Weight loss drugs like Ozempic may help prevent strokes and reduce complications associated with traumatic brain injury, according to a new study from Emory University. The research shows that maintaining optimal cardiovascular health can significantly enhance both physical and mental well-being.

The findings, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, summarize results from nearly 500 peer-reviewed studies.

They confirm that the benefits of a healthy lifestyle extend far beyond the heart—positively impacting brain function, vision, hearing, muscle strength, and even reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and dementia.

This review is the first of its kind to systematically examine how the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8”—which includes avoiding smoking, eating a healthy diet, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar—affect the health of various organ systems.

Key findings include:

  • People with heart-healthy habits are more likely to maintain brain and lung function, vision and hearing, as well as dental and muscular strength as they age.

  • They show lower levels of cortisol and stress, and reduced incidence of various chronic diseases, including cancer, COPD, pneumonia, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, depression, and end-stage kidney failure.

  • They report higher quality of life and face lower risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes, sleep apnea, metabolic syndrome, erectile dysfunction, functional disability, mobility issues, and all-cause mortality.

  • Their healthcare costs, medical service usage, and non-cardiovascular-related expenses are also lower.