Drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy are highly effective for weight loss. However, the impact of these drugs goes beyond just shedding pounds.
Mounjaro, sold under the brand name Mounjaro, and semaglutide, sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, are administered once a week through shots. Mounjaro is categorized as a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, while Ozempic and Wegovy are GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Initially, Mounjaro and Ozempic were prescribed as diabetes medications, while Wegovy is specifically designed for weight loss. Wegovy has received FDA approval for weight loss, unlike Ozempic and Mounjaro.
These drugs were originally prescribed to patients with Type 2 diabetes because they stimulate insulin production and lower blood sugar levels. They also release a hormone that slows down digestion and prolongs the presence of food in the stomach. This process suppresses hunger and leads to weight loss, but it can have negative consequences for the body.
What are the most common side effects?
According to the drug’s website, the most common side effects of Ozempic include nausea, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, stated that these drugs have a long-standing safety record based on clinical trials. Gastrointestinal issues are the most frequently reported adverse reactions associated with GLP-1s.
Dr. Meera Shah, an endocrinologist at the Mayo Clinic, has observed that nausea is the most prevalent side effect experienced by patients, followed by abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea. While these side effects may improve over time for some patients, around 10% of individuals starting these medications have to discontinue usage due to unalleviated side effects.
Constant nausea and abdominal pain can have a significant impact on a person’s mood and energy levels due to the gut-brain connection. Laurie A. Keefer, an academic health psychologist and Director for Psychobehavioral Research within the Division of Gastroenterology at Mount Sinai, stressed that chronic abdominal pain and digestive symptoms can negatively affect an individual’s well-being.
Patients often feel isolated, overwhelmed, and embarrassed due to these symptoms. Anxiety about when and where symptoms may occur can lead to the avoidance of social activities, especially those centered around food or when access to bathrooms is limited. The gut-brain connection means that emotional symptoms can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms, creating a vicious cycle.
What are the most severe side effects?
Other serious side effects of Ozempic include thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, vision changes, hypoglycemia, gallbladder issues, kidney failure, and cancer.
Dr. Shah has observed pancreatitis and gallbladder issues as the most severe complications in her patients, which can necessitate hospitalization. While Ozempic’s website does not mention it, some doctors have reported cases of patients experiencing malnutrition due to the drug’s appetite-suppressing effects. Dr. Shah frequently advises patients to take multivitamins or protein supplements in addition to the medication to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients from their diet.
Model and TikTok star Remi Bader shared her experience with Ozempic on the “Not Skinny But Not Fat” podcast, stating that a doctor prescribed her the drug for prediabetes and insulin resistance. While she witnessed weight loss while on Ozempic, discontinuing the medication resulted in weight regain and intensified her binge eating disorder.
Eating disorder experts highlight the risks of hunger suppressants, as they can contribute to the development or worsening of eating disorders. It’s important to recognize that weight loss or weight gain does not cure eating disorders.
According to Dr. Shah, determining whether patients seeking weight-loss drugs also suffer from eating disorders is a challenging aspect of her job. If patients disclose a history of disordered eating, she recommends they consult with a behavioral psychologist.
What about the long-term effects?
The long-term effects of these drugs when used for weight loss are still unknown. Dr. Shah acknowledges that while these drugs are highly effective, their long-term impact remains uncertain. It is unclear if the body eventually becomes unresponsive to these medications.
However, advocates for weight loss caution that obesity also carries long-term health risks. According to the CDC, individuals with overweight or obesity face an increased risk of serious diseases and health conditions such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, and stroke.
If you or someone you know requires help with eating disorders, please call the Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders helpline toll-free at 1-888-375-7767.
Editor’s note: A previous version of this story misstated Mounjaro’s status. It is FDA-approved for diabetes treatment.
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