Experts Say that Using Ozempic for weight loss may lead to stomach paralysis, pancreatitis

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Over the past year, there has been a surge in the popularity of weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. Extensive research supports the effectiveness of these drugs, classified as GLP-1 agonists, in assisting individuals with weight loss. However, it's important to note that, like all medications, GLP-1 agonists come with potential side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches.

Moreover, since one of the effects of GLP-1 agonists is to delay the emptying of the stomach, previous studies have indicated a potential association with gastroparesis or stomach paralysis.

A study further strengthens the connection between the use of GLP-1 agonists and an elevated risk of severe gastrointestinal problems. These issues encompass stomach paralysis, pancreatitis, and bowel obstruction.

Gastrointestinal Risks of GLP-1 Agonists in Weight Loss

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists, originally intended for diabetes treatment, have gained popularity for off-label use in weight loss. Recent research highlights elevated risks of gastrointestinal issues, including biliary disease, pancreatitis, bowel obstruction, and gastroparesis, in individuals with diabetes.

However, because diabetes patients already have an elevated baseline risk for gastrointestinal complications, the risk profile may vary for patients using these drugs for other purposes.

Results- Higher Gastrointestinal Risk with GLP-1 Agonists

The study included 4,144 liraglutide, 613 semaglutide, and 654 bupropion-naltrexone users, revealing higher incidence rates of gastrointestinal issues with GLP-1 agonists compared to bupropion-naltrexone. For instance, pancreatitis risk was 9.09 times higher with GLP-1 agonists.

These associations persisted even when considering obesity history and excluding hyperlipidemia from the analysis, suggesting a notable link between GLP-1 agonists and these issues.

GLP-1 Agonists and Weight Loss: Risk of Adverse Events

Using GLP-1 agonists for weight loss, as opposed to bupropion-naltrexone, is linked to a higher risk of pancreatitis, gastroparesis, and bowel obstruction, but not biliary disease.

These rare adverse events should be considered by potential weight loss patients, as their risk-benefit assessment may differ from those using these drugs for diabetes. However, it's unclear whether all GLP-1 agonist users in the study used them exclusively for weight loss, which is a limitation.

Study: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2810542