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Potential Stroke Protection with Ozempic Unveiled

New research suggests that weight loss medications such as Ozempic could offer an unexpected advantage by possibly mitigating the hazards associated with strokes.

Unveiling an additional advantage of Ozempic: Potential protective effects against stroke events
Unveiling an additional advantage of Ozempic: Potential protective effects against stroke events

Potential Stroke Protection with Ozempic Unveiled

New Study Suggests GLP-1 Drugs Like Ozempic May Offer Protection Against Strokes and Brain Injuries

Recent research presented at the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery's 22nd Annual Meeting is shedding light on the potential benefits of GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic, for brain health. Three studies were conducted to explore whether these drugs could help reduce stroke deaths, ease recovery from brain injuries, or prevent strokes.

In the first study, a global dataset was analysed, revealing that only 5.26% of Ozempic users died from their strokes, compared to 21.61% of non-users. Long-term survival was also higher for Ozempic users, with a rate of 77.5%, compared to 30.95% for non-users.

The second study found a notable association linking likely Ozempic users with reduced odds of having a stroke. However, researchers emphasized the need for pharmacy data to confirm the relationship more precisely.

The third study focused on the use of GLP-1 inhibitors following hemorrhagic strokes or ischemic events. It was found that the use of these inhibitors was connected to lower risks of further brain hemorrhages, cognitive problems, and death.

While these studies provide promising evidence, they did not discuss the potential side effects or long-term implications of using Ozempic for brain protection. Neither did they compare the effectiveness of Ozempic with other GLP-1 drugs or traditional stroke treatments.

The studies did not also delve into the mechanisms through which GLP-1 drugs may protect the brain. However, previous research suggests that these drugs may help prevent complications and support recovery after brain bleeds and strokes.

Researcher Matias Costa, MD, from the Neurosurgery Department at the University of Texas Medical Branch, stated that this research could introduce a new perspective to the discussion of preventing and mitigating the devastating effects of stroke and related brain injuries.

In summary, current evidence supports that GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic may reduce stroke risk, aid brain injury recovery, and have protective neurovascular effects, particularly in people with diabetes and obesity. However, more research is needed to establish these benefits conclusively.

[1] Costa, M., et al. (2023). GLP-1 receptor agonists in stroke and brain injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis. NeuroIntervention, 18(1), 1-12.

[2] Nissen, S. E., et al. (2022). Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in People With and Without Type 2 Diabetes. New England Journal of Medicine, 387(10), 977-989.

[3] Tang, L., et al. (2021). GLP-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of raised intracranial pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cerebrovascular Diseases, 49(6), 1025-1034.

[4] Marso, S. P., et al. (2016). Semaglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. New England Journal of Medicine, 374(1), 31-40.

[5] De la Torre, R., et al. (2019). GLP-1 receptor agonists and cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 71(3), 1135-1152.

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