Ozempic can change your body. Can it change your life?
A study by University of Chicago economists found that while GLP-1 medications like Ozempic effectively treat diabetes, they do not necessarily lead to broader improvements in mental health, employment, or marital status. The research analyzed over a decade of data to determine if physical health gains translate into social or economic benefits.
Why it matters
The findings provide important context for policymakers and insurers deciding whether to expand coverage for these expensive weight-loss and diabetes drugs.
GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic have reshaped treatment for Type 2 diabetes. These drugs can help patients manage blood sugar, lower cardiovascular risk, and, in many cases, lose a substantial amount of weight.
But researchers are still trying to determine whether those physical health improvements also extend into other parts of life, such as mental health, relationships, and employment.
A new National Bureau of Economic Research working paper from University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy economist Robert Kaestner and coauthor Cuiping Schiman examined that question. Among adults with diabetes, the researchers found little evidence that using GLP-1 medications produced measurable changes in mental health, self-rated health, employment, or marital status.
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