WASHINGTON: Drugs like Ozempic, which have become increasingly popular for losing weight, heighten the risk of certain severe gastrointestinal problems including stomach paralysis, according to the latest study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)
The paper looked at a class of drugs called GLP-1 agonists that includes the brands Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus and Saxenda.
In comparison to another weight loss drug class, bupropion-naltrexone, the study found alarming associations.
GLP-1 agonists were linked to a nearly fourfold increase in the risk of stomach paralysis, a ninefold higher risk of pancreatitis, and a fourfold greater risk of bowel obstruction. These conditions may necessitate hospitalization and surgical intervention based on their severity.
Mohit Sodhi, the lead author and a medical student at the University of British Columbia in Canada, emphasized that considering the widespread use of these drugs, albeit rare, the potential adverse events must be taken into account by individuals contemplating their use for weight loss.
Originally formulated for managing Type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 agonists have gained popularity for weight loss through “off-label” use. Despite Saxenda and Wegovy receiving approval for weight loss in 2020 and 2021, the researchers noted that the clinical trials used to endorse them involved insufficient participants and had a limited follow-up time to detect very rare events.
Mahyar Etminan, an epidemiologist and co-author, highlighted that although there were anecdotal reports of patients experiencing nausea and vomiting due to stomach paralysis after using these drugs for weight loss, this study is the first to systematically examine this issue on a larger scale.
The research team combed through U.S. patient records, specifically focusing on those prescribed liraglutide or semaglutide (the two primary GLP-1 agonists) and bupropion/naltrexone (a non-GLP-1 weight loss medication). The analysis, which excluded patients with diabetes or those prescribed another antidiabetic drug, encompassed just over 5,400 records.
Simon Cork, a senior lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University not involved in the study, emphasized the importance of patients accessing these drugs through trusted medical professionals and with continuous support and monitoring. He stressed the need for tighter regulations to ensure these drugs are prescribed under appropriate circumstances.
