In the recent years, drugs like ozempic, wegovy and mounjaro have become increasingly popular for their ability to manage blood sugar and aid in weight loss. They are GLP-1 receptor antagonists. This means that, they block the action of the gut hormone (GLP-1) which helps to regulate appetite and controls your blood sugar.
These drugs slow down digestion and curb appetite by mimicking the hormone GLP-1.
Side effects of these drugs include:
GI disturbances: nausea, vomitting, diarrhoea
dizziness
fatigue
loss of appetite
mild itchiness
hypglycemia or low blood sugar
sulphurous burps
The above side effects are generally well known, but recent studies presented that GLP-1 drugs can interfere with PET and CT scans by altering how the tissues take up imaging tracers. This can lead to errors in scan results, making it harder for doctors to interpret them accurately. The changes caused by these drugs present as abnormal growths or inflammation, even when none exist. This can lead to unnecessary biopsies, invasive procedures and repeated scans for confirmation.
Another rare but serious effect shown is NAION which is, non-arteric anterior ischemic optic neuropathy- a vision problem caused by reduction of blood flow to the optic nerve.
While GLP-1 antagonist drugs are a powerful tool for weight loss and diabetes management, their effects extend beyond what is visible on just the scale. As research continues to cover these unknown risks we are all just beginning to know about, should people continue to use these drugs inspite of these serious side effects?
Vomiting is a quite commonly seen side effect with GLP-1 agonists which sometimes makes people hesitant to get started on them.
But most of the oral antidiabetics do have GI side effects… so as long as the person does not have any pre-existing GI disorders and is not pregnant/lactating I personally feel they can be used
GLP-1 drugs have shown remarkable benefits for managing diabetes and weight, but their potential risks, like imaging interference and rare vision issues warrant cautious use. People should only take them under strict medical supervision, balancing benefits with emerging safety findings.
GI side effects are very common with anti diabetic drugs. Remarkable results of GLP-1 antagonist in diabetes and other metabolic disorder is very commendable and it helps in preventing diabeties related complications by significantly decreasing HbA1C values.It delays the use of insulin in type 2 diabetes patients too.Being said that all these side effects should be kept in mind when dealing with different diabetic patients.And more needful research should be done on side effects for better compliance and diabetes control.
Ozempic and similar drugs are now widely discussed on social media, not for their original purpose of treating diabetes, but for their weight loss effects. Recently, several Bollywood celebrities have spoken about their rapid weight loss after using these medications.
It is important to create public awareness about the potential risks of using such drugs for weight loss. Instead of following celebrity trends, people should focus on healthy and sustainable methods such as maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and addressing any underlying hormonal imbalances.