ISLAMABAD, Oct 12 (Online): Over the last year, the news and social media have been saturated with headlines, advertisements, and other information about using medications like Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss.<\/p>\n
Previous research has shown these medications \u2014 which are a class of drugs called GLP-1 agonists \u2014 to be effectiveTrusted Source in helping people lose weight.<\/p>\n
However, just like all medications, GLP-1 agonists also have potential side effectsTrusted Source, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache.<\/p>\n
And because one of the things GLP-1 agonists do is slowTrusted Source the emptying of the stomachTrusted Source, past studies also linkTrusted Source GLP-1 agonists to a possible risk of gastroparesis or stomach paralysis.<\/p>\n
Now, new research from the University of British Columbia provides more evidence linking the use of GLP-1 agonists with an increased risk for serious gastrointestinal issuesTrusted Source, including stomach paralysis, pancreatitis, and bowel obstruction.<\/p>\n
This study was recently published in JAMATrusted Source.<\/p>\n
Gastrointestinal issues from GLP-1 agonists
\nAccording to Mohit Sodhi, researcher and a fourth-year medical student at the University of British Columbia and the first author of the new study, he and his colleagues decided to study the effect of GLP-1 agonists on the gastrointestinal system after noticing a person in the emergency room who had significant unexplained nausea and vomiting.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf note, he recently started Ozempic for weight loss,\u201d he explained to Medical News Today. \u201cI had seen a number of anecdotal reports, case reports, and literature describing similar symptoms as this particular patient. Additionally, millions around the world have started using these medications to assist in [their] weight loss goals.\u201d<\/p>\n
This is not the first research to examine a link between the use of GLP-1 agonists and potential gastrointestinal problems.<\/p>\n
A study published in January 2022 linked several gastrointestinal problemsTrusted Source \u2014 including abdominal pain, indigestion, abdominal distensionTrusted Source, and gastroesophageal reflux disease \u2014 to the use of GLP-1 agonists.<\/p>\n
Research published in December 2022 also reported the use of GLP-1 receptors was significantly associatedTrusted Source with gastrointestinal adverse effects.<\/p>\n
How do GLP-1 medications help with weight loss?
\nGlucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 agonists) are a type of medication used to help manage type 2 diabetes.<\/p>\n
GLP-1Trusted Source is a hormoneTrusted Source naturally found in the small intestineTrusted Source. These medications mimic this hormone, triggering the effects of the GLP-1 hormone. Because of this mechanism, GLP-1 agonists can:
\n\u2022\ttell the pancreas to release insulin
\n\u2022\tblock the secretion of glucagonTrusted Source, a hormone used to raise blood sugar levels
\n\u2022\tslow digestion so food stays in the stomach longer, making you feel fuller for longer.
\nTypes of GLP-1 agonists include:
\n\u2022\tsemaglutideTrusted Source (Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus)
\n\u2022\tliraglutideTrusted Source (Saxenda and Victoza)
\n\u2022\texenatideTrusted Source (Byetta)
\n\u2022\tdulaglutideTrusted Source (Trulicity)
\n\u2022\ttirzepatideTrusted Source (Mounjaro) \u2014 targets both GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIPTrusted Source) hormones.
\nMost GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Saxenda, are injected medications. Rybelsus comes in pill form.<\/p>\n
Currently, only Wegovy and Saxenda are approvedTrusted Source by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as weight loss drugs.<\/p>\n
However, researchers show there is a growing number of people without diabetes usingTrusted Source or interested in usingTrusted Source GLP-1 agonists off-label for weight loss.<\/p>\n
The amount of weight a person may lose on a GLP-1 agonist varies. Previous research shows the amount can vary between 4% Trusted SourceaTrusted SourcenTrusted SourcedTrusted Source 17%Trusted Source.<\/p>\n
How much weight is lost depends on the person\u2019s health and what lifestyle changes they make, such as exercise and a healthy diet.<\/p>\n
GLP-1 agonists vs. bupropion-naltrexone
\nFor this study, Sodhi and his team examined health insurance claim records for about 16 million people in the United States to look for prescriptions of either semaglutide or liraglutide between 2006 and 2020.<\/p>\n
The study included data from people with a recent history of obesity and excluded those with diabetes or who have been prescribed another anti-diabetTrusted SourceeTrusted SourcesTrusted Source medicationTrusted Source.<\/p>\n
Scientists analyzed the data to see how many people developed one of four gastrointestinal conditions \u2014 pancreatitis, bowel obstruction, gastroparesis, and biliary diseaseTrusted Source. Those findings were then compared to people who took a combination of bupropionTrusted Source and naltrexone for weight loss.<\/p>\n
Researchers found that the participants who took GLP-1 agonists had a little over nine times higher risk of developing pancreatitis, 4.22 times higher risk of having a bowel obstruction, and 3.67 times increased risk for gastroparesis, compared to people who took bupropion-naltrexoneTrusted Source.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are not entirely surprised [by these results]. There have been many anecdotal reports and case reports in the literature of these adverse events in patients using these medications for weight loss. However, no epidemiologic study investigated this risk,\u201d Sodhi said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are strong proponents for informed patient consent. We believe it is crucial for patients to have a full understanding of the potential adverse events associated with any medical therapy that they choose to pursue. We also hope that our study can help inform healthcare providers and make them aware of these risks,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
How much of an increased risk?
\nAfter reviewing this study, Dr. Rami Bailony, an obesity specialist and CEO of Enara, who was not involved in the research, told MNT that his initial reaction was one of cautious interest as it is important to interpret the results in a broader context.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile relative risk percentages might sound alarming, the absolute risk, or the actual number of people affected, can be quite small,\u201d said Dr. Bailony.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s essential to differentiate between the two to give patients a clear understanding of the real-world implications. While statements like \u2018a nine times increased risk\u2019 can sound alarming at first glance, it\u2019s crucial to understand what that actually means in real-world terms,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen the study says there\u2019s a nine times increased risk of pancreatitis, it\u2019s speaking in relative terms. But if we delve into the absolute risk, the actual numbers paint a different picture. For instance, if we look at pancreatitis and its reported incidence rate, it means that for every 1,000 people taking the medication for a year, roughly eight might experience the condition. So, while the relative risk seems high, the absolute number of people affected is relatively small.\u201d
\n\u2014 Dr. Rami Bailony<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD, Oct 12 (Online): Over the last year, the news and social media have been saturated with headlines, advertisements, and other information about using medications like Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss. Previous research has shown these medications \u2014 which are a class of drugs […]<\/p>\n
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