Writer: Ahmad Mohammad, PhD pupil, College of Toronto | Editors: Romina Garcia de leon
Printed: October seventeenth, 2025
What are GLP-1 agonists, and the way do they work within the physique?
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists (that are in generally recognized medicine corresponding to “Ozempic”) are drugs that mimic the behaviour of a pure hormone referred to as GLP-1, which is launched within the intestine after we eat. By its signalling, this hormone slows down how rapidly the abdomen empties and communicates with the mind to assist us really feel full sooner and longer. GLP-1 performs a vital function in retaining blood sugar ranges secure all through the day, which is why it’s an essential goal for diabetes therapy. Due to these mixed results, long-lasting GLP-1 agonists (medicine that may make the physique really feel as if GLP-1 is there longer than it really is), cut back urge for food, assist management blood sugar, and in the end help weight reduction. They had been initially designed for individuals with sort 2 diabetes however are actually extensively used as a software for weight administration as properly.
Individuals are utilizing GLP-1 agonists as a “miracle weight reduction drug.” What occurs when individuals cease utilizing these medicine? Are there any long-term results on metabolism?
GLP-1 drugs can result in important weight reduction, particularly when mixed with wholesome habits corresponding to train. When individuals ultimately cease taking the drug, nonetheless, many discover that their urge for food returns, they usually start to regain the burden they misplaced as they proceed to fulfill their appetites. It’s because the remedy was doing a variety of the work in serving to regulate emotions of starvation so when the remedy is not there, individuals must depend on their very own pure starvation ranges.
As for long-term results on metabolism, we nonetheless have quite a bit to be taught. Whereas GLP-1 agonists are usually protected and efficient, we don’t but totally perceive what occurs to the physique years after stopping the therapy as the rise in its recognition has been very latest and long-term research have but to be performed. That’s the reason medical supervision and sustainable way of life adjustments stay essential, even for these seeing nice outcomes on these medicine.
What will we find out about GLP-1 (and GLP-1 agonists) and mind well being?
GLP-1 doesn’t simply act solely on the intestine and pancreas as was initially thought. It additionally travels to the mind, the place it might probably cut back irritation, shield mind cells, and probably help reminiscence. In reality, GLP-1 can be produced immediately within the mind to exert these helpful results extra on to neurons in instances of want. Current analysis means that GLP-1 might even be capable to assist decelerate or forestall adjustments within the mind which can be linked to Alzheimer’s illness. Whereas the precise pathways underlying this impact stay unclear, a number of theories have been proposed and warrant additional investigation.
GLP-1 has been proven to help mind well being by means of two pathways. First, GLP-1 produced within the mind itself may act in a protecting method to restrict degradation. Second, by serving to cut back weight problems, a significant danger issue for Alzheimer’s illness, GLP-1 could also be not directly reducing danger for degradation. Collectively, these routes spotlight GLP-1’s potential function in defending the mind in numerous methods. The invention that GLP-1 influences mind well being is thrilling as a result of it means a medicine initially created for diabetes may additionally assist shield the mind and help wholesome getting old in sure populations. Scientists are nonetheless working to grasp precisely the way it works, however the potential for mind well being advantages is a promising new course the sector is starting to research.
Are you able to inform us what you’re researching?
My analysis focuses on how hormones like GLP-1 and estrogens have an effect on the mind, particularly in people who find themselves in danger for Alzheimer’s illness. I’m learning a brand new therapy that mixes each of those hormones into one remedy, and I’m testing the way it works in mice that carry genes linked to Alzheimer’s illness danger. I have a look at how this therapy impacts reminiscence, mind irritation, and the expansion of latest mind cells. I’m additionally exploring whether or not it really works in a different way in women and men, and whether or not weight loss plan performs a job in how efficient the therapy is. Specifically, I’m within the results that this mixture drug can have in mice consuming a high-fat, high-sugar weight loss plan, generally known as a western weight loss plan. The objective is to raised perceive how we will use these hormones to guard the mind within the individuals who want it most.
Why is your analysis significant and what can we take away from it?
Alzheimer’s is a devastating illness that impacts thousands and thousands of households worldwide. Females are particularly in danger, but they’re typically ignored in medical analysis. My work goals to vary that by learning how organic intercourse, hormones, and metabolism can work collectively to form mind well being. I hope this analysis will result in extra customized and efficient remedies that take particular person variations into consideration. What I discover most significant is that this work brings collectively the physique and the mind. It reminds us that mind well being is related to every part we do, from what we eat to how our hormones operate. The extra we perceive these connections, the higher we will shield our minds as we age.