Ozempic, Wegovy & Mounjaro: emerging benefits and research

You’ve probably heard of GLP-1 injections. Maybe you know them by brand names like WeGovy and Ozempic —or know someone who’s on them. Originally designed to manage diabetes, these medications have become increasingly popular for weight loss. These medications have received regulatory approval worldwide and are fairly safe, with a low incidence of side effects.

But what many people don’t realise is that the benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists go beyond just helping you fit into smaller clothes or control blood sugar. Research is now uncovering their potential to support heart health, brain function, liver health and even sleep quality.

Let’s look at what the science is saying, so you can make an informed decision on whether you should incorporate GLP-1 injections into your health plans.

Heart Health: Lower Risk of Heart attack and cardiovascular death

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally, and Singapore is no exception. For those with existing heart risk factors, GLP-1 injections could offer significant protection.

Ozempic (semaglutide) has demonstrated cardiovascular benefits, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. It can reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events like heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death. The landmark SUSTAIN-6 trial with Ozempic showed a 26% reduction in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared to placebo. This led to the US FDA approval of Ozempic to reduce cardiovascular risk in this specific patient population in 2020

In the HARMONY Outcomes trial, patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease who took the GLP-1 medication saw a 22% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events compared to placebo. This included lower rates of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular-related death.

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) has been shown to be beneficial for the treatment of hypertension, reducing blood pressure in patients undergoing 24-hour blood pressure monitoring as part of the SURMOUNT-1 trial.

Kidney Protection: Reducing the Risk of Renal Failure

Chronic kidney disease is another silent threat, particularly for individuals with diabetes or high blood pressure. GLP-1 medications have been shown to help preserve kidney function.

A systematic review found that GLP-1 receptor agonists significantly reduced albuminuria, a marker of kidney damage, and slowed the decline in kidney function, particularly in patients with early-stage renal disease.

In the landmark FLOW clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Semaglutide  (Ozempic) reduced the risk of clinically important kidney outcomes and death from cardiovascular causes in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Patients treated with Ozempic were 24% less likely to develop kidney failure (dialysis, transplantation, or an eGFR of <15 ml per minute per 1.73 m²), sudden decline in kidney function (>50% decline) or death from kidney-related or cardiovascular causes

Liver Health: Tackling Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), aka metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH,) often goes undetected but is closely linked with obesity and metabolic dysfunction. This disease is marked by fat accumulating in liver cells, chronic inflammation and scar tissue in the liver, eventually causing liver cirrhosis (scarring), liver cancer and liver failure. This condition is a common cause of liver failure requiring liver transplantation.

A review found that GLP-1 therapy helped reduce liver fat content and inflammation, showing promise in managing NAFLD even in non-diabetic patients. Over time, this may reduce the risk of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.

A recently published study (ESSENCE Trial) in the New England Journal of Medicine looked at the effects of once weekly semaglutide 2.4mg versus placebo in patients with biopsy confirmed MASH. After 72 weeks of treatment, patients treated with semaglutide showed significant reductions in fatty accumulation in the liver as well as liver scarring. Based on the results of this study, US FDA approval is currently being sought for semaglutide as a treatment for MASH.

Mental Health: Possible Benefits for Depression, Anxiety and Addiction

Early studies suggest that GLP-1 might also support emotional well-being. Researchers have observed modulatory effects on brain reward pathways, potentially reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even curbing addictive behaviours such as alcohol or food cravings.

In a clinical trial, Semaglutide (Ozempic) treatment reduced the amount of alcohol consumed by patients with alcohol use disorder, reduced cravings for alcohol and cigarettes, over a 9-week period. Another clinical study found reduced rates of alcohol use-related hospitalisations amongst patients being treated with Ozempic.

The effects of semaglutide on depression, anxiety and other psychiatric illnesses are currently being studied.

Dementia Prevention: Statistically Significant Reduction in Risk

Cognitive decline and dementia are growing concerns as populations age. While not all diabetes medications affect brain health, GLP-1 receptor agonists may offer protective effects.

A 2025 meta-analysis published in JAMA Neurology reviewed 26 randomised clinical trials involving over 164,000 participants. The study found that while cardioprotective glucose-lowering therapies overall were not significantly associated with reduced dementia risk, GLP-1 receptor agonists specifically were linked to a statistically significant reduction in all-cause dementia.

Although the exact mechanism is unclear, GLP-1 medication is proven to reduce vascular inflammation, with inflammation of the blood vessels of the brain increasingly being recognised as a cause of dementia. By reducing chronic inflammation, reducing arterosclerotic plaque build up and reducing blood pressure, GLP-1 medication may slow cell death in the brain that leads to dementia.

Sleep Apnea Reduction: Up to 63% Fewer Breathing Interruptions

Sleep apnea is more than just snoring. It’s a serious condition linked to heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Emerging evidence suggests GLP-1-based medications may help address the root causes.

In two Phase 3 trials (SURMOUNT-OSA 1 & 2), tirzepatide (Mounjaro) — a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist — reduced the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by up to 63% after 52 weeks. This translates to about 30 fewer apnea-hypopnea events per hour compared to placebo. Importantly, this benefit was observed both in patients with and without PAP (positive airway pressure) therapy.

Participants also lost up to 20% of their body weight, which may contribute to the improvements in OSA severity. Tirzepatide is currently marketed as Zepbound® for weight loss and obstructive sleep apnea in the U.S. and Mounjaro® internationally.

This is the first time a GLP-1-based therapy has shown such a strong direct effect on OSA severity, suggesting a promising new treatment option for patients with obesity-related sleep apnea.

Looking to know more about Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro Injections in Singapore?

At Bay Aesthetics Clinic, Medical Directors Dr Bernard Tan and Dr Hoe Ying Min are both experienced doctors with over 20 years of combined experience and thousands of repeat patients. We believe in addressing health and beauty from the inside out. GLP-1s offer a glimpse into what medicine can do—not just to help you look better, but feel better too. Working professionals in the CBD form the majority of the clients at Bay Aesthetics Clinic, with many working in the offices of Marina Bay Financial Center or Marina One. 

If you’re curious about whether GLP-1 treatment is right for your health profile, our doctors will be happy to guide you. Our clinic carries GLP-1 injections approved in Singapore, including Ozempic and Mounjaro.

Contact us for an appointment today.