Study Raises Concerns Over Popular Weight Loss Drugs’ Link to Stomach Paralysis
A recent study published in JAMA has shed light on a potential risk associated with popular weight loss drugs. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia, suggests that drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic could increase the risk of stomach paralysis and other gastrointestinal conditions.
The researchers analyzed the health insurance claim records of approximately 16 million U.S. patients who were prescribed these drugs over a 14-year period. The findings revealed a link between the use of semaglutides, the active ingredient in both Ozempic (prescribed for diabetes management) and Wegovy (prescribed for weight loss), and the development of stomach paralysis, officially known as gastroparesis.
Moreover, the study found that these weight loss drugs were also associated with a greater risk of pancreatitis and bowel obstruction. Comparatively, when compared to another weight loss drug, bupropion-naltrexone, patients who took semaglutides were significantly more likely to develop these complications.
In light of these findings, the researchers recommend that both regulatory agencies and drugmakers update the warning labels for these drugs to include the risk of gastroparesis. While these complications are rare, the increased use of these medications worldwide raises concerns. In fact, the number of individuals in the U.S. using GLP-1 agonists for either diabetes or obesity has already reached 40 million in 2022.
Patients who are considering these drugs for weight loss are advised to be aware of the potential risks and seek medical attention if necessary. However, it is essential for individuals to assess the decision to take these drugs on an individual basis, weighing the benefits against the risks.
It is important to note that the study does have some limitations. Access to medical charts was restricted, and as a result, the researchers were unable to determine the individual risk levels associated with different GLP-1 drugs. Nonetheless, the study’s findings highlight the need for further research and consideration of potential complications associated with weight loss drugs.
