Weight loss injections, originally designed to lower blood sugar levels for people with type 2 diabetes, have become widely popular in recent years. With several versions now available in Scotland, many people have turned to them for weight management. However, recent studies suggest these medicines may offer a broader range of health benefits than initially thought.
Approved Medicines and How They Work
Three medicines have been approved by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) to help with weight management and obesity: Liraglutide (Saxenda), Semaglutide (Wegovy), and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro). It should be noted that Saxenda is currently experiencing a global shortage, limiting new initiations onto the injection.
Known as GLP-1 agonists, these drugs reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. They also help reduce appetite and create a feeling of fullness. While clinical trials have found them effective for weight loss, this is only possible and sustainable if the user increases physical activity and follows a healthy balanced diet.
Cardiovascular and Other Physical Benefits
Research published in Nature Medicine in January 2025 compared 215,000 people with diabetes on weekly injections to over 1.2 million people on non-GLP-1 medicines. After an average of 3.68 years, patients on the weight loss drugs had a 22 per cent lower risk of cardiac arrest and an 11 per cent lower risk of heart failure.
According to the British Heart Foundation, patients also reduced their risk of liver failure by 24 per cent and respiratory failure by 22 per cent. The research found GLP-1 agonist users were around 12 per cent less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. A 2023 study also found that those using semaglutide had a 20 per cent lower risk of dying from coronary heart disease after 2.75 years compared to those given a dummy injection.
Mental Health, Alcohol and Sleep Apnoea
The same study linked weight loss medication to a lower risk of some mental health issues, including substance use disorders, suicidal ideation, and schizophrenia. Researchers have also found that these drugs can help reduce alcohol intake by cutting cravings and curbing heavy drinking.
Studies found that Wegovy cut the amount of alcohol people drank by 40 per cent, along with dramatically reducing the desire to drink. Nearly 40 per cent of people in the semaglutide group reported no heavy drinking days in the last month of treatment, compared to 20 per cent in the placebo group.
Many people with obstructive sleep apnoea due to their weight can be eligible for weight loss medication. Sleep specialist Eric Yeh states that by reducing the fat deposit and inflammation in the neck, this will lessen the airway obstruction and improve oxygen levels.
