Writer: Ahmad Mohammad, PhD scholar, 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 medication equivalent to “Ozempic”) are drugs that mimic the behaviour of a pure hormone known as GLP-1, which is launched within the intestine after we eat. By way of its signalling, this hormone slows down how shortly the abdomen empties and communicates with the mind to assist us really feel full sooner and longer. GLP-1 performs an important position in holding blood sugar ranges secure all through the day, which is why it’s an necessary goal for diabetes remedy. Due to these mixed results, long-lasting GLP-1 agonists (medication 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 finally assist weight reduction. They have been initially designed for individuals with kind 2 diabetes however at the moment are extensively used as a device for weight administration as effectively.
Individuals are utilizing GLP-1 agonists as a “miracle weight reduction drug.” What occurs when individuals cease utilizing these medication? Are there any long-term results on metabolism?
GLP-1 drugs can result in vital weight reduction, particularly when mixed with wholesome habits equivalent to train. When individuals finally cease taking the drug, nevertheless, 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 treatment was doing quite a lot of the work in serving to regulate emotions of starvation so when the treatment is not there, individuals have to depend on their very own pure starvation ranges.
As for long-term results on metabolism, we nonetheless have so much to study. Whereas GLP-1 agonists are typically protected and efficient, we don’t but totally perceive what occurs to the physique years after stopping the remedy as the rise in its reputation has been very latest and long-term research have but to be carried out. That’s the reason medical supervision and sustainable life-style modifications stay necessary, even for these seeing nice outcomes on these medication.
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 will probably cut back irritation, shield mind cells, and presumably assist reminiscence. The truth is, GLP-1 will also be produced straight within the mind to exert these helpful results extra on to neurons in instances of want. Latest analysis means that GLP-1 might even have the ability to assist decelerate or forestall modifications 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 assist mind well being by 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 position in defending the mind in varied methods. The invention that GLP-1 influences mind well being is thrilling as a result of it means a drugs initially created for diabetes may additionally assist shield the mind and assist wholesome ageing in sure populations. Scientists are nonetheless working to know precisely the way it works, however the potential for mind well being advantages is a promising new route the sector is starting to analyze.
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 finding out a brand new remedy 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 remedy impacts reminiscence, mind irritation, and the expansion of recent mind cells. I’m additionally exploring whether or not it really works otherwise in men and women, and whether or not weight loss program performs a job in how efficient the remedy is. Particularly, I’m within the results that this mix drug can have in mice consuming a high-fat, high-sugar weight loss program, generally known as a western weight loss program. The purpose is to higher perceive how we are able to 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 hundreds of thousands of households worldwide. Females are particularly in danger, but they’re usually missed in medical analysis. My work goals to vary that by finding out 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 therapies that take particular person variations under 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 are able to shield our minds as we age.