NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Weight-loss and diabetes medications such as Ozempic and other GLP-1 inhibitors may not only help control blood sugar and support weight loss but could also reduce the risk of stroke and lessen complications from stroke and brain hemorrhage, according to three studies presented today at the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery's 22nd Annual Meeting.
In one study, researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison found that patients taking Ozempic (semaglutide) who suffered an acute ischemic stroke had lower mortality rates and improved long-term survival compared to non-users, using data from more than 2 million patients globally. Only 5.26% of Ozempic users died from their strokes in the global dataset, compared to 21.61% of non-users.
A second study from the same team suggested that Ozempic use may be associated with significantly lower odds of stroke, based on a review of nationwide emergency department records. This finding prompted researchers to call for further analysis using pharmacy data to understand the potential protective effects better.
Thorvardur de Shong
Meanwhile, a third study from the University of Texas Medical Branch examined the impact of GLP-1 inhibitors, the drug class that includes Ozempic, on stroke and brain hemorrhages. The researchers found that patients using GLP-1 inhibitors had a reduced risk of cognitive side effects, seizures, recurrent brain hemorrhage and death following these neurological events.
“These results are very promising,” said Ahmed Elbayomy, MD, a research fellow and data scientist at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. “More research is certainly needed, but seeing the potential protection offered by these medications is a fascinating finding.”
"This research could introduce a new perspective to the discussion of preventing and mitigating the devastating effects of stroke and related brain injuries," added Matias Costa, MD, from the Neurosurgery Department at the University of Texas Medical Branch and author of the third study.
GLP-1 inhibitors like Ozempic are primarily prescribed for type 2 diabetes and obesity but are increasingly being studied for broader health benefits as their use expands.
