GLP-1 meds may have other uses, possible risks

(CNN)– Popular medications approved for weight loss, diabetes, and heart disease may have health benefits beyond weight loss, and blood sugar control, but there are risks too.

A new study looked at the benefits and risks of these GLP-1 drugs, which some doctors say may be helping reduce obesity rates in the U.S.

Researchers found people who took GLP-1 medications had lower risks for 42 health issues.

But the research also points to higher risks for 19 health outcomes primarily risks to the digestive system.

They include nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, heartburn, and gastroparesis, or stomach paralysis.

People who took the drugs were also more likely to be diagnosed with problems in their bones and joints, compared with people taking other medications to manage their blood sugar.