As demand for popular weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic continues to surge, medical professionals are urging caution due to potential safety risks.
These medications, categorized as GLP-1 receptor agonists, are primarily used to treat Type 2 diabetes but have gained popularity for their weight-loss effects. However, doctors emphasize that the potent effects of these drugs on the body, particularly the gastrointestinal system, require careful monitoring.
Dr. Christopher McGowan, a gastroenterologist and obesity medicine specialist, warns that while these medications can offer benefits, they are not without risks. Side effects such as nausea, vomiting, gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying), and even bowel obstruction have been reported. In one high-profile case, a Pennsylvania woman filed a lawsuit against Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy and Ozempic, after undergoing emergency surgery and losing her colon. She claims that the drugs did not adequately warn about severe side effects.
Novo Nordisk, defending against the lawsuit, insists that its products are safe when used as directed under medical supervision. The company points to extensive clinical trials and real-world studies, claiming over 9.5 million patient years of clinical experience with semaglutide, the active ingredient in both Wegovy and Ozempic.
Despite these reassurances, Dr. McGowan notes that as more people use these medications, more cases of severe side effects may emerge. He highlights that while the drugs have demonstrated a favorable safety profile in clinical trials, they are not universally safe, and patients need to be informed of potential risks. Some individuals have experienced serious complications, such as gallbladder disease, dehydration, and even kidney failure.
Emerging concerns have also been raised about the potential for suicidal thoughts, though these links have not yet been proven. McGowan stresses the complexity of treating obesity with medications that affect both the body and brain.
While Wegovy and Ozempic have become popular tools in weight management, medical experts continue to call for close supervision and careful consideration of the risks involved with these potent drugs.
With input from People and FOX Business.
