Weight-loss medications may also ease chronic pain
Health Popular semaglutide-based drugs used for weight loss may reduce chronic and acute pain, which could make them a promising alternative to opioids By Grace Wade Facebook / Meta Twitter / X icon Linkedin Reddit Email Weight-loss drugs are helping pin down a potential source of chronic pain neotemlpars/Shutterstock Medications like Ozempic and Wegovy may
Health
Popular semaglutide-based drugs used for weight loss may reduce chronic and acute pain, which could make them a promising alternative to opioids
By Grace Wade
Medications like Ozempic and Wegovy may be able to reduce both chronic and acute pain. This makes these types of drugs promising safer alternatives to pain treatments such as opioids, though the effect has yet to be demonstrated in humans.
Ozempic and Wegovy work by mimicking a hormone released after eating known as GLP-1, which reduces appetite and regulates blood sugar levels. While these medications are only approved for treating obesity and type 2…
Article amended on 15 November 2024
We corrected the name of the researcher and the nature of the synthetic molecule used in the research
No commitment, cancel anytime*
Offer ends 15 January 2025.
*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on
unserved issues.
Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)
or
Existing subscribers
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features