Semaglutide and GLP-1 drugs show health benefits and risks globally

Large observational studies in the United States and Europe have linked GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) to lower incidences of several obesity‑related cancers and a 30% reduction in breast cancer among women who used the drugs. Researchers also found that patients on semaglutide were 40–70% less likely to receive a first‑time Alzheimer's diagnosis, suggesting a possible protective effect on the brain, although the studies were not designed to prove causation.

Separate research from Poland reported a modest increase in ischemic optic neuropathy among GLP-1 users – about one extra case per 2,000 patients – prompting clinicians to advise patients to seek immediate care for sudden vision changes. In Canada, Health Canada approved two generic semaglutide products in 2026, offering a potentially lower‑cost alternative to brand‑name Ozempic. Chilean data show semaglutide can improve metabolic‑associated fatty liver disease by reducing weight and inflammation. The UK has introduced the first oral Wegovy pill containing semaglutide, with health experts urging clinical oversight and gradual dose titration. In the United States, a Gallup poll found GLP‑1 use for weight loss rose from 3% to 11% of adults within two years, coinciding with a modest drop in national adult obesity rates.