The benefits of taking GLP-1 agonists seem to outweigh the risks, at least when taken for approved uses, according to an assessment of how the drugs affect 175 conditions

A study analyzing data from over 2 million veterans found that GLP-1 receptor agonists, popular weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, provide significant neurological and behavioral health benefits,

Popular GLP-1 medications for weight loss and diabetes may have unexpected benefits for reducing risks for conditions

The study included nearly 2 million patients, making it the largest ever conducted on this group of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists.

Novo Nordisk ( NYSE:NVO) and Eli Lilly ( NYSE:LLY) are making headlines againthis time, for potential benefits beyond weight loss. A new study finds that people taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro face up to a 12% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Over 2 million people were included in new research to test these drugs against 175 different health outcomes.

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy were initially used — and still are used — to treat diabetes. But in recent years, the uses of this class of drugs have grown in number. Nowadays, Ozempic and its ilk are often used for weight loss — and have shown promise in addressing other health issues.

A new study highlighted Monday the potential benefits of popular diabetes drugs on a wide range of health issues including dementia and cardiovascular diseases, although experts warned against seeing them as miracle drugs.