Ozempic and Wegovy: Study Flags Gastrointestinal Concerns
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
In a recent study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers have shed light on the potential gastrointestinal risks associated with the use of Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists for weight loss. These medications, including popular options like Wegovy and Ozempic, are primarily approved for the treatment of diabetes but have gained popularity for their off-label use in weight management.
The research aimed to investigate whether patients using GLP-1 agonists for weight loss face an increased risk of gastrointestinal adverse events, such as biliary disease, pancreatitis, bowel obstruction, and gastroparesis. Previous studies have already identified elevated risks of these complications in patients with diabetes. However, this study sought to determine if the risk profile differs when these drugs are prescribed for weight loss.
To conduct the study, a vast database of 16 million patients from 2006 to 2020 was analyzed. The researchers focused on new users of two main GLP-1 agonists, semaglutide and liraglutide, and compared them to users of bupropion-naltrexone, a weight loss agent unrelated to GLP-1 agonists. Patients with a history of diabetes or antidiabetic drug use were excluded, ensuring a focus on weight loss usage.
The findings revealed that GLP-1 agonists were associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis, bowel obstruction, and gastroparesis when compared to bupropion-naltrexone. However, there was no significant difference in the risk of biliary disease. Importantly, even when adjusting for factors like age, sex, alcohol use, and smoking, the increased risks persisted.
These results underscore the importance of considering potential gastrointestinal risks when using GLP-1 agonists for weight loss. While these adverse events are relatively rare, patients contemplating the use of these drugs for weight management should carefully weigh the benefits against the risks. It's worth noting that the study's limitations include uncertainty regarding whether all GLP-1 agonist users were solely using the drugs for weight loss.
Patients and healthcare providers should be aware of the potential risks associated with these medications and make informed decisions based on individual health circumstances and goals. Further research and monitoring are essential to better understand the long-term effects of these drugs in the context of weight management.
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