Statins are among the most prescribed — and profitable — drugs in medical history. But new research reveals that while they lower cholesterol, they may also quietly undermine metabolism by promoting insulin resistance, raising diabetes risk, and slashing GLP-1 levels by nearly half.

The New Findings

A 2024 study published in Cell Metabolism found that patients on atorvastatin — one of the most common statins — experienced a nearly 50% drop in GLP-1, the hormone mimicked by popular weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic.

The trial followed 30 people starting atorvastatin for four months alongside 10 adults not taking the drug. As expected, cholesterol fell. But blood sugar levels rose, insulin resistance worsened, and GLP-1 levels plunged by almost half.

Researchers discovered that statins reduced levels of Clostridium bacteria in the gut. These microbes produce a bile acid called UDCA, which helps the body generate GLP-1. With fewer microbes, UDCA dropped — and so did GLP-1. Supplementing UDCA or restoring the bacteria reversed the effect.

A Metabolic Paradox

“These data are consistent with what is already known,” noted Dr. Nick Norwitz, a Harvard-trained doctor with a doctorate in Metabolism from Oxford. “Statins are known to increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes. What this study shows is one reason why — they lower GLP-1, a hormone critical for blood sugar and appetite control.”

Statins may lower the very hormone that GLP-1 drugs are designed to restore. “I’d call it a metabolic paradox,” Norwitz said.

Why It Matters

Tens of millions of Americans take statins for cholesterol, while a rapidly growing number are prescribed GLP-1 drugs for diabetes or weight loss. If one drug blunts the other, the consequences could affect millions.

According to The Epoch Times, patients should be informed of this interaction, but many doctors may not know about it. The study appeared in a specialty journal that may have been overlooked by mainstream medicine.

However, the evidence isn’t isolated. A large 2024 analysis published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology confirmed that statins raise the risk of diabetes, especially at higher doses. The Cell Metabolism trial offered one possible explanation: disruption of gut microbes that lower GLP-1.

Researchers say it remains unclear whether statins diminish the benefits of GLP-1 drugs and whether a simple, inexpensive supplement like UDCA could help. Norwitz is doubtful follow-up studies will be funded: “Who would pay for them? Drug companies that manufacture statins won’t pay for studies that may affect the sales of their products.”

Lifestyle Still Comes First

Experts stress that while drugs can be lifesaving, lifestyle should remain the first line of defense. Healthy eating, exercise, and weight management all play critical roles in lowering heart disease risk.

“Drugs are tools, but you don’t use a chainsaw to hammer a nail,” said Norwitz. “Patients deserve to know the risks and benefits so they can help choose the right tool for them.”