Beyond Weight Loss: 7 Ways GLP-1 Drugs May Improve Your Health
February 13, 2025
In just five years, experts predict that 50 percent of Hoosiers will be obese— a statistic that underscores the urgent need for solutions. “It’s normal. It’s normal to be obese,” said Tony Bashall, MD, a cardiologist at Franciscan Health Indiana Heart Physicians. “And several people will turn to me and say, if it’s normal, why do we care?”
The reason is clear: Obesity brings serious risks. “If you have a BMI of 30 or more, your risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes is four to five times higher,” Dr. Bashall explained. “With a BMI over 35, that risk jumps to 12 times.”
Throughout his career, Dr. Bashall has seen the risk of death from obesity triple. “What does this mean? It means what we’re doing isn’t working. We’re getting larger, sicker and more difficult to treat,” he said.
Even with consistent exercise, many people still struggle. “Exercise and lifestyle are crucial, but there’s a missing piece of the puzzle that keeps us stuck,” he said. Environmental factors, the availability of calorie-dense food and even our brain’s survival instincts drive us to overeat and store fat.
An Individualized Approach To Wellness
“Wellness is something that is very individualized. It can be very different for one person or another,” said Stacey Lockard, MD, an Indianapolis family medicine physician at Franciscan Health Family Medicine Residency program. “When I ask my patients what wellness means to them, they often reply with things like being a certain weight or doing a specific activity. But underneath that, there’s a deeper goal — like keeping up with their kids, walking without pain or sleeping soundly with or without a CPAP machine.”
A diplomate of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Lockard reminds us that weight is just one piece of the puzzle. “We know weight doesn’t completely equal wellness. It’s a part of the picture, but it’s not the whole picture,” she explained. This individualized approach is why GLP-1 medications like Wegovy® Zepbound® are changing lives — not just by helping with weight loss but by addressing many areas of health.
7 Ways GLP-1 Drugs Can Help Your Health
Here are seven ways GLP-1 drugs can improve your health.
1. Lower Risk Of Diabetes
GLP-1 medications were first created to help manage type 2 diabetes. They work well to lower blood sugar and improve how the body uses insulin. In some cases, they can reverse the disease.
“For many patients, these medications make it possible to control blood sugar levels without the need for additional medications,” said Dr. Bashall. “One of my patients went from needing 21 insulin injections per week to none. His A1C is better than it’s ever been.”
2. Better Heart Health
Obesity is one of the leading causes of heart disease, but GLP-1 drugs can help. These drugs lower inflammation, improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart failure.
“Heart health is one of the biggest benefits I’ve seen from these medications,” said Dr. Bashall. “They provide real benefits for the heart, even for patients who don’t lose significant weight.”
To learn more about how weight loss can improve heart health, read our article on Getting To The Heart Of Weight Loss.
3. Kidney Protection
Obesity and diabetes often lead to chronic kidney disease, a serious condition that can result in dialysis. GLP-1 medications protect the kidneys by slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease, especially in patients with diabetes.
“These medications reduce the strain on the kidneys, particularly in patients with diabetes,” explained Dr. Bashall.
4. Improved Liver Function
The liver is one of the first organs affected by obesity — it’s often where we see early signs of damage, like fatty liver disease. If fatty liver disease is left untreated, it can lead to even more serious conditions like cirrhosis.
“The liver is like a warning system,” said Dr. Bashall. “When we see improvement there, we know the patient’s overall health is improving too.”
5. Reduced Joint Pain
Being overweight puts a lot of strain on the joints, especially the knees and hips. For those diagnosed with osteoarthritis, even losing a little weight can ease that pain and improve movement.
“For many of my patients, being able to walk comfortably again is life-changing,” said Dr. Lockard. “Even modest weight loss of 5 percent can make a big difference.”
6. Better Sleep
Sleep apnea is often related to obesity. This condition interferes with getting a good night’s rest — and your overall health. GLP-1 drugs can reduce the need for CPAP machines as patients lose weight and improve their breathing.
“Better sleep is typically one of the first benefits a patient notices,” said Dr. Lockard. “It sets the foundation for improved energy and mood.”
7. Boost Brain Health
One of the most exciting areas of research is the link between GLP-1 medications and brain health. Studies suggest these drugs lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and improve cognitive function. “We’ve found that these medications address inflammation and other factors that contribute to cognitive decline,” said Dr. Lockard. “They help patients feel better both physically and mentally.”
Start Your Weight Loss Journey
“These medications aren’t a quick fix,” said Dr. Bashall. “They’re part of a journey to better health.”
“When I ask my patients about their goals, they talk about wanting to feel better, move more easily and enjoy life again,” said Dr. Lockard. “GLP-1 medications can help make those goals a reality.”
Let’s improve your health together. The Franciscan Health network of primary care doctors is here to help. Talk with your provider today to see if you may benefit from GLP-1 medications.
