A class of drugs designed to fight diabetes and weight loss can help with a host of other problems, but also carry some side effects.

Some outcomes, like reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and increased chance of nausea, were expected. But others took researchers by surprise.

GLP-1 medications linked to a lower risk of dementia and addiction but higher risk of kidney, pancreatic, and gastrointestinal issues. Demand for weight-loss medications, including popular brands like Ozempic and Wegovy,

In one corner, we’ve got Mounjaro, and in the other, Ozempic. They’re both once-a-week injectable drugs designed to help patients with type 2 diabetes manage blood sugar.

Ozempic was first approved to treat diabetes in Canada seven years ago. Now the largest study of its kind suggests it and other medications like it have a host of other potential health benefits beyond obesity,

Federal officials are targeting the blockbuster drugs as part of their ongoing initiative to lower drug costs.