GLP-1 Drugs Like Ozempic Are Widely Popular. Here Are Side Effects You Should Know About
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 13: Ozempic is medicine for adults with type 2 diabetes . Wegovy is ... More prescribed for long-term weight loss in adults and children. Both contain the active ingredient semaglutide, on January 13, 2025, in Sydney, Australia (Photo by Steve Christo - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Glucagon-Like-Peptide-1 Agonists, like Ozempic, have become extremely popular for weight loss. In fact, about 1 in 8 Americans have taken a GLP-1 drug at some point in their life, according to KFF health.
Drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro are highly effective at curbing pounds. Participants that took Tirzepatide, which is the active ingredient in the weight loss drug Zepbound that is also a GLP-1 agonist, lost 15-21% of their body weight over a 72 week period, according to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine.
These drugs can result in dramatic weight loss because they delay emptying of food from the stomach, which keeps people full for longer periods of time. In addition, they act on hunger centers in the brain to prevent and curb cravings.
In general, GLP-1 agonists are safe and well tolerated, but there can be some side effects that are important for everyone to know. Not everyone will experience side effects and some patients may experience some while others experience completely different ones.
By far, the most common side effects patients will have will be gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. Nearly 1 in 5 people taking Ozempic can have nausea, according to WebMD. Many of these side effects can be managed by decreasing the dose, taking the drug with food, drinking water to stay hydrated and eating slower.
More rare but serious gastrointestinal side effects include stomach paralysis and intestinal obstruction. Because GLP-1 agonist drugs delay emptying of food from the stomach, food can get backed up in the stomach, preventing transit into the intestines which can paralyze and weaken the stomach. This can lead to a life-threatening condition known as bowel obstruction because food is not passing through the intestines in a timely manner. Signs and symptoms to look for would be severe abdominal pain, inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement, vomiting and bloating. If this starts to occur, you need to go to the emergency room immediately to be evaluated by a doctor. This condition can lead to malnutrition, dehydration and even death if not treated appropriately.
Rarely, GLP-1 agonists can cause a condition called acute pancreatitis, which is when your pancreas gets inflamed. When you have pancreatitis, you typically have severe abdominal pain that radiates to your back. This can also be life-threatening and you need to go the emergency room as soon as possible if you are experiencing such symptoms.
These drugs can also cause gallbladder problems, such as gallstones or even inflammation of the gallbladder which is known as cholecystitis. Patients with gallbladder issues typically have upper abdominal pain, and if the gallbladder is inflamed, can also have a fever. If you have a history of gallbladder disease, you should not take GLP-1 agonists.
Ozempic and Wegovy, both of which are GLP-1 agonists, can also result in vision changes. These drugs stimulate the pancreas to release insulin, which then decreases blood sugar levels. Changes in blood sugar can affect the shape of the lens of the eye which can result in blurry vision. Older patients are more at risk for this side effect, and vision changes can last for a couple months.
The terms 'Ozempic face' and 'Ozempic butt' are not truly side effects of GLP-1 drugs, but rather consequences that occur from rapid weight loss from the face and rear end. Fat around the face and butt are crucial to maintain skin volume and elasticity. When that fat is lost quickly, the skin on the face and butt can hang and sag, resulting in the condition 'Ozempic face' and 'Ozempic butt'. These conditions can be treated or mitigated by decreasing dose, adequate hydration, increasing protein in the diet and with procedures like dermal fillers and other skin tightening procedures.
Studies performed in rodents have shown a link between GLP-1 agonists and the development of a rare type of thyroid cancer known as medullary thyroid cancer. The good news is human studies have not currently shown a significant risk between these drugs and the development of thyroid cancer. In fact, among over 14,500 participants that were studied across multiple studies assessing the risk of thyroid cancer incidence and the use of Semaglutide (the active ingredient in GLP-1 agonists), the risk of thyroid cancer was less than 1%. However, more research still needs to be done and you should not take GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic if you have a family history of medullary thyroid cancer or a condition known as multiple endocrine neoplasia 2 that would increase your risk for such tumors.
Mental health concerns became an issue of importance with GLP-1 agonists when the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System received numerous reports of individuals who reported suicidal thoughts and ideations while taking GLP-1 agonist drugs. However, after a careful review by the FDA, the administration found no evidence that these drugs cause suicidal thoughts or actions. In addition, a study published in BMJ also found no increased risk of suicidal thoughts in patients with type 2 diabetes taking GLP-1 agonists when compared to two other diabetic drugs.
The FDA also noted that they could not rule out whether a small risk of suicidal thoughts and actions existed, and much more research would be needed to clarify if a real association existed. For these reasons, if taking drugs like Ozempic, you should report and seek medical attention immediately if you are having suicidal thoughts or have any changes in your mental health.
GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic offer a power tool for patients for both diabetes and weight loss. As with all drugs, they are not without risk and anyone considering these medications should have a thorough discussion with their doctor to weigh potential benefits and side effects. Also, with the popularity of these drugs soaring, the need for long-term safety data is paramount to ensure weight loss does not come at the cost of overall well-being.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
23 minutes ago
- CBS News
5 medical debt relief options that actually work
We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. If you're struggling under the weight of your medical debt, there are ways to get some much-needed relief. Getty Images The cost of healthcare in the U.S. has always been high, but for many Americans, the issue has gone from frustrating to financially devastating. More than 41% of adults are now carrying some form of healthcare-related debt, according to a recent KFF Health Care Debt Survey — which includes healthcare debts owed to credit cards, collections agencies, family and friends, banks and other lenders. And it's not just those without insurance who are facing this type of issue. Those with coverage are also falling behind due to issues with high deductibles, denied claims and unexpected bills that show up months later. What makes medical debt especially tricky is that it often stems from emergencies or unexpected diagnoses. Unlike credit card debt or personal loans, where you knowingly agree to borrow money, medical debt is something most people don't willingly sign up for. They get sick, they get care and then get stuck with a bill they can't afford. And, to make matters worse, some unpaid medical debt can show up on your credit report or get sent to collections, creating even more financial stress. If you're struggling with medical bills, though, you do have some options to consider. Healthcare providers, government programs and debt relief organizations offer various pathways to reduce or eliminate medical debt, but to take advantage of this type of relief, you'll need to know which options are available and how to navigate them effectively. Find out how you can start tackling your debt problems now. 5 medical debt relief options that actually work Here are some of the most effective ways to deal with overwhelming medical debt right now: Negotiate directly with the provider Before you take a more drastic step, try calling the hospital or provider's billing office about your medical debt. Many healthcare providers are surprisingly open to negotiating, especially if you're willing to pay a portion of the bill upfront. By doing this, you may be able to: Settle the debt for less than the full amount Set up a low-rate or interest-free payment plan Access discounts for uninsured or low-income patients In some cases, nonprofit hospitals are even required to offer financial assistance under federal law, so it may pay to ask about the programs available to you. Explore how debt relief could help get your finances back on track. Apply for hospital financial assistance or charity care If your income is below a certain threshold, you might qualify for your bill to be reduced or forgiven altogether. These programs, often referred to as charity care, are offered by most nonprofit hospitals, and they often go unused simply because patients don't know they exist. Eligibility varies, but in general, if you earn below 200% to 400% of the federal poverty level, you could be a candidate. Make sure to submit your application as soon as possible, ideally before the bill is sent to collections. Use a medical bill advocate A medical billing advocate is like a detective for your healthcare expenses. They'll go through your bills line-by-line to catch errors, double charges or services you shouldn't have been billed for at all. Studies have shown that the majority of medical bills contain some kind of mistake, so taking this route could pay off. These services aren't free, though. Some advocates charge a flat fee or a percentage of the savings while others work on a contingency basis, meaning you don't pay unless they lower your bill. But if your bill is over $1,000 or looks confusing, it may be worth the extra cost. Enroll in a debt consolidation or debt management program If your medical debt is mixed in with credit card debt — let's say you used a credit card to pay for procedures — then a traditional debt relief strategy, like debt consolidation, could help. A debt consolidation loan can be used to combine multiple debts into a single monthly payment, typically at a lower interest rate than your credit cards. This won't reduce the total you owe, but it can make the repayment process more manageable. You also have the option of working with a credit counseling agency to create a debt management plan, which allows them to negotiate lower interest rates and handle disbursing the monthly payments for you. You make one payment to the credit counseling agency each month and the money is then used by the credit counseling agency to pay your creditors. If you want to take this route, though, just be cautious of companies that promise quick fixes and always verify credentials before signing up. Consider debt settlement (with caution) Pursuing debt settlement is also an option (though it should be a last resort in most cases), especially if your medical debt is already in collections and you're unable to pay in full. You or a professional debt relief expert can offer a lump sum payment that's less than what you owe in exchange for clearing the debt. Many debt collection agencies will accept 50% to 70% of the total balance. This strategy has risks, though. Settled debt can hurt your credit score, and if you work with a for-profit company, you'll also have to pay fees on your settled debt. Any forgiven debt over $600 may also be considered taxable income by the IRS, so weigh the pros and cons carefully. The bottom line Medical debt can feel crushing, especially when it comes on the heels of a health scare or emergency, but there are more ways to get help than you might think. From negotiating with providers to applying for financial assistance or exploring traditional debt relief options, there are real, actionable ways to take control of your situation. But if you want to maximize the chances of a positive outcome, make sure to start the process early if possible. The sooner you explore your options, the more likely you are to avoid lasting damage — and maybe even save more money in the process.
Gizmodo
3 hours ago
- Gizmodo
Surgery Still Beats Ozempic and Other GLP-1 Drugs in Real-World Weight Loss Study
When it comes to weight loss, surgery still reigns supreme. Research out today shows that people undergoing bariatric surgery tend to lose significantly more weight than people taking the newest, most effective GLP-1 medications for obesity. Scientists at New York University conducted the study, which analyzed real-world data from obesity patients. People who received surgery lost five times more weight over a two year span on average than those who were prescribed a GLP-1 drug, they found. The findings also suggest that GLP-1 drugs aren't as effective in the real world as they are in clinical trials, the researchers say. 'I think the takeaway is when you see a new popular drug come out, you have to take it with a grain of salt. And I think you have to wait a few years for the real world data to come out, because it might temper the results you're seeing in trials,' senior study researcher Karan Chhabra, a bariatric surgeon and assistant professor of surgery and population health at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, told Gizmodo. Bariatric surgery—particularly the sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass—has long been considered the most effective treatment for obesity. People usually lose between 20% and 30% of their baseline weight following surgery, and often experience long-lasting improvements in their general health as a result. But in recent years, the emergence of newer GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) has dramatically changed the field of obesity medicine. These drugs are typically more effective (and safer) than past nonsurgical obesity treatments, with people on average losing between 10% and 20% of their weight in clinical trials. And they, too, have been associated with health benefits that extend beyond weight loss. At first glance, the data had suggested GLP-1 drugs could approach—or even surpass—the effectiveness of bariatric surgery. But according to Chhabra, there hasn't yet been a rigorous head-to-head comparison of these two different types of obesity treatments among real-world patients. Chhabra and his colleagues examined the anonymous medical records of over 50,000 people who received surgery (either a sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass) or GLP-1 therapy (either semaglutide or tirzepatide) through NYU Langone Health or NYC Health + Hospitals between 2018 and 2024. The researchers adjusted for factors like age, starting BMI, and other health conditions to make the two groups comparable. The patients and their weight loss outcomes were tracked for two years. On average, surgical patients lost 58 pounds (around 24% of their total weight) by the end of year two, whereas GLP-1 patients on average lost 12 pounds (around 4.7% of their total weight)—a fivefold difference. The results were slightly better for people who stayed on their medications for a full year (7% weight loss) and for those who took tirzepatide, the newest and most effective GLP-1 drug available (8% to 9%). But the outcomes still fell well short of the success seen with surgery—not to mention the results from earlier clinical trials. The team's findings were presented this week at the annual meeting of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). There are likely several reasons why these drugs aren't as successful as they've appeared to be in trials, Chhabra noted. As many as 70% of GLP-1 patients discontinue use by the first year, for instance. Some will quit because the side effects, typically gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and diarrhea, are too much to bear; others may stop simply because they can't afford the drugs any longer (GLP-1 medications often aren't covered by insurance and can cost upwards of $1,000 a month without coverage). Many of the GLP-1 patients in their study also never reached the maximum dose. Chhabra also suspects that many people in the real world aren't getting the supportive care and follow-up they would get from doctors in a clinical trial. GLP-1 drugs have fueled a growing telemedicine industry—for instance, one in which people are often prescribed the medications remotely by medical professionals they'll never interact with personally. (Until recently, people could also easily get compounded versions of semaglutide and tirzepatide, with even less assurance of safety or effectiveness.) The researchers aren't saying that people with obesity shouldn't take GLP-1 drugs, nor that bariatric surgery is the ideal option for everyone. Some people might prefer a one-time treatment, for instance, or may not have the insurance or resources needed to cover long-term GLP-1 therapy. Others may be nervous about going through with any invasive procedure or have other pre-existing conditions that could complicate surgery but not GLP-1 therapy. At the end of the day, people will need to be aware of these treatments' respective pros and cons, and those who choose to go with GLP-1s should manage their expectations, according to Chhabra. 'They have to know that, at least as of now in the real world, their weight loss is not going to be what we're seeing with surgery and they also have to know that it's a lifelong treatment,' he said. 'We don't yet have any protocols for people to maintain weight loss once they've stopped medications so it's important for people to just acknowledge those realities. And I worry that a lot of people are starting medications without really knowing what they're getting into.' The team next plans to sift through more data to figure out exactly why real-life patients on GLP-1 therapy aren't losing as much weight as expected.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Slimjaro: Examining the Science and Safety of a Legal Slim Jaro Weight loss Health Formula
SlimjaroJacksonville, FL, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Weight loss is a humongous challenge that many people struggle with. Lack of motivation to continue a healthy lifestyle, diet, exercise, and hormonal imbalance, pave the path for weight loss supplements for an obese person. SlimJaro emerged as a trending fruitful and healthy weight loss product. It offers the perfect blend of natural ingredients, providing sustainable, long-lasting, and safe results. The main formula behind SlimJaro SlimJaro is a combination of potent ingredients that come from nature. Those powerful ingredients with their potent combination stimulate the thermogenesis process and reduce cell inflammation to support healthy weight loss. MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): MSM targets cell inflammation. Inflammation slows down metabolism, makes the body insulin and insulin resistant, and slows down the metabolism process. MSM profoundly targets these issues. Arnica Montana: It is filled with an abundance of essential nutrients that promotes metabolic function. Ginger Root Powder: It stimulates key function of this supplement i.e thermogenesis. It maximizes calorie burn and supplies an abundance of energy. Similarly, other ingredients such as aloe vera extract, magnesium, and boswellia extra, ganoderma lucidum have been used. These ingredients all together promote healthy gut function, stimulate anti-inflammatory properties, transform glucose into energy and deliver various other healthy methods of weight Features? Inflammation resistant: Inflammation leads to metabolic dysfunction, loss of muscle mass, mitochondria function and other reasons that make you gain weight. Reduction in high inflammation directly makes fat loss and muscle gain. Support Metabolism: With great metabolic function, people do not have to worry about how much they are eating. SlimJaro with enhancing metabolic rate supports high-calorie burn and improves digestion and gut health. Slimjaro Launching Extensive growth in the medical field has not only remarkably made the weight loss industry boom but people have also become very conscious about what they are putting in their body. White hundreds of weight loss supplements are out there many have jeopardized clinical tests and ingredients. SlimJaro stands out alone with revealing all the natural ingredients included, formulation and science behind it. It fulfills industry trends along with traditional and researched methods of weight lossPotential benefits of SlimJaro Reduces metabolic energy emotional eating. Etc. Guidance for users This product is evidently designed for adults. Those who have medical history, recent surgery, having a case of pregnancy or post pregnancy are not allowed to use this product without provider consultation. SlimJaro is clinically approved for safe and secure results but little discomfort like gastric discomfort and feeling thirsty are some minor results. These issues are temporary and tend to vanish in a few days only. Conclusion Weight loss has become highly important especially after the rising number of heart attacks and related issues. People are looking for a healthy and natural method of weight loss and SlimJaro is fulfilling that need. It targets thermogenesis, metabolic function, inflammation and gut issues which directly influence weight. With all scientific evidence and trials, this product has shifted the choice of people from chemical imbue ingredients to natural ones. Media Details Company website: Contact: SlimJaro Email: prmedia@ Customer service hotline: +1.833.746.5587 Address: PO Box 90129, Lakeland, FL 33804, USA Attachment Slimjaro CONTACT: Company website: Contact: SlimJaro Email: prmedia@ Customer service hotline: +1.833.746.5587 Address: PO Box 90129, Lakeland, FL 33804, USASign in to access your portfolio
