GLP‑1 receptor agonist medicines began as treatments for type 2 diabetes and are now often used for weight loss. Some patients said they felt less interest in alcohol and nicotine while taking these drugs.
A research team analysed electronic health records for about 600,000 US veterans with type 2 diabetes. They compared people who started a GLP‑1 drug with people who took a different diabetes medicine.
The study found that people on GLP‑1 drugs had lower risk of new substance problems and, for those who already had an addiction, fewer serious harms. The authors say clinical trials are needed to test GLP‑1 medicines for addiction.
Difficult words
- agonist — A substance that activates a specific receptor
- analyse — To examine information carefully to find meaninganalysed
- veteran — A person who served in the militaryveterans
- addiction — A strong need to keep using a substance
- harm — Physical or mental damage or serious problemsharms
- clinical trial — A planned medical study to test a treatmentclinical trials
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think it is safe to use diabetes medicines for weight loss? Why or why not?
- What questions would you ask a doctor about GLP-1 drugs?
- Have you seen a medicine used for a different problem than it was first made for? Give an example or say no.
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