Weight Loss Medications Ozempic and Wegovy May Be Associated with Yet Another Serious Health Issue, According to Study

 

Weight Loss Medications Ozempic and Wegovy May Be Associated with Yet Another Serious Health Issue, According to Study

Using Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss may increase the risk of severe gastrointestinal problems, expanding the list of undesirable side effects associated with these medications.

Individuals utilizing weekly injections of Ozempic and Wegovy, both containing the active ingredient semaglutide, to aid in weight loss are more prone to experiencing conditions such as pancreatitis, bowel obstructions, and gastroparesis.

It's worth noting that although these adverse events are rare, the growing popularity of these drugs implies that thousands of people could potentially be at risk.

Lead author of the study, Mohit Sodhi, a medical student at the University of British Columbia, Canada, pointed out that even individuals who are otherwise healthy might be hesitant to accept the potential seriousness of these side effects.

Previous research had already indicated that individuals taking these drugs for diabetes had an elevated risk of pancreatitis, bowel obstructions, and gastroparesis. However, this recent study is the first to investigate the effects of these drugs on the stomach and intestines when they are taken exclusively for weight loss.

Scientists conducted an extensive analysis of health insurance claim records, encompassing data from 16 million U.S. patients who had been prescribed semaglutide or liraglutide (another weight loss-inducing drug) between 2006 and 2020. Initially developed for managing type 2 diabetes, these drugs have been increasingly prescribed off-label for weight loss.

Researchers focused on how many patients developed one of four gastrointestinal issues when compared to those using a different weight loss drug, bupropion-naltrexone, marketed under brand names such as Contrave and containing distinct ingredients.

The findings revealed that individuals using semaglutide, which activates the GLP-1 receptor in the pancreas and brain, leading to hormonal responses that promote satiety and reduce cravings, were 9.1 times more likely to experience pancreas inflammation requiring surgery. Moreover, they were 4.22 times more likely to develop bowel obstructions, a potentially life-threatening condition, and had a 3.67 times higher risk of gastroparesis, also known as 'stomach paralysis,' which hinders the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine.

Undigested food in the stomach can congeal into a solid mass called a bezoar, causing discomfort, vomiting, and, in severe cases, life-threatening blockages.

Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, slows down stomach digestion, helping individuals feel fuller for longer. However, in certain instances, it might lead to delayed stomach emptying, resulting in stomach paralysis.

Wegovy has gained approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating obesity, whereas Ozempic, originally intended for diabetes, is frequently prescribed off-label for weight loss. Both medications share semaglutide as their key ingredient, which effectively curbs appetite and has been hailed as a game-changer for weight loss.

It's important to note that both drugs should only be prescribed by a qualified medical professional, as there are concerns about their accessibility through unregulated online sources.

Dr. Simon Cork, a senior lecturer in physiology at Anglia Ruskin University in the UK, emphasized the necessity of strict regulation to ensure that these drugs are only administered under appropriate circumstances. While the likelihood of developing these conditions remains rare, considering the potential number of people using these drugs, there's an increased risk of adverse effects.

Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, was not involved in the analysis and did not have any approved GLP-1 products in 2006, which is the earliest data point in the dataset. A company spokesperson acknowledged that gastrointestinal events are well-known side effects of the GLP-1 class and emphasized the importance of patients taking these medications only under a healthcare professional's supervision.

In August, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk faced lawsuits alleging that their drugs caused stomach paralysis. One case involved a 44-year-old woman with diabetes who lost weight while taking the drugs but later suffered severe stomach paralysis marked by violent vomiting, resulting in tooth loss and multiple hospitalizations.

These findings add to the growing list of side effects associated with these drugs. Besides diminished interest in food, individuals have reported a lack of desire for activities they once enjoyed, such as alcohol consumption and gambling, leading some to overcome long-standing habits.

It's worth noting that the long-term effects of these drugs are still under investigation since they are relatively new. Emerging research suggests that patients who discontinue the injections are susceptible to regaining lost weight and may require prolonged medication use.