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Metro
25-04-2025
- Health
- Metro
Mass study reveals alarming new side effects of Ozempic-style weight loss drugs
From 'Ozempic face' to 'Ozempic fingers' and even 'Wegovy butt,' the potential side effects of weight loss medications have been well-documented. But now, a new study has revealed yet another troubling by-product of the drug – and this time, it's not physical, but mental. The research found a link between weight loss drugs and an increase in both depression and suicidal ideation. Put simply, GLP1 drugs – which are often called GLP1 agonists – are used in weight loss drugs like Ozempic. These mimic the hormones the body releases when we consume food, triggering the pancreas to release insulin and convert the sugar in our bloodstream into energy. Published in Current Neuropharmacology, the study explains that while these drugs can prove helpful for brains that produce too much dopamine (often called the 'feel-good hormone' that makes us feel pleasure), for those who naturally run on too little, it might cause more harm than good. So, why is this? It's all because when used regularly, these drugs can actually disrupt the production of dopamine, which can then lead to symptoms of depression, mood swings, and thoughts of suicide. The authors have warned that their findings should be taken seriously, as senior author Dr. Kenneth Blum, research professor at Western University Health Sciences and Ariel University, urged 'the clinical prescribing community to proceed with caution to avoid another tragic wave of 'people dying to lose weight.'' Dr Mark S. Gold, addiction psychiatry pioneer and co-author, even believes that it should be considered enough to 're-evaluate the widespread use of GLP1 receptor agonists.' 'The FDA and other regulatory agencies should carefully consider our findings when it comes to labelling and monitoring these drugs,' he added. Of course, some patients do report more pros than cons. Amanda Strowbridge struggled with her body image after she started going through the menopause in 2019, when she says she put 'more and more' weight on. After considering her options, in November 2023, she decided to put herself forward for Wegovy. Filling out the consultation form through Boots Pharmacy, she quickly received her first prescription. Amanda decided to start her own Instagram account to document her own weight loss journey. It was here that she soon connected with other people on a similar pathway. 'Because of the algorithm, other people on weight-loss drugs started coming up on my feed,' Amanda, who is 55, previously told Metro. 'There are so many nuances, twists and turns along the way and it seems that people who are ahead of others are 'paying forward' their experiences to help others.' Amanda also says there is a wonderful sense of 'camaraderie' among her friends, which makes a change from the feelings of shame people often feel when using weight loss jabs, or are trolled for being 'lazy.' 'As a community, I think we rise above any of these comments as we're too busy looking after our health,' she explains. 'Once people who have been trying to lose weight for years finally find something that works and is helping them, they feel empowered and don't really care what others think.' This isn't the first study to warn of the potential impact of weight loss injections on mental health. Research revealed that between January 2021 and May 2023, 481 psychiatric events were associated with not only semaglutide, but also other similar drugs liraglutide and tirzepatide, often sold as Mounjaro. Around half of the effects recorded included depression, followed by anxiety, while 20% experienced thoughts relating to suicide, according to research published in the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy. As our understanding of weight loss injections has deepened, those taking the drugs have increasingly shared their experiences taking them. Over the last few years, prescriptions for weight loss medications have skyrocketed – and they've become so popular that earlier this month, WeightWatchers announced it was filing for bankruptcy after failing to compete against the rise of 'quick-fix' weight loss tools. 50,000 people in the UK are currently taking either Mounjaro or Wegovy, according to Simple Online Pharmacy, with data from Oushk Pharmacy further revealing that Gen Z is leading the surge in weight loss injections. As Dr Adil Sheraz, consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, previously told Metro, one phenomenon colloquially termed 'Ozempic face' refers to 'sagging, ageing and lacklustre appearance of the facial skin and structures.' Dr Paul Jarrod Frank, a dermatologist in New York thought to have coined the phrase, told the New York Times that he'd started seeing Ozempic face 'every day' since these drugs hit the mainstream. 'The face has a layer of fat that essentially stretches the skin. Ozempic results in rapid weight loss and does so very effectively. This, of course, will lead to rapid loss of subcutaneous (under the skin) facial fat,' Dr Adil further explained. 'The overlying skin however will not be able to shrink at the same rate, resulting in a sagging, droopy and wrinkled appearance.' That's not all. Though these symptoms aren't necessarily specific to taking semaglutide (it can happen with any case of rapid weight loss), people using the drug have also coined the term 'Wegovy Butt,' which refers to people's bums getting smaller, saggier and more deflated. More Trending Others have shared their experiences of so-called 'Ozempic finger,' which is essentially just rapid weight loss around the fingers and wrists, causing people's jewellery to slip off. Novo Nordisk, which manufactures Ozempic, previously told Metro that it couldn't comment on the side effects caused by people using Ozempic off-label, and not for its intended purposes. 'Regarding safety, the most common adverse events among people treated with Ozempic (semaglutide) for its indicated use, are gastrointestinal events including nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting,' a spokesperson said. View More » 'Most events were transient, and mild or moderate in severity and resolved without permanent treatment discontinuation.' Put simply, Ozempic and Wegovy are both brand names – but they're both variations of a weight loss drug called semaglutide. Ozempic is patented to treat type 2 diabetes, improving blood sugar to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular incidents. The Ozempic guidelines outline that the drug – which is injected – 'may help you to lose some weight' but specifies that it is 'not for weight loss.' The same rules apply in the US. While Ozempic is used to treat type 2 diabetes, Wegovy – another form of the ingredient semaglutide, under a different name – it is also used to treat 'adults with obesity or excess weight who also have weight-related medical problems', its website reads. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: I think Freddie Flintoff's facial scars look cool – they're just like mine MORE: The majority of people still think this female body part is 'unacceptable' MORE: I was 18 when my mum made me an embarrassing offer
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists call for 'urgent attention' as seriously harmful potential effects of Ozempic-like drugs found in new study
Scientists are putting out warnings after discovering some incredibly serious and harmful potential effects of drugs similar to Ozempic. This comes from a multinational study, including researchers from across the United States, Brazil, Iran, and Israel, where 24 scientists have been investigating 'GLP1 agonists'. What these are is essentially a class of medications used for managing blood sugar and helping with weight loss, covering medications used for Type-2 diabetes that can trigger weight loss, such as Ozempic. Ozempic - which has become incredibly popular amongst many celebrities who have been using it specifically for weight loss rather than for Type-2 diabetes - has had outspoken critics in recent years, including some famous faces who have spoken out against it. Amy Schumer, who admitted to using the drug, stated she stopped using it due to side effects that left her 'bedridden'. She said: 'I tried Ozempic almost three years ago and I was like, bedridden. I was like, vomiting — and then you have no energy. But other people take it and they're all good. "God bless them… I couldn't lift my head off the pillow, so what's the point?' Researchers have added to fears around the drug, however, after calling for 'urgent attention' following a discovery that GLP1 agonists have a potential link to increased risks of depression and suicidal ideation. It states that, while the class of medications may benefit those with high dopamine production, for those with low dopamine production it can have harmful effects. The peer-reviewed study, published in Current Neuropharmacology, suggested that 'chronic use of these drugs could dysregulate dopamine signalling, potentially leading to depressive symptoms, mood disturbances, and suicidal ideation'. Dr. Kenneth Blum, a senior author on the paper and Research Professor at Western University Health Sciences and Ariel University, said: "This study should not be ignored, despite the hype surrounding the positive clinical outcomes of GLP1 receptor agonists. "We urge the clinical prescribing community to proceed with caution to avoid another tragic wave of 'people dying to lose weight'." Professor Albert Pinhasov, the Provost of Ariel University, added: 'While there are encouraging short-term benefits of GLP1 receptor agonists, we must acknowledge the potential risks highlighted in this study. "These findings should encourage regulatory agencies and clinicians to investigate further, given the heterogeneity of the human population." The European Medicines Agency have already initiated a review of GLP1 agonists, which covers drugs such as Ozempic, following reports of suicidal ideations as well as other negative side effect. Dr. Kai Uwe Lewandowski, a Professor of Surgery at the University of Arizona School of Medicine and co-author of the paper, said: "Depression was the most commonly reported adverse event associated with these drugs, followed by anxiety and suicidal ideation. Our findings strongly support a need for further investigation to safeguard public health." When approached by LADbible, a Novo Nordisk spokesperson said: "Patient safety is our top priority and we will continue to monitor reports of adverse drug reactions, including suicide and suicidal ideation, through routine pharmacovigilance. "Independent research and preliminary findings from the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), as well as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and conclusions from a European Medicines Agency (EMA) analysis did not find an association between use of GLP-1RA medicines and the occurrence of increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. These findings align with data collected from our comprehensive clinical trials, including large-scale outcomes trials and observational studies. "We welcome independent research investigating the safety, efficacy, and clinical utility of our products. We will continue to collaborate closely with the MHRA and other regulatory bodies on any analysis related to the safety of all our GLP-1RA medicines. We stand behind the safety of all of our medicines when they are used as indicated and when taken under the care of a licensed healthcare professional. The known risks associated with use of these medicines are reflected in their current approved product labelling. "We recommend that any patients experiencing side effects while taking Novo Nordisk GLP receptor agonists report them to their healthcare provider and via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme: Adverse events should also be reported to Novo Nordisk via the Customer Care Centre by calling 0800 023 2573."
NDTV
22-04-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Popular Weight Loss Drugs May Pose Mental Health Risks, Says New Study
Popular weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro belong to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which work by mimicking the hormone incretin. GLP-1 receptor agonists are commonly prescribed for type-2 diabetes. These popular weight loss drugs may contribute to some common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain and fatigue. Vision loss, thyroid tumours, kidney problems, gallbladder issues and pancreatitis are some of the concerning side effects users may face. A new study has highlighted the mental health risks associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists. The study published in Current Neuropharmacology uncovers links between GLP-1 agonists and genes associated with mood regulation, depression, and suicidal ideation. The study also highlights that GLP-1 agonists may benefit some individuals with hyperdopaminergic (excess dopamine activity), but they could be harmful to those with hypodopaminergic (low dopamine function). These drugs affect genes such as DRD3, BDNF, and CREB1, which play key roles in mood and reward pathways. "Chronic use may disrupt dopamine signaling and increase the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts," researchers highlight. "This study should not be ignored, despite the hype surrounding the positive clinical outcomes of GLP1 receptor agonists," said senior author Dr. Kenneth Blum of Western University Health Sciences and Ariel University. "The paper provides critical evidence for reevaluating the widespread use of GLP1 receptor agonists. The FDA and other regulatory agencies should carefully consider our findings when it comes to labeling and monitoring these drugs," Dr. Mark S. Gold, an addiction psychiatry pioneer and co-author, emphasized. For the unversed, these drugs mimic GLP-1, a hormone naturally produced in the gut when you eat and plays a role in regulating blood sugar, appetite, and digestion. It interacts with GLP-1 receptors in the brain, particularly in areas controlling hunger and satiety. This helps reduce appetite and increases the feeling of fullness after eating. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
