Drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro were first developed to treat diabetes.

They turned out to be so effective at helping people lose weight that new versions were approved for weight loss. And now, their use has skyrocketed.

One in every eight American adults has taken what are known as GLP-1 drugs.

They not only lead to health benefits associated with weight loss, like lower risk of heart attack and stroke, they also seem to tame addictive cravings and boost sleep.

Coming up at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with a doctor and a dietitian about the exploding popularity of GLP-1 drugs, side effects and how to use them responsibly.