Ozempic found to be better than approved therapies at slashing risk of disease affecting 7M Americans
Diabetes has long been linked to dementia, with an increased risk of around 70 percent, due to high blood sugar levels that can damage vessels supplying blood to the brain, blocking the flow of oxygen.
Traditionally, metformin has been used as a first line therapy for diabetes due to its established safety profile and cost-effectiveness, costing less than $25 per month for a typical dose.
And recent studies found that it also helped to improve cognition and lower dementia or Alzheimer's risk in people with type 2 diabetes.
However, the medication, prescribed 80 million times in the US annually, is known to cause a variety of side effects, including diarrhea, stomach ache and loss of appetite.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is also a common side effect of taking metformin in higher doses or for long periods, with tiredness, muscle weakness, mouth ulcers and vision problems being among chief complaints.
Now, a new study led by Taiwan-based Professor Szu Yuan Wu and published in the open access journal BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care, suggests GLP-1 receptor agonists might be a more effective remedy to safeguard against dementia than metformin by up to 25 percent.
These type of drugs were also associated with lower death rates than metformin.
GLP-1s - which mimic the effects of the hormone that stimulates insulin release, suppressing glucagon, and slowing stomach emptying - also have a range of other benefits including significant weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and potential cardiovascular benefits.
But they too come with negative side effects, including vomiting, mood changes and vision problems.
The researchers believe the new findings could help shape future clinical guidelines for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, especially with GLP-1 medication costs decreasing due to market competition.
In the new study, the researchers drew on anonymized electronic health records from a global health research network (Trinetx) spanning the period 2004 to 2024 to track the development of dementia in patients with type 2 diabetes.
The patients had been treated with either GLP-1s or metformin (there were 87,229 patients in each group with an average age of 58) for at least six consecutive months.
From the data, the researchers found that GLP-1 drugs were associated with a significantly lower (10 percent) risk of developing dementia, overall, with an incidence of about 2.5 percent compared with an incidence of nearly five percent for metformin.
And specifically, taking this type of drug was associated with a 12 percent lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, and a 25 percent lower risk of developing other non-vascular dementias than metformin use.
Further in-depth analyses showed that these positive effects were evident across all age groups, but with the strongest effect among people over 60, women, and those of White ethnicity.
Risk of death from any cause was also lower.
Nearly five percent of those treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists died compared with nearly nine percent of those treated with metformin.
With metformin, the researchers note that the benefits primarily derive through a variety of metabolic processes that impact the entire body.
These include reducing glucose production in the liver, increasing insulin sensitivity, and influencing gut health.
Meanwhile, GLP-1 receptor agonists exert direct effects on the central nervous system by crossing the blood-brain barrier.
This allows them to act on GLP-1 receptors within the brain, influencing various functions.
Therefore, this could make them a more effective solution than metformin, especially when it comes to dementia.
This is an observational study, and as such, no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect.
And the researchers point out that the tracking period, while sufficient for observing dementia outcomes, may not fully capture long-term cognitive effects, especially given the progressive nature of Alzheimer's disease.
They conclude: 'Given the severe societal, familial, and economic burden of diabetes-related dementia, these findings raise important considerations about the role of GLP-1 [receptor agonists] as first-line therapies in [type 2 diabetes] management.
'While further long-term studies are warranted to validate these results, integrating GLP-1 [receptor agonists] as primary therapeutic agents may represent a paradigm shift in preventing the cognitive complications of diabetes.
'Both medications demonstrate neuroprotective properties, such as reducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, improving insulin sensitivity, and enhancing cerebrovascular health, which likely contribute to their benefits in overall dementia.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Guardian
7 hours ago
- The Guardian
The voice of our own inner critic can be strong. How can we break free from the mental prison?
The Buddha was bold in his approach to human psychology. He described psychological suffering as pervasive and inherent to the human experience. Suffering is present not only in moments of loss and pain, but in how the mind contracts, shaped by past actions and entrenched habits. In this sense, we live in a mental prison of our own making with walls continually constructed and reconstructed largely out of conscious view. Thoughts, perceptions and feelings appear solid and true, and a relentless internal voice tells us who we are, what we ought to be and do and what the world must deliver. At its worst, our psyche can feel like 'a bad neighbourhood' that we might avoid walking through alone, to quote writer Anne Lamott. During such times, support, friendship and self-nurturing are crucial. But even outside more troubling mental states, the walls of our minds can limit the view. Sound familiar? It's no coincidence that in contemporary life, the pursuit of mental freedom has become mainstream – even commercial. Modern seekers are microdosing psilocybin, participating in ayahuasca ceremonies, experimenting with cognitive-enhancing supplements like nootropics, and trying biohacking techniques – cold plunges, saunas, sensory deprivation tanks to name a few. And then, of course, there are silent meditation retreats: two days, 10 days, 30 days, even three months. On these retreats, participants report glimpsing a reality beyond the known self, a shift so impactful it can redirect the entire course of their lives. In fact, many committed to Buddhist meditation speak of such moments as pivotal. While sudden breakthroughs can be transformative (particularly when integrated well), once the intensity fades, familiar anxieties return. The architecture of our inner world, temporarily dismantled, rebuilds itself. The Buddha might have recognised the yearning behind this search, but cautioned that while insight can arise spontaneously, the path is ultimately gradual and gentle, requiring ethics, restraint, mindfulness and mental persistence. We chase instant fixes, hoping the next practice or product will deliver, only to feel let down. Caught in this need for immediate release, we often avoid examining the quieter mechanisms that keep us trapped. One such mechanism is what modern Buddhists refer to as the judgmental or comparing mind – not to be confused with wise discernment. As our awareness deepens, we begin to see the extent to which we internalise rules, expectations, and criticism. The comparing mind isn't kind or reasonable. When triggered, it can be oppressive, self-flagellating and cruel. It can appear in the body as constriction and discomfort – a tightening of the jaw and chest, a sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach. Sometimes it's so constant we only notice it when we pause and tune in. Western thinkers like Sigmund Freud and Michel Foucault explored how we internalise authority, self-police, and punish ourselves. Foucault described how we internalise the gaze of those in power, monitoring our behaviours, actions and even our thoughts. Freud referred to the 'superego,' which tames instinctual desires, but also devolves into shame and guilt; essential to social cohesion, he said, but when overactive, the cause of neuroses and mental distress. Buddhism recognises similar dynamics, albeit through a different lens. As a way to work with the inner critic, we are first invited to actively extend a spirit of non-harm toward all beings – this includes ourselves. This elicits an ever-deepening awareness of how we move through the world and treat others, as well as our own hearts, in the pursuit of mental liberation. Then, through meditative inquiry, we begin to see our punishing thoughts with greater clarity – their shape, origin and propensity. Shame and blame aren't repressed, but understood and, where possible, gently disarmed and pacified. What does this look like, practically? First, notice how it lives in the body and stays with it. Offer yourself some mercy. This is part of being human – a mind that grasps, compares, and cajoles. As calm returns, a small sense of freedom may emerge. Don't miss that. From here, trace what gave rise to the pattern: fatigue, an interaction, a memory or something else. Notice the belief or storyline the mind clings to. In other words, what is the sticky thought at play? In seeing this clearly, the mind may loosen its grip. Over time, and with continued observation, these habits may naturally dissipate. During a retreat, I once became struck by the cruelty of my thoughts. I hadn't noticed it in the rush of daily life, but in stillness, it hit me in a visceral way. Every time I meditated, my mind scorned me: I wasn't doing it well enough, this wasn't the practice for me, I was too sleepy, hungry, or ill-suited. I had a bad temperament, the voice said, and I might as well give up. Exhausted, I went to the teacher to report on my experience, and she said very directly, as if she already knew, 'it's remarkable how violent we can be to ourselves'. It's hard, this being human thing. But the Buddha's path, like many spiritual paths, is a hopeful one. It teaches us how to alleviate suffering through humility, curiosity and patience, rather than fighting fire with fire. To paraphrase the Buddha, 'hatred is never appeased by hatred … but by love alone'. With practice, the grip of the inner critic is released, and space for something else emerges. It may happen suddenly, but it's more likely to happen over time. As the punishing narrator recedes into the background, we access greater moments of mental release and ethical clarity. Then, one very fine day, we might walk straight out of the prison's doors, and as we do, we might realise the doors have been wide open this whole time. Dr Nadine Levy is a senior lecturer at the Nan Tien Institute. She coordinates its health and social wellbeing program and the graduate certificate in applied mindfulness
Metro
9 hours ago
- Metro
I've tried all sorts to lose weight - but my latest attempt is my most extreme
Miah Carter was just 10 years old when she was put on a waiting list for gastric surgery. The schoolgirl had struggled with emotional eating and a hormone imbalance from an early age, both of which had left her clinically obese. 'I was one of the first ten-year-olds on the waitlist for gastric surgery for severe obesity,' the 22 year old content creator from Reading, Berkshire, tells Metro. ' I was referred to King's College Hospital in London and had regular appointments – however, in the end, my family and I decided not to push it due to the severity of the operation.' Miah's decade-long battle to be at peace with her body – which she says is due to health concerns rather than body image – has seen her explore a rollercoaster of weightloss methods, from fad diets to supplements, and even a spell using semaglutide injections, which left her feeling like she was having a heart attack. 'I tried every diet you can think of from Slim Fast to Weight Watchers. I've bought fat metabolisers and weightloss pills, and even saw private dieticians in London,' she explains. 'We went back and forth with different approaches, but nothing helped. Being autistic, I don't absorb information the same way as others, so found it really hard to retain what the dietitians were telling me. Sticking to routines is also tough for me – that's part of why it didn't work. 'I did a lot of emotional eating – food gave me comfort and made me happy,' Miah adds. 'Because of the size of my stomach, I could eat and eat. My hormones also played a big role. I'd eat until I was full – or even sick – and 10 minutes later, I'd feel empty again. I'd keep eating until it became physically painful.' By 16, Miah's weight was spiralling and she was desperate for a solution. 'I remember going into the chemist to buy weight-loss tablets – the kind advertised on TV. I can't recall the exact name, but they didn't do anything,' she says. As years went by, she went on to make a name for herself as a body positivity influencer, calling herself 'your self love big sister', with posts reminding her followers about the importance of self-acceptance, while also being honest about her own struggles with her weight and body image. As Miah continued to search for new ways to lose weight, she began to read about jabs, such as Mounjaro and Ozempic, that were originally created to treat diabetes. Scrolling through Facebook groups, looking at miraculous before and after images, she began to feel hopeful. 'I was heavily influenced by people online who were taking it and seeing results,' Miah remembers. 'I thought 'this is the solution – I'm finally going to lose weight and change my life'.' So she decided to try them. 24 hours after filling in an online form for the Saxenda injection, Miah went to a high street chemist to collect it. There, staff checked her eligibility and she was assessed by a doctor, then handed the drug, which she was told to inject daily and expect her appetite to reduce. 'I was quite gobsmacked at how simple it was,' she adds, pointing out that the chemist didn't offer any follow-up support. With high hopes, Miah started her injections, however, like many who take weight loss jabs, she began to suffer from side effects. 'I had really bad pain in my heart and started to feel sick, like something wasn't right in my body. I felt so run down and it was just horrible,' she remembers. Miah says that her heart would sometimes race so fast it felt like it was going to explode out of her chest. 'It would hit me out of nowhere, sometimes multiple times a day and each episode lasted minutes – but felt like hours. 'I'd be lying in bed or just standing in the kitchen and suddenly feel dizzy, short of breath, and completely overwhelmed. There were moments I genuinely thought I was having a heart attack. 'After a really severe episode, my first thought was, 'I bet it was the weight loss injections'. I had only been on them for a few weeks – less than a month -soI decided to stop. A few weeks after that, I was completely fine.' After coming off the jabs, Miah realised it was time once again to reassess her weight loss plan. This time, she finally made the bold decision to have gastric surgery last October – more than a decade after she had been put on the waiting list as a child. 'This was the biggest operation I've ever had – there is no going back,' she admits. 'You're essentially having part of your body removed and I now only have about 20% of my stomach left. It's a huge decision – but knowing what I know now, I should have done it earlier, as it's changed my life.' Miah has documented her weight loss journey to her to her 3 million followers, including the surgery – which has seen her lose 11stone since getting the gastric sleeve. However some people have hit back at her decision to get surgery, deeming it contradictory to body positivity. Miah disagrees: 'I did it for my health, not to change how I look. I was 32 stone and nearly on my deathbed at 20. My legs were hanging and I was struggling to walk. It was a massive decision, but one of the best I've made in my life. 'Every day, every hour, every minute I get hateful comments, but I don't care. I want people to see what I go through. Those sorts of comments used to hurt, but they don't touch me anymore. Now I just think – you're pushing up my views and paying my bills.' While the injections may have had an adverse effect on her health, Miah knows that they may work well for others. 'I'm not judging anyone or telling anyone not to take it—everyone's journey is different. If it works for you and improves your quality of life, I respect that.' More Trending 'But for me, it wasn't the right solution because when it comes to weight loss – there isn't one size fits all.' In a statement to Metro, Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Saxenda wrote: 'At Novo Nordisk patient safety always comes first. An increased heart rate (tachycardia) is a known uncommon adverse reaction for Saxenda (liraglutide) and is listed in the medicine's official information. If a patient experiences a sustained and clinically relevant rise in their resting heart rate, it is recommended they contact their healthcare professional. Any decision to start, stop, continue or change treatment should be together with a healthcare professional, based on their professional judgment of what's right for that individual. View More » If you are taking any medication and believe you might be experiencing a side effect, please speak to your healthcare provider and report it through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. MORE: 'I used a fake profile to hunt my aunt's murderer' MORE: Vogue has started using AI models — what does it mean for beauty standards? MORE: Chloe Ayling: 'I can't believe I'm still talking about being kidnapped eight years later' Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Scottish Sun
14 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I shed 6st in 9 months on fat jabs – the rule you need to follow to not put weight back on & it works when eating out
Scroll down to find out everything you need to know about fat jabs WEIGHT UP! I shed 6st in 9 months on fat jabs – the rule you need to follow to not put weight back on & it works when eating out Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A WOMAN who shed a whopping 6st in just nine months has shared the secret behind not pilling back all the pounds when eating out. Lucy Davies kickstarted her weight loss journey with the popular fat jab almost a year ago and has since managed to shed a staggering 6 stone. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 he blonde beauty has also been documenting the process and her experience with Mounjaro on TikTok Credit: tiktok/@insightfullucy 3 She recently revealed her tip for not putting all the weight back on Credit: @insightfullucy 3 Mounjaro is typically used to treat type 2 diabetes Credit: Getty The blonde beauty has also been documenting the process and her experience with Mounjaro on TikTok - where she recently revealed she still enjoys eating out every now and then. Mounjaro is regarded by some as the King Kong of weight loss jabs. Sun GP Dr Zoe Williams acknowledged that Mounjaro, which has been rolled out on the NHS, can save the lives of people with 'life-threatening levels of obesity.' But despite this, the NHS warned: 'Never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed to you. "These types of medicines may not be safe for you and can cause serious side effects.' About half a million Brits use weight loss drugs - and the number is expected to double in the next year. Mounjaro works by suppressing your appetite, making people feel fuller for longer. The injections are licensed for patients with type 2 diabetes and to assist those who are clinically obese (with a Body Mass Index of 30 or over). One jab is administered each week but the duration is dependent on someone's weight. Lucy's results were no doubt impressive - and despite looking incredible, she still enjoys the foods she loves, and it's all thanks to one key tip. Towie star Saffron Lempriere reveals how she lost 12 pounds in 4 weeks - without fat jabs The stunner, who posts under the username @insightfullucy, explained that she's ''always loved eating out''. But while many of may stuff our faces - which is also needed from time to time - Lucy has maintained her enviable figure with ensuring she doesn't go overboard. ''I just make sure I stick to a calorie deficit,'' she told her 34k followers in a recent video. Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. A calorie deficit is often touted as the key to weight loss - it's when you consume fewer calories than you burn in a day. Calories are the energy you get from food, fuelling everything from breathing to exercise. When you're in a calorie deficit, your body draws on stored energy (primarily fat) to make up the difference, which can lead to weight loss over time. To reach a calorie deficit, you need to either eat fewer calories, increase physical activity or do a combination of both. For example, if your calories are 2,000 per day, reducing to 1,500 calories or boosting physical activity by 500 calories would create a deficit. However, it's worth emphasising that creating a calorie deficit isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. Factors like age, how active you are, health conditions and metabolic rate - the speed at which your body burns calories at rest - can all affect your personal calorie needs. Thanks to being mindful, Lucy's managed to lose weight - whilst still consuming a variety of foods, including sweet potato fries which typically tend to be more fatty. However, that doesn't mean Lucy eats like this all the time - there have also been plenty of occasions when the foodie has opted for healthier, more veggie-heavy options to keep the calories lower. ''You can still enjoy eating out on Mounjaro,'' Lucy wrote in the caption. What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors: There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. The reality of Mounjaro Although many have boasted about weight loss success since using Mounjaro, last year it was revealed that Scots nurse Susan McGowan, 58, died after taking low-dose injections of Mounjaro over a fortnight. A probe also found that nearly 400 people have gone to hospital after taking weight loss drugs. The common side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, which can lead to severe dehydration. And if that wasn't bad enough, doctors say they have also seen 'life-threatening complications', including seizures, bowel obstruction and inflammation of the pancreas. Model Lottie Moss, 27, even said she had a seizure after taking high doses of Ozempic. The makers of Mounjaro, Lilly UK, said patient safety is its 'top priority'. Lilly UK stressed: 'Regulatory agencies conduct extensive independent assessments of the benefits and risks of every new medicine and Lilly is committed to continually monitoring, evaluating, and reporting safety data. 'If anyone is experiencing side effects when taking any Lilly medicine, they should talk to their doctor or other healthcare professional.'
