Latest news with #JAMAOphthalmology
India Today
18 hours ago
- Health
- India Today
Weight loss drugs can double risk of eye disease: Study
Weight loss drugs can double risk of eye disease: Study Credit: Getty Images Weight loss drugs could double the risk of getting eye diseases, a large-scale study has found. The weight loss drugs that belong to the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) can increase the risk of getting age-related eye disease. This eye disease, known as macular degeneration, affects the central vision, primarily impacting older adults with diabetes. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are medicines that help the body lower blood sugar levels. They work like a natural hormone called GLP-1, which tells the body to release insulin after eating. What are GLP-1 drugs? These drugs are often used to treat type 2 diabetes and sometimes help with weight loss too. Academics at the University of Toronto examined medical data from more than 1 million Ontario students with diabetes. Nearly all of them were taking semaglutide, a popular diabetes and weight loss drug. The study found that those taking semaglutide for at least six months had twice the risk of developing macular degeneration. As per the study, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, diabetic patients who were older and had an even higher risk of developing macular degeneration. "Based on our data, I would advise exercising particular caution when prescribing GLP-1 RAs to older [diabetic] patients or those with a history of stroke," said Marko Popovic, a co-author of the study.
Health Line
2 days ago
- Health
- Health Line
GLP-1 Drugs Linked to Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Study Finds
GLP-1 drugs are associated with a higher risk of 'wet' age-related macular degeneration in people with type 2 diabetes, according to a new study. Researchers found that the risk substantially increased the longer people were prescribed a GLP-1 drug, particularly those containing semaglutide. GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have surged in popularity as weight loss treatments, but ophthalmologists say their potential risks to eye health are not well understood. GLP-1 drugs are linked to a significantly higher risk of developing neovascular or 'wet' age-related macular degeneration, according to new research. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Toronto, found that people with type 2 diabetes who were prescribed GLP-1s were more than twice as likely to develop wet AMD as those who weren't. The study also found that the longer subjects were treated with these medications, the greater their risk of developing wet AMD. Neovascular age-related macular degeneration, commonly known as wet AMD, is the less common but more aggressive form of age-related macular degeneration, and a leading cause of irreversible vision loss among older adults in the United States. The findings, published on June 5 in JAMA Ophthalmology, suggest that doctors and patients should be aware of the potential risks, even though the chance of developing the condition remains relatively low. GLP-1 drugs, a class of blockbuster diabetes and obesity drugs sold under brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy, have surged in popularity in recent years. They offer a range of substantial benefits, including weight loss, improved blood sugar levels, and reduced cardiovascular disease risk. Despite these benefits, ophthalmologists say the impact of GLP-1 drugs on eye health is not well understood. Studies have identified an association between the medications and other eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). While the findings don't establish a clear causal link between GLP-1 drugs and eye disease, experts say there's still reason for caution. 'The dose-response effect we observed — where longer GLP-1 receptor agonist exposure was associated with higher risk — strengthens the argument that this association may reflect a true biological effect rather than being due to confounding factors,' said study co-author Andrew Mihalache, MD(C), of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, Canada. 'Seeing a graded relationship like this suggests that prolonged exposure could play a causal role in increasing risk. However, this needs to be confirmed in future studies,' he told Healthline. Long-term GLP-1 drug use may triple wet AMD risk Drawing on health records from Ontario, Canada, researchers at the University of Toronto analyzed nearly 140,000 adults with type 2 diabetes to investigate a possible link between GLP-1 use and wet AMD. The retrospective study tracked patient outcomes over a three-year period, using data collected between 2020 and 2023. Roughly one-third of participants — about 46,000 people — had been prescribed a GLP-1 drug for at least six months. The rest had not. In the vast majority of cases (97.5%), that drug was semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. The average participant was 66, and the cohort was almost evenly divided by sex, with females representing 46.6% of the group. On average, those who were prescribed a GLP-1 drug were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with wet AMD. However, that number doesn't tell the full story. People who took GLP-1 drugs for longer experienced progressively greater risk. Those who had only taken their medication for 6–18 months actually had a slightly lower risk than those who didn't take the medication. However, at the 18–30 month mark, GLP-1 users' risk of developing wet AMD more than doubled compared to non-users. And those taking the drugs for 30 months or longer had more than triple the risk. 'This was definitely surprising, especially given the growing enthusiasm for GLP-1 receptor agonists for their cardiovascular and metabolic benefits. It really highlights the need for further investigation into their ocular safety profile,' first study author Reut Shor, MD, of the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at the University of Toronto, Canada, told Healthline. Despite the increase in risk, the absolute risk of developing wet AMD was still low: 0.2% among those taking a GLP-1 and 0.1% among those who didn't. Do GLP-1 drugs harm eye health? While not definitive, the study raises further questions about the potential risks posed by GLP-1 drugs for eye health. Prior studies have also identified links between GLP-1s and other forms of eye disease in people with type 2 diabetes. In a major phase 3 semaglutide trial in 2016, researchers identified that type 2 diabetes patients taking semaglutide had a higher risk of complications of diabetic retinopathy compared to a placebo. Those findings were published in The New England Journal of Medicine. However, other studies have provided conflicting evidence. A retrospective 2024 study evaluated nearly 700 subjects with type 2 diabetes who were taking a GLP-1 drug and found no association between GLP-1s and worsening retinopathy. Also in 2024, researchers found that patients with type 2 diabetes who were prescribed semaglutide were at greater risk of NAION compared to those who weren't. NAION is a condition that causes sudden blindness, typically just in one eye, due to a lack of blood flow to the optic nerve. The mechanism for why GLP-1 drug use may lead to wet AMD is not well established, but a predominant theory is that lowering blood sugar rapidly leads to a lack of oxygen in the retina. 'When you make the retina more hypoxic, which is what the GLP-1s do, it basically pushes it further over the threshold, causing more abnormal blood vessels to grow,' said Linda Lam, MD, MBA, an ophthalmologist with Keck Medicine of USC, who wasn't involved in the research. Abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye is the hallmark of wet AMD. While GLP-1s offer many health benefits, eye disease risk must be considered in some populations, Lam told Healthline. 'In this particular group of patients who are older, who are diabetics, I really would caution against the extended use of GLP-1s,' she said. Lam reiterated the importance of annual eye exams for the general population, but in particular for those with diabetes, to identify and diagnose eye disease early on. People with type 2 diabetes, especially those taking a GLP-1 drug, should be aware of the signs and symptoms of vision loss and consult with their doctor immediately. These include:
New York Post
2 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
Ozempic makes you twice as likely to develop this debilitating condition — what that really means for your risk
A growing number of Ozempic and Mounjaro users have shared stark warnings after going blind while using GLP-1 drugs. Now a new study is bringing into focus the relationship between diabetic GLP-1 users and the elevated risk of age-related eye disease. But despite seemingly alarming numbers, a doctor explained to The Post why she doesn't actually think it should steer people away from the jab. 3 A 2024 study found that 12% of the US population has taken a GLP-1 drug at some point, with around 6% currently using them. alones – Published in JAMA Ophthalmology, the study was drawn from the health records of nearly 140,000 patients. Researchers found that after one year, GLP-1 users were more than twice as likely to develop neovascular age-related macular degeneration than those who were not taking the drugs. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that gradually damages the macula, the part of your eye's retina responsible for sharp, central vision. As it worsens, people find it increasingly difficult to see things directly in front of them, while their peripheral vision remains largely unaffected. In older people, AMD is a leading cause of irreversible blindness. The study found the risk percentage was 0.2% in GLP-1 users and 0.1% in nonusers. Nearly 20 million adults in the US are living with AMD, which comes in two types. The slower-moving dry AMD makes up about 80% of cases. It occurs when the macula gets thinner with age, often due to the buildup of yellow protein deposits known as drusen, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Wet AMD, also known as neovascular AMD (nAMD), while less common, is far more aggressive, causing rapid and severe vision loss. In this form, the macula's function is compromised by the growth and leakage of abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina. The condition is typically treated with frequent injections to restore or stabilize vision. 3 Kaden notes that while there is cause for concern, headlines will amplify what she believes is a relatively low risk Northwell Foundation 'What researchers in this latest study were looking for specifically was whether or not these were people who converted from the dry form of macular degeneration, which is where you don't have abnormal blood vessels to the wet form, which is when you do,' Dr. Talia Kaden, director of the Northwell Health retina fellowship told the Post. But Kaden noted that while there is cause for concern, she actually believes there a relatively low risk. 'We're talking about a handful of patients who might have an increase in retinopathy compared to the millions of patients on these medications.' Dr. Talia Kaden 'That 2X number is really powerful, but when you look at the raw data, I don't think it's quite as strong a punch. I don't think that number should be a reason for people not to be on these drugs. I do think, though, it is worth continuing to look into,' she said. This study adds to a growing body of research documenting vision problems in patients using GLP-1 drugs. A review published earlier this year in JAMA Ophthalmology uncovered at least nine cases of patients who experienced vision loss after taking semaglutide or tirzepatide, the active ingredients in Wegovy and Zepbound, respectively. And a 2024 study suggested a potential link between semaglutide and the rare eye condition nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), in which restricted blood flow to the optic nerve causes sudden-onset vision loss. 'None of these studies are definitive in identifying that there has been a change. Some of them show a slight increase, but we're talking about a handful of patients who might have an increase in retinopathy compared to the millions of patients on these medications,' Kaden said. 3 In older people, AMD is a leading cause of irreversible blindness. StockPhotoPro – Researchers think that declining blood glucose levels caused by GLP-1s could trigger abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina. Further, there are GLP-1 receptors in the retina, and these drugs increase the levels of molecules that lead to harmful blood vessel formation. 'Seeing such a clear signal in our study was striking,' co-author Reut Shor of the University of Toronto told STAT. 'The absolute risk remains low, but the advanced form of AMD is a condition with serious implications for vision and quality of life. So a doubling of risk is clinically meaningful, particularly for vulnerable populations like older adults who may already be at elevated baseline risk.' Shor and his team note that more research is necessary to determine whether direct or indirect effects are causing the increased risk of nAMD. Shor and Kaden maintain that these findings should not be cause for alarm nor a reason to halt the prescription or use of these medications; rather, patients should be made aware of the risk and monitor their vision accordingly. Kaden, the study authors, and other experts recommend that GLP-1 users be on the lookout for any vision changes that could indicate early signs of AMD. 'We really want you to look for anything blurring, any new distortion. If you're looking at a flagpole or a doorframe, that should be a straight line. If all of a sudden that line looks wavy or curvy, that's a reason to seek a consultation with a retina specialist,' said Kaden.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Ozempic blindness to Ozempic mouth: Beware of these shocking side effects of the weight loss drug
Amid the growing epidemic of obesity, Ozempic and other weight loss drugs are proving to be game-changers in the fight against excess weight. Not just fitness, they can also improve longevity by reducing heart disease risk, protecting kidneys, and lowering the risk of certain obesity-related cancers. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While Ozempic can seemingly turn back the clock by helping you look and feel younger, some of its unexpected side effects could do just the opposite. Here are a few you need to watch out for: 1. Ozempic blindness Ozempic could potentially make you blind. An elderly man in Maryland, United States who took Ozempic for managing type 2 diabetes became legally blind after being diagnosed with NAION , a rare eye condition linked to Ozempic use. Sudden and irreversible vision loss linked to the weight loss drug can be life-altering, a stark warning against its indiscriminate use. A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology showed how people on GLP-1 drugs suffered from vision issues, including nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), as well as two other potentially blinding eye conditions. 2. Ozempic mouth Ozempic can help you shed a significant amount of weight which can resolve many health woes. However the rapid fat loss could lead to loosening and sagging of skin and cause some aesthetic side effects. One of them is Ozempic mouth , which could give your lower face a wrinkly and hollowed appearance which extends from the corners of the mouth down towards the chin, leading to premature aging. 3. Ozempic personality Ozempic's adverse effects aren't just restricted to cosmetic changes, but also a reduced joy of life in certain cases. Many users on the GLP-1 drug report low moods, anxiety, depression, lack of interest in activities that one previously enjoyed. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A few have also experienced decreased libido or less interest in sexual activity. This may happen due to semaglutide's effect on the brain's reward centre. Many get a temporary high after eating food of their choice. However, Ozempic could make these reward centres less active. There isn't sufficient evidence around this effect and more studies are required. 4. Ozempic butt It is natural for the skin to wrinkle, sag, and lose its elasticity post excessive weight loss. Just like face, Ozempic could also impact the appearance of your butt. Ozempic butt is more likely to affect older people considering the proteins, collagen and elastin, which promotes elasticity, can reduce as we age. However, these changes may not be experienced by everyone on weight loss drugs. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that skin reactions were reported in fewer than 10% of patients who received Ozempic. Inside Ozempic: Does the drug really help in weight loss and what are its possible side effects?
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Ozempic ingredient linked to dangerous eye condition that could threaten sight
A new study adds to evidence to suggest the main ingredient in Novo Nordisk's injectable drug for type 2 diabetes may increase patients' risk for a dangerous eye condition. The findings about the injectable GLP-1 drug are included in JAMA Ophthalmology, published on Thursday. The researchers tracked nearly 175,000 patients with diabetes who received semaglutide - the active ingredient in Ozempic and other Novo products - and the same number of patients with diabetes who received non–GLP-1 drugs. The higher risk of developing the sight-threatening eye problem known as nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, or NAION, did not appear during patients' first year of treatment with semaglutide. But their risk for NAION was more than doubled after two years of treatment, compared to patients taking diabetes medicines from other classes. In subgroup analyses, the elevated risk for NAION associated with semaglutide was confined to women and to patients taking Ozempic, which is only one of Novo's semaglutide products. Patients with diabetes who received Rybelsus, an oral semaglutide, or Wegovy, which is injected like Ozempic and approved for obesity, had no increased risk for NAION compared with those who received non–GLP-1 medications. A small study published last year and a separate large study published last month had similarly found that adults with type 2 diabetes using semaglutide had a higher NAION incidence rate than when they were not using the medication. The authors of the new report note that retrospective studies such as these cannot prove causation. 'Because NAION is a potentially debilitating ophthalmic condition, gaining a clearer understanding of its incidence and the factors influencing its occurrence would enhance care for those considering the use of these medications,' they said.
