A recent poll reveals that approximately 15.5 million Americans have turned to injectable diabetes medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, for weight loss. While these drugs have gained immense popularity due to their effectiveness—studies indicate users can lose about 16% of their body fat—the potential risks associated with their use warrant careful consideration.
Dr. Michael Snyder, a bariatric surgeon at the Denver Center for Bariatric Surgery, supports the appropriate use of these medications but emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes alongside their use. “I am a huge fan of the appropriate use of them,” he stated, while also cautioning that these drugs can lead to unwanted side effects.
Common side effects include nausea and exacerbation of reflux symptoms. More serious risks may involve inflammation of the pancreas, low blood sugar, allergic reactions, kidney problems, gallbladder issues, stomach paralysis, and even thyroid tumors or cancer. Additionally, a phenomenon known as “Ozempic Face,” characterized by sagging skin and signs of aging, has been reported among users.
A recent study has drawn attention to another potential risk: a rare but serious eye condition called Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION). Research indicates that individuals who are overweight or obese and use semaglutide—the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy—are seven times more likely to be diagnosed with this condition. However, researchers caution that NAION remains rare and further investigation is needed to establish a definitive link.
Dr. Snyder noted that many individuals using these medications often do not discontinue their use, raising questions about long-term health implications. “People that are using these drugs really don’t come off of them,” he remarked.
Ozempic and Wegovy function by targeting hunger centers in the brain to control cravings and by slowing gastric emptying. As more research emerges, understanding the long-term risks associated with these medications will become increasingly important, especially since many users may rely on them indefinitely.
The FDA has allowed compounding pharmacies to create alternative versions of these medications with similar active ingredients. However, it is crucial to note that the safety, effectiveness, and quality of these compounded drugs are not verified by the agency. Earlier this year, the FDA issued warnings regarding dosing errors that have led to adverse events requiring hospitalization.
As awareness grows about both the benefits and risks associated with injectable diabetes medications for weight loss, it is essential for users to consult healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about their health.
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