GLP-1 medications may provide health benefits that extend beyond weight loss, according to a growing body of research.From reducing cardiovascular risks to potentially easing joint pain and inflammation, studies suggest these drugs may affect multiple systems throughout the body.Here are seven potential benefits beyond shedding pounds.POPULAR WEIGHT-LOSS STRATEGY SHOWS SURPRISING POTENTIAL FOR CHRONIC PAIN RELIEFResearch suggests semaglutide — the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy — may provide cardiovascular benefits beyond those associated with weight loss.A major study published in The Lancet found that semaglutide reduced the risk of heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular death among people with existing cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity.The benefits were observed across different body weights and were not fully explained by weight loss.Semaglutide has been shown to reduce cardiovascular risks, with benefits that appear to extend beyond weight loss.
(iStock)GLP-1 medications have been linked to reduced joint pain, although researchers are still investigating how much of the benefit comes from weight loss versus other effects.TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZThe STEP 9 clinical trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that semaglutide significantly reduced knee osteoarthritis pain and improved physical function among adults with obesity.Research suggests GLP-1 medications may help reduce knee osteoarthritis pain, although their ability to repair damaged cartilage has not been established.(iStock)GLP-1 medications may help protect kidney function through several mechanisms, including improvements in blood sugar, blood pressure and inflammation.GLP-1 BOOM COULD RESHAPE RESTAURANT BARS AS DINERS CUT BACK ON ALCOHOLIn the landmark FLOW trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, semaglutide reduced the risk of major kidney-related complications and cardiovascular death by 24% among patients w...