Weight Loss Drug Ozempic Could Cause Stomach Problems

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A new study shows that the drug Ozempic, which is used for weight loss and the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, could increase the risk for severe stomach problems.

Article by Isabel Cantor, Associate Medical Reporter

PLAINSBORO, N.J. - The popular weight loss drug Ozempic is linked to severe, although rare, stomach problems. After this finding was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in early October, there is a continuous debate about the safety of this drug.

The study that was recently published took place at the University of British Columbia, and the results are truly groundbreaking. A GLP-1 agonist is the type of drug that Ozempic is classified as, and it slows down the passage of food through the stomach.

This study found a connection between GLP-1 agonists, and gastrointestinal issues, such as pancreatitis and stomach paralysis. This class of drugs has been proven to be highly effective for weight loss, which is one of the reasons why Ozempic is so popular. In fact, Ozempic was originally intended to lower blood sugar levels for people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. However, after years of people using Ozempic, it has become known that weight loss is a common side effect, therefore causing people without diabetes to use Ozempic.

This “trend” might soon be coming to an end, as the new study shows that, although unlikely, using the drug Ozempic could put you at an increased risk of severe stomach issues. Mohit Sodhi, an author of the paper that was published, and a medical student at the University of British Columbia, said “Although rare, the incidence of these adverse events can happen. I’ve seen it happen.”

You can still use Ozempic, especially if you are a Type 2 diabetes patient, but there are some steps you can take to minimize the risks. An endocrinologist and senior medical director at Duke Health advises patients taking GLP-1 drugs to start off taking the lowest dose. Then, they should gradually increase the dosage. This can help decrease the chances of side effects affecting gastrointestinal health.