New Study Finds Increased Risk of Gastrointestinal Adverse Events with Diabetes Medications Used for Weight Loss
A recent study has shed light on the potential risks associated with using glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists for weight loss. These medications, typically used to treat diabetes, have been increasingly used off-label for their potential weight-reducing effects. However, previous research has already highlighted the increased occurrence of gastrointestinal adverse events among patients with diabetes who take GLP-1 agonists.
To further investigate this issue, researchers conducted a new study examining the gastrointestinal adverse events associated with GLP-1 agonists used for weight loss. The study utilized a random sample of 16 million patients from a health claims database, focusing on new users of semaglutide or liraglutide (GLP-1 agonists) and an active comparator, bupropion-naltrexone.
The findings of the study were quite concerning. The researchers discovered that patients using GLP-1 agonists for weight loss had a significantly higher risk of developing pancreatitis, gastroparesis, and bowel obstruction compared to those using the active comparator, bupropion-naltrexone. However, no significant association was found between the use of GLP-1 agonists and biliary disease.
The study’s results suggest that individuals considering the use of GLP-1 agonists for weight loss should carefully weigh the potential risks of these gastrointestinal adverse events. It is important to note that all participants in the study had a record of obesity without diabetes. However, it remains unclear if the drugs were specifically prescribed for weight loss purposes.
The study was funded by internal research funds from the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of British Columbia and was published online in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) on October 5, 2023. It was accepted for publication on September 11, 2023. It is worth mentioning that the funder had no involvement in the design and execution of the study, ensuring its impartiality and reliability.
As the popularity of off-label use of GLP-1 agonists for weight loss continues to rise, this study serves as a timely reminder of the potential risks involved and the need for informed decision-making. Patients should consult with their healthcare providers to thoroughly assess the benefits and potential drawbacks of these medications before embarking on any weight-loss journey.
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