Novo Nordisk's diabetes drug Ozempic, known for its weight loss benefits, shows promise in reducing the risk of dementia and nicotine dependence, according to a recent University of Oxford study. The research, published in eClinicalMedicine, analyzed medical records from over 100,000 diabetes patients and found that semaglutide users had a 48% lower risk of developing dementia and a 28% reduced chance of smoking compared to those on other diabetes medications. While Ozempic has transformed lives by effectively managing diabetes and aiding weight loss, there is an ongoing shortage affecting patients' access to the drug, raising concerns about potential health risks. Additionally, experts caution about possible side effects, including nausea and an increased risk of certain conditions, such as blindness. Despite these concerns, semaglutide's overall benefits in managing diabetes and preventing severe health complications are significant. Medical professionals emphasize the importance of individualized assessments when considering the use of Ozempic and similar drugs.