Beyond Diabetes and Obesity: The Expansion of GLP-1 Medications

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications have revolutionized the treatment of diabetes and obesity, but their impact is rapidly broadening. Recent research and regulatory approvals reveal that GLP-1s may offer hope for a range of other health conditions—some of which might surprise you.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)

In August 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Wegovy® (semaglutide) to treat adults with MASH with moderate to advanced liver scarring (fibrosis) without cirrhosis of the liver. About one in 20 people in the U.S. are affected by MASH, which is strongly linked to obesity, overweight, and Type 2 diabetes. This is the third FDA-approved indication for Wegovy and the first that does not require a diagnosis of obesity.

Sleep apnea

In December 2024, the FDA approved Zepbound® (tirzepatide) to treat severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity. Zepbound became the first drug treatment for the illness. About 2% to 4% of the population has OSA, which is more common among people who have obesity or are overweight.

Substance use disorders

There is preclinical evidence that GLP-1s help to reduce alcohol intake, reduce motivation to drink, and prevent drinking relapses by possibly lowering the alcohol-induced reward. Certain brain regions in the central nervous system are connected to development of SUDs. Some preclinical studies have shown that dopamine signaling can be modulated, which reduces drug seeking and drug intake. Metabolic and neuroendocrine pathways are indirectly affected, causing a change in behavior. About 10.2% of the U.S. population has alcohol use disorder.

A recent study showed that heavy drinkers who took a GLP-1 cut their alcohol intake by about 70% and no one increased their alcohol intake.

A 2019 study showed that rats who were given a GLP-1 lowered their self-administration of oxycodone and their uptake of oxycodone-seeking behavior.

Mental health

Emerging research suggests GLP-1 medications may offer benefits beyond metabolic health, extending to mental health as well. Preclinical studies indicate that GLP-1s can exert antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects, with a recent systematic review noting that people who took GLP-1s had lower depression scores compared to those on placebo. These medications appear to reduce neuroinflammation and oxidative stress—two factors implicated in the development of depression and anxiety. Additionally, GLP-1s may promote neurogenesis and help regulate neurotransmitter systems, potentially alleviating symptoms of depression. In the United States, approximately 8.3% of the population experiences depression.

Cognitive health and Alzheimer’s disease

Ongoing research is also exploring the potential of GLP-1s to support cognitive health. An October 2024 study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia reported that people with Type 2 diabetes who took semaglutide had a lower risk of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease compared to those using other types of diabetes medications. Semaglutide is thought to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties and may help clear amyloid-beta, a major component of the plaques characteristic of Alzheimer’s pathology.

References

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