Medical Report: Weight loss isn’t the only benefit of drugs like Ozempic, study says

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Semaglutide is a medication sold under several brands, including Ozempic and Wegovy. The diabetes drug has gained a great deal of attention because it can be helpful in weight loss.

Semaglutide is part of a group of drugs called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists. The drug was originally developed to help people with diabetes control their blood sugar.

Over time, it became clear that the drug helped with weight loss, but a new study details an additional benefit. The New England Journal of Medicine has confirmed that semaglutide helps prevent long-term kidney damage and heart disease.

However, these medications are quite complex, and a physician’s input is critical.

Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough .

​​KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.