The active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy has been linked to health problems when used to treat obesity
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People who are prescribed medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, which contain the active ingredient semaglutide, have a higher risk of developing rare gastrointestinal conditions, including stomach paralysis, according to a recent analysis.
Ozempic and Wegovy are highly effective drugs for weight loss that work by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which helps us feel full after eating. Both drugs contain semaglutide as their active ingredient. While these drugs have been used to treat type 2 diabetes for many years, they were only recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for obesity treatment. As a result, there is limited information on the long-term side effects of using GLP-1 agonists for weight loss.
To address this knowledge gap, Mohit Sodhi at the University of British Columbia and his colleagues analyzed a large health database of 16 million people in the US. They compared the medical history of participants who were prescribed semaglutide or another drug called liraglutide for weight loss with a group of people who were prescribed a different weight loss medication.
After adjusting for various factors, including age, gender, and alcohol use, the researchers found that those using semaglutide or liraglutide had a significantly higher risk of developing gastrointestinal conditions compared to those using the other medication. Their risk of gastroparesis (stomach paralysis) was more than double, and their risk of intestinal blockage was triple. They also had an eight times higher risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
These findings suggest that GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy may increase the risk of serious gastrointestinal conditions. Despite the rarity of these adverse events, it’s important for people to be aware of the risks, especially considering the widespread use of these drugs. Reshmi Srinath at Mount Sinai Hospital suggests taking a personalized approach with each patient, weighing the benefits of weight loss against the potential side effects.
A spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of some GLP-1 agonists including Ozempic and Wegovy, emphasized that patient safety is a top priority and that they work closely with the FDA to monitor the safety of their medicines. The company acknowledges gastroparesis and pancreatitis as potential side effects of their medications.
