Weight Loss Medications Linked to Digestive Problems, New Study Finds
A new analysis of data from 5,411 patients has revealed that weight loss medications designed to mimic the hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) may be causing various digestive problems. The study found that individuals using GLP-1 medications faced an increased risk of conditions such as pancreatitis, gastroparesis, and bowel obstruction compared to those using a medication that does not activate the same chemical pathways as GLP-1.
Although the risk remains relatively small, it is worth noting the potential consequences of these drugs. For instance, 0.8 percent of individuals taking Saxenda, a GLP-1 treatment, reported experiencing bowel obstructions, whereas only 0.17 percent of individuals taking Contrave, a non-GLP-1 medication, reported the same issue. However, with the growing number of people relying on these medications for weight loss, even a slight increase in risk translates to a significant number of affected individuals.
Dr. Mahyar Etminan, an epidemiologist from the University of British Columbia, emphasized the significance of the findings, stating, “When you have millions of people using these drugs, you know, a 1 percent risk still translates to many people who may experience these events.”
Injected weight loss treatments such as Wegovy, Ozempic, Saxenda, and Victoza amplify the effects of GLP-1 by slowing down the digestion process. This results in individuals feeling fuller for longer periods of time. GLP-1 medications are also commonly prescribed to manage blood glucose levels in individuals with diabetes. However, this particular study focused on the weight loss aspect of the drugs, examining obese patients without diabetes.
The side effects identified in the study are not minor issues and may outweigh the benefits of the medications for some individuals. As the number of people using these treatments for weight loss continues to rise, it becomes increasingly crucial to consider the potential risks involved.
This is not the first instance where digestive complications have been associated with GLP-1 medications. Drug companies have acknowledged these problems as known side effects, affecting only a minority of users. Earlier this year, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ruled that Ozempic should carry a warning about reported “gastrointestinal disorders” associated with the medication.
It is important to note that the study did not cover all GLP-1-related treatments, and further research is required to understand why these medications are linked to increased health risks. The researchers behind the study suggest that the adverse events associated with these drugs, although rare, must be considered by individuals considering weight loss medications, as the risk-benefit calculation may differ from those using them for diabetes treatment.
The findings of this study have been published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).