Unfounded rumours circulated that Ozempic was the “secret weight loss drug” Kim Kardashian used to fit into Marilyn Monroe’s dress at last year’s Met Gala.
Ozempic, Wegovy, Rhybelsus and Mounjaro have all been shown to aid in weight loss. Semiglutide-containing diabetes medications, which trick the brain into thinking you’re full, have been on the market for over a decade.
Ozempic belongs to the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonist class of drugs. They work by stimulating the body to produce more insulin, which aids in blood sugar control. They also suppress appetite and slow gastric emptying, which causes people to eat less.
“It is FDA-approved for both weight loss and diabetes treatment. Previously, it was only an injectable with a weekly dose, but beginning in January 2022, its oral preparation is taken every day. It was discovered that it reduces HBA1c to 0.9% for those with baseline HBA1c less than 9% and more than 1.6% for those with baseline HBA1c greater than 10%.,” says Dr Jagadeesh Kumar V, Consultant physician & Diabetologist, KIMS Hospitals.
But some doctors and medical ethics experts have reportedly noticed a rise in ER admissions among users of the drug.
Is it really worth taking a chance on this celebrity-hyped injectable that has been linked to cancer, pancreatitis, blurred vision, and gallstones?
Ozempic is an injection-based medication used once a week to treat diabetes. But the reason it’s making headlines right now is that it’s been linked to intestinal obstruction. That is not common, but it is critical to be aware of these potential side effects. “Intestinal obstruction could be fatal,” says Dr Kishore B Reddy, Chief Orthopaedics and orthopaedic Oncology, Amor Hospitals.
“Ozempic use as a pure weight loss drug is neither recommended nor approved. Yes, it is a blessing for obese diabetics with BMIs greater than 30, but like many previous so-called miracle medications, it has a slew of potential side effects. More serious problems include kidney failure, cancers such as thyroid cancer, and psychological issues. This drug is now being sold in spas, wellness centres, and by fitness gurus as a miracle weight loss drug in non-diabetics and without medical supervision, which should be avoided,” adds Dr Kishore.
According to experts, most people will regain lost weight if they do not continue taking the drugs indefinitely, and the psychological toll of that rebound could be harmful. Ozempic is not intended to be stopped because it is a medication used to treat a chronic disease. Actress and comedian Amy Schumer revealed recently that she tried Ozempic for weight loss last year but stopped due to serious side effects that left her feeling weak and fatigued.
“The USFDA has also issued a box warning for medullary carcinoma of the thyroid (MCT), indicating that treatment should not be initiated in those with a family history of MCT, which is more common in white people than Asians. It has side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal bloating because the drug works by releasing a hormone (Glucagon-like peptide) that acts on the digestive particles,” warns Dr Jagadeesh Kumar.
Not a cosmetic drug
“Patients benefit from lower blood sugar levels as well as significant weight loss when diet and physical activity are maintained. Considering the benefits, the risk is very low, but checking for current thyroid status as well as a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma is crucial. Rhybelsus, on the other hand, is neither an over-the-counter nor a cosmetic drug. As a physician using this drug, our follow-up with patients is reassuring for those who strictly adhere to their treating physician’s instructions. We’ve also noticed glutathione injections being abused for cosmetic purposes. As a result, it must be emphasised to the public that all of these drugs must be initiated only by doctors who have been educated and trained,” says Dr Jagadeesh Kumar.
Medical challenges
Thyroid Cancer: Ozempic use may increase your risk of developing certain types of thyroid C cell cancers, such as medullary thyroid carcinoma. People who have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) should not take Ozempic.
Eye Problems: According to studies, people who used Ozempic had more diabetic retinopathy complications than those who took a placebo. People with a history of diabetic retinopathy are more likely to develop eye problems.
Severe Hypoglycaemia: When combined with other medications that increase insulin levels, Ozempic can put you at risk of severe low blood sugar. People who use insulin or other medications that raise insulin levels are more likely to experience this.
Kidney Problems: Ozempic has the potential to impair kidney function. People with known underlying renal disease, such as acute kidney injury or chronic renal failure, are at a higher risk of this happening.
Allergic Reactions: Ozempic hypersensitivity reactions occur in a small number of people. Swelling of the eyes, face, throat, tongue or lips; difficulty breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; dizziness or fainting; and very rapid heartbeat are all symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
Mental Health: Using Ozempic injections for weight loss can result in unexpected mental health changes, including suicidal ideation.
Ozempic and vision problems
Ozempic might have side effects, just like any other medication. One problem is diabetic retinopathy, which damages the eyes and, if ignored, can result in blindness or visual loss. While research into the precise relationship between Ozempic and diabetic retinopathy is ongoing, those with diabetes who use this medicine should exercise caution and keep a close check on their eye health. Patients must immediately inform their healthcare practitioner of any visual changes or concerns. Effective diabetes management, blood sugar regulation and routine eye exams are crucial strategies to reduce the risk of problems like diabetic retinopathy.
— Dr Saurabh Varshney, Sr. Consultant ophthalmology, Primus Super Speciality Hospital
