Potential of Weight Loss Medications in Stroke and Brain Injury Prevention

Recent studies presented at the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery's 22nd Annual Meeting have shed light on the promising role of GLP-1 receptor agonists, including popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic (semaglutide), in reducing the risk of stroke and mitigating brain injury complications.

Study Insights and Findings

Three significant studies explored how these medications might influence stroke outcomes and brain health:

• Impact on Stroke Mortality and Survival: Researchers from the University of Wisconsin–Madison analyzed extensive patient data to assess the effect of Ozempic on stroke outcomes. They found that patients on Ozempic experienced significantly lower mortality rates from stroke. In a global dataset of over 2 million stroke patients, only 5.26% of Ozempic users died from their strokes compared to 21.61% of non-users. Long-term survival chances were also markedly higher among Ozempic users, with a 77.5% survival rate versus 30.95% among non-users.

• Association with Reduced Stroke Risk: In another study, nationwide emergency department records indicated that individuals likely using Ozempic had considerably lower odds of experiencing a stroke. This suggests a potential protective effect, prompting calls for more targeted research, including pharmacy data analysis, to confirm these findings.

• Post-Stroke and Brain Hemorrhage Outcomes: A cohort study from the University of Texas Medical Branch examined patient records post-stroke and hemorrhages. The use of GLP-1 inhibitors was associated with a decreased risk of cognitive impairments, seizures, future hemorrhages, and mortality following brain injuries.

Expert Opinions and Future Directions

Dr. Ahmed Elbayomy, a research fellow at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, commented on the significance of these findings: "More research is certainly needed, but seeing the potential protection offered by these medications is a fascinating finding." Similarly, Dr. Matias Costa from the University of Texas highlighted the potential for these drugs to change stroke prevention and treatment strategies.

These emerging insights open new avenues in the fight against stroke and brain injuries, emphasizing the importance of further investigative studies to confirm mechanisms and refine therapeutic approaches.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-weight-loss-drugs-ozempic-brain.html

Note: The studies underscore the potential extra benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists beyond weight loss and diabetes management, hinting at a broader role in neuroprotection.