Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists—called GLP-1s or GLP-1RAs—are widely advertised on TV under brand names such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, generating billions in sales and helping many Americans effectively lose weight and manage their type 2 diabetes. But previous research suggests that use of this class of medications can raise concerns about ocular conditions.
Here are the key takeaways that ophthalmologists and other physicians need to know, as reported in the JAMA Ophthalmology study, “Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Age-Related Macular Degeneration.”
Question: What is the association of GLP-1RA use and the development or progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) compared with other weight loss drugs for patients with overweight or obesity?
Findings: In this cohort study of 91,408 patients, GLP-1RA use was associated with a reduced risk of developing nonexudative AMD but showed no association with progression to exudative AMD.
Meaning: These findings suggest that GLP-1RAs may offer ocular benefits compared with other weight loss drugs, supporting further investigation in prospective, randomized studies.
A JAMA Ophthalmology invited commentary published with the study lends perspective on the findings. “Will health care professionals prescribe these medications because they lead to a decreased risk of AMD? Or stop them because they may increase the risk of exudative AMD?” the commentary asks. While physicians “should keep these risks (or benefits) in mind, they seem ancillary to the overall health benefits of these medications.”
AMA members can explore a range of peer-reviewed research and clinical information published by the JAMA Network™, which brings JAMA® together with JAMA Network Open and 11 specialty journals. Published continuously since 1883, JAMA is one of the most widely circulated, peer-reviewed, general medical journals in the world. If you are an AMA member or interested in becoming one, learn how to access these educational materials and innovative tools.
Also new this week in the JAMA Network
“Poverty, Food Insecurity, and Housing Instability Among US Health Care Workers,” published in JAMA. Significant rates of financial hardship exist among U.S. health care workers. At least one measure of food insecurity was reported by one in four direct care or support workers and 1 in 10 health technologists or technicians. These rates exceed prior reports, perhaps reflecting worsening hardship.
“Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes and Long-Term Risk of Atrial Fibrillation,” published in JAMA Cardiology. In this large national cohort, all adverse pregnancy outcomes—with the exception of being small for gestational age—were associated with increased risk for atrial fibrillation up to 46 years later. Women with adverse pregnancy outcomes need early preventive actions and long-term clinical follow-up for timely detection and treatment of cardiovascular disorders related to the development of atrial fibrillation.
“Trial Enrollment and Survival Disparities Among Patients With Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma,” published in JAMA Network Open. In this cohort study of more than 1,900 patients in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer, Black and Asian patients were underrepresented compared with the general population estimates in the U.S., and Black patients had worse survival outcomes compared with white and Asian patients, despite having similar progression-free survival. Equitable enrollment in clinical trials ensures access to cutting-edge treatments and can lead to outcomes comparable to those of white counterparts. Sustained efforts to improve RCT diversity remain essential to long-term equity in cancer care and survival.
“Prenatal Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter Components and Autism Risk in Childhood,” published in JAMA Network Open. In this large cohort study, prenatal exposure to specific fine particulate matter (PM2.5) components and postnatal ozone (O3) exposure were associated with autism spectrum disorder risk. The second and third trimesters may represent sensitive exposure windows. These findings support further research on air pollution’s role in autism spectrum disorder etiology.
What AMA members get with JAMA Network
The subscription cost of JAMA is included with your AMA membership, plus unlimited digital access to all JAMA Network journals, including: JAMA, JAMA Network Open, JAMA Cardiology, JAMA Dermatology, JAMA Internal Medicine, JAMA Neurology, JAMA Oncology, JAMA Ophthalmology, JAMA Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, JAMA Pediatrics, JAMA Psychiatry, and JAMA Surgery.
The online journals include many helpful features for students, residents and fellows, including full-text PDFs, clinical challenges, archived editions, audio and video author interviews where authors give their perspectives on a study’s objectives, findings and implications.
There are several ways physicians can leverage resources from the JAMA Network to help them in their clinical practice:
- Take CME courses and earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.
- Fulfill maintenance of licensure (MOL) and CME requirements on JN Learning™, the home for all JAMA Network CME.
- Read concise summaries of clinical guidelines and recommendations in a streamlined format designed for today’s busy physicians.
- Access one-page articles that present key facts in patient-friendly terms to support you and your patients.
