP-1 works by inducing weight loss, interacting with immune cells, and efficiently reducing the amount of inflammation in the body. Blocking the release of cytokinesWhich are proteins that respond to cell damage from injury or infection.
“Cytokines are produced by excessive numbers of fat cells in obese people,” Dr. Sue DecotisThe Manhattan-based triple-board certified medical weight loss therapist explained to The Post.
“Cytokines control problems like arthritis and skin diseases, which promote cancer,” Decotis added. “By eliminating this fat cell store, it helps the body return to a healthy state.”
Decotis calls GLP-1s “an exciting class of drugs”—here are some of the conditions they may help treat.
colorectal cancer
are concerned about the rising rates of Colorectal cancer in young peopleAn international team of scientists Plan to start human trials early next year to see whether GLP-1 drugs “can reverse cancer-associated molecular signatures.”
Obesity is linked to a Increased risk of 13 types of cancerFor example, people who are obese are 1.3 times more likely to develop colorectal cancer, According to the National Cancer Institute,
Obesity, type 2 diabetes and cancer are linked to insulin resistance — which occurs when the body’s cells don’t respond well to insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar.
GLP-1s stimulate insulin release, thereby improving insulin sensitivity. And in addition to reducing inflammation, the drugs may enhance the function of cancer-fighting natural killer cells, Messer said.
,[There are] There are a lot of different theories out there, but I think what we know for sure is this. [GLP-1s] Certainly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer,” he said.
knee pain in osteoarthritis
People with thick knee arthritis experienced a nearly 50% reduction in knee pain after taking Ozempic as part of a study published last month. New England Journal of Medicine,
“We know, clearly, helps in weight loss with [osteoarthritis]Messer said. “But they are saying it improves osteoarthritis even without weight loss. there is definitely one inflammatory component To [osteoarthritis]So I guess that’s how it’s working out.”
Messer has also seen GLP-1 help his patients. rheumatoid arthritisA chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints.
substance abuse
“Many times, addictive behavior is just to give your body a dopamine hit,” Messer said.
GLP-1 drugs may be able to treat Alcohol and opioid addiction By affecting dopamine levels in the brain.
Ozempic users have reported The craving for alcohol is reducedFood as well as medicines and nicotine.
brain disease
“I already have patients mild cognitive impairment or the APOE gene for Alzheimer’s who are taking these drugs for preventive purposes,” Messer said of GLP-1s.
A particular variant of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is significantly increased risk of alzheimer’s,
Ozempic shows promise in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, reducing tau protein and amyloid plaques, which are Key markers for dementia,
skin conditions
recent research Found that obese people who took semaglutide – the active ingredient in Ozempic and Vegovy – lost weight, reduced inflammation, improved blood sugar and lost weight. hidradenitis suppurativa Flare up.
Ulcerative skin disease, which is closely related to obesity, affects at least 1 in 100 people,
“They’re seeing incredible results because of the anti-inflammatory effects,” Messer said. “I see a decrease in my patients PsoriasisProbably due to swelling.”
sleep apnea
research this year Found that tirazepate – the active ingredient in Monjaro and zepbound – Decreased sleep apnea severity by 63% in obese adults with obstructive sleep apnea.
An estimated 39 million American adults A condition that occurs when the throat muscles relax during sleep and repeatedly block the airway. Losing weight often helps.
polycystic ovary syndrome
PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that affects ovarian function.
a study Ozempic was found to cause significant weight loss in about 80% of obese PCOS patients who did not respond to other treatments – and it helped regulate their menstrual cycles.
Heart attack and early death after stroke
new preliminary research A study published Monday found that type 2 diabetes patients who took Ozempic after a stroke had a 74% reduced risk of early death, as well as an 84% reduced risk of heart attack.
The study authors noted that GLP-1 drugs have been shown low blood pressure and help prevent hardening of arteriesWhich is a major risk factor for stroke.
looking towards the future
Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk, which manufactures Ozempic and Vegovy, Its scientists say are working on the treatment of cardiovascular diseaserare blood diseases haemophilia, developmental disorders and Non-Alcoholic SteatohepatitisA chronic liver disease.
Meanwhile, the company warns that treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a health care professional and require strict medical supervision.
“Novo Nordisk does not promote, suggest or encourage off-label use, or misuse, of any of our medications,” a spokesperson told The Post.
Ozempic has been hailed as a “wonder drug”, but some users have also complained of side effects. nauseaVomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain.
Very rarely, there have been reports of eye conditions that cause blindness, hair fall And behavior changeas well as, Buyers of knockoffs need to beware,
Novo Nordisk said this month Compounded versions of semaglutide, which are prepared by a pharmacy, not the manufacturer, have been linked to at least 100 hospitalizations and 10 deaths.
