Ziyad Al-Aly

Stories

GLP-1 weight loss drugs face scrutiny over muscle loss, but new research suggests fears may be overblown

As of May 2026: Active researcher studying GLP-1 benefits and risks

More than 30 million Americans now take GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy to lose weight. A persistent concern has dogged the medications since their rise: that they burn through muscle along with fat, leaving patients weaker even as they get thinner.

Updated May 30

Weight-loss drugs show broad power to prevent and reduce addiction

New Capabilities

As of May 2026: Lead author of the March 2026 BMJ study

Drugs designed to control blood sugar and shrink waistlines may also quiet the cravings that drive addiction. A March 4 BMJ study of more than 600,000 U.S. veterans found GLP-1 users were 14 percent less likely to develop a new substance use disorder.

Updated May 30