New Study Finds Popular Weight Loss Medications Linked to Serious Digestive Problems
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia has shed light on the potential risks associated with popular injected medications for weight loss, including Wegovy, Ozempic, Saxenda, and Victoza. The study suggests that individuals taking these medications may face a higher risk of developing serious digestive problems such as stomach paralysis, pancreatitis, and bowel obstructions compared to those taking other types of weight loss medications.
While the study found that the risks of these events occurring in individual patients are relatively rare, at around 1%, the demand for these drugs has surged, with tens of millions of people worldwide now using them. The researchers warn that even rare risks can lead to hundreds of thousands of new cases due to the large number of people using these drugs.
Dr. Mahyar Etminan, the lead author of the study and an epidemiologist at the University of British Columbia, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, “When you have millions of people using these drugs, you know, a 1% risk still translates to many people who may experience these events.”
The study also highlights that these digestive problems are not mild and can be medical emergencies. Previous reporting by CNN has highlighted cases of stomach paralysis in individuals who have taken these drugs, raising concerns about the lack of warning to patients about this specific side effect.
The prescribing information for these medications does include warnings about a range of serious side effects, such as inflammation of the pancreas, gallbladder problems, blocked intestines, kidney problems, serious allergic reactions, increased heart rate, suicidal thoughts, and changes in vision. The labels also note that the most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Additionally, they strongly advise individuals with a history of certain types of hereditary thyroid cancers against taking these medications.
The study, published in JAMA as a research letter, analyzed a random sample of more than 16 million insurance claims from a prescription drug database that covered around 93% of all outpatient prescriptions in the US, filed between 2006 and 2020. The researchers focused on individuals who were prescribed two injected drugs, semaglutide and liraglutide, which belong to a class called GLP-1 agonists and slow down the passage of food through the stomach. These drugs have been found to aid in blood sugar control for individuals with diabetes and can promote substantial weight loss in those with or without diabetes.
The study compared the frequency of serious digestive problems among individuals taking Ozempic and Saxenda with those taking a different weight loss medication called Contrave. The results revealed that individuals taking the injected medications were more than three times more likely to develop stomach paralysis and more than four times more likely to develop bowel obstructions compared to those taking Contrave. The incidence of pancreatitis was also significantly higher in individuals taking the injected drugs.
Although the study has some limitations and only establishes associations rather than causal relationships, it is the first to quantify the risks associated with these medications. The researchers acknowledge that further research is needed to fully understand the safety profile of these weight loss drugs.
Dr. Ian Musgrave, a molecular pharmacologist at the University of Adelaide, commented on the study, stating that while GLP-1 agonists are generally well-tolerated, serious side effects can occur, particularly in patients with type-2 diabetes. He noted that it is less clear whether patients taking these medications for weight loss may face the same risks.
Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Saxenda, has expressed confidence in the safety and efficacy of their GLP-1 medications when used according to the product labeling and approved indications. The company advises patients to take these medications under the supervision of a healthcare professional and to make treatment decisions in consultation with their healthcare provider.
While this study provides important insights into the potential risks associated with popular weight loss medications, further research and ongoing monitoring are necessary to fully understand the safety profile of these drugs and ensure the well-being of patients using them.