The arrival of weight loss drugs has brought a revolution in the world of fitness with many Americans relying on them for losing weight and potentially avoiding many chronic diseases. As per a new study presented at the European Society of Cardiology Conference in London, weight loss drugs like Ozempic can slow down ageing by allowing people to be in better health and enable them to live longer. However, the indiscriminate use of many of these drugs, some of which are GLP-1 medications Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro and Zepbound could have unexpected side effects.
While Semaglutide has proven effective in weight loss by curbing appetite and regulating blood sugar, its long-term use isn't without risks. This drug, which mimics the hormone GLP-1, slows down stomach emptying, potentially leading to pulmonary aspiration—a serious condition where food or liquid enters the lungs, causing infections that can be fatal. Additionally, prolonged use may also lead to other side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal issues.
Ozempic can curb appetite, reduce cravings and combats repeated eating. In a 2022 study on semaglutide for weight loss, nearly half of participants experienced side effects like nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. The drug works by delaying gastric emptying.
Certain studies have demonstrated that Semaglutide may cause a rare kind of thyroid tumor in animals, but it is not known if it can cause thyroid cancer in people. Other possible side effects include an allergic reaction, problems with gallbladder, kidneys, or pancreas, blurred vision, increased heart rate, and suicidal thoughts.
Health experts have recently warned about a new danger of the weight loss drugs which could affect people over a period of time.
How Semaglutide aids weight loss
Semaglutide, sold under brand names like Wegovy and Ozempic, helps people lose weight by decreasing their appetite. Changes to diet and exercise are advised along with the medication. The drugs offered hope to people with obesity and at risk of various disorders related to it.
The Food and Drug Administration first approved Ozempic for treating diabetes in the year 2017, while a higher dose of semaglutide to treat obesity was launched under the brand name of Wegovy in 2021. Many people including the who's who jumped on to the Ozempic bandwagon and talked about its magical benefits.
Ozempic and eating disorders
However, these drugs have also been linked to an increase in eating disorders.
“They start using this drug and next thing you know, they’ve developed what looks very much like anorexia nervosa,” psychologist Tom Hildebrandt of Mount Sinai’s Center of Excellence in Eating and Weight Disorders told NBC.
Many health experts are of the view these drugs may lead to eating disorders or worsen existing ones.
The drugs are known to mimic glucagon-like peptide 1, a hormone that controls blood sugar and reduces hunger and at high doses, patients can lose up to 21% of their body weight. But abusing the drug can lead to serious consequences for the body.
“That level of weight loss can lead the brain to believe the body is suffering from starvation,” which can cause patients to limit their food intake even when it endangers their health, Hildebrandt said.
People with existing disorders may suffer more
Some people may tend to go overboard on the restrictive eating, depriving their body of nourishment and the required calories. This can lead to serious side effects. People with already existing eating disorders are especially at risk.
“The restrictive eating unintentionally spirals out of control” until people can’t help themselves, Dr. Aaron Keshen, co-director of the Nova Scotia Eating Disorder Provincial Service in Canada and an associate professor of psychiatry at Dalhousie University told NBC News.
“If someone is experiencing any side effects while taking any Lilly medication, we encourage them to speak with their healthcare provider,” Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro told NBC News, adding that the company “actively monitors, evaluates, and reports safety information for all its medications.”
Other side effects
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, constipation are some of the common side effects of Ozempic. Some people also report having allergic reactions, breathing troubles, racing heart, swollen lymph nodes. Ozempic can also lead to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar which if not managed can cause death. Thyroid tumours, vision changes, kidney damage and gallbladder problems are some other known benefits.
Useful but caution required
GLP-1 drugs are also known to control inflammation in the brain, which could mean potential benefits for conditions like dementia and Parkinson’s disease. While the medication is mainly used to manage type 2 diabetes and aid weight loss, it can also improve mental health through blood sugar stabilization, weight loss, and potential effects on neurotransmitter control and brain function. However, further studies are required for its potential to treat anxiety and depression.