Survey reveals alarming side effects of weight loss drugs

Since weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy became available (Ozempic in 2017 for diabetes and Wegovy in 2021 for weight loss), about 1 in 8 adults in the U.S.  and other parts of the globe say they’ve tried them,  according to report on DW.

These drugs, known as GLP-1 medications, help people lose weight by making them feel full longer and reducing appetite.

However, many people stop taking them early more than 30% quit within the first month, often before the drug has a chance to make a big difference.

Common Side Effects

While these drugs can help with weight loss, they also come with some side effects. The most common ones include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Digestive problems

Other reported issues are:

• Vision changes
• Mood swings
• Erectile dysfunction
• “Ozempic face” or “Ozempic butt” terms for sagging skin caused by rapid weight loss

More Serious (but Rare) Risks

The research work reveals that doctors are now more concerned about rarer but serious health problems, such as:

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), which has been linked to at least 10 deaths in the UK
• Bone and joint issues
• Kidney problems, including kidney stones and kidney inflammation
• Dizziness and fainting from low blood pressure

Why New Side Effects Are Being Found

It’s normal for new side effects to show up once a drug is widely used. Clinical trials involve thousands of people, but once millions start using the drug, rarer reactions can appear. That’s why doctors keep monitoring the safety of medicines even after they’re approved.

A large study published in Nature Medicine in January 2025 looked at over 215,000 people using GLP-1 drugs. It found:

• 11% higher risk of arthritis
• 146% higher risk of pancreatitis
• Higher risks of gastrointestinal issues, kidney problems, and low blood pressure

Risk to Vision

Some people have reported going blind after using GLP-1 drugs. A rare condition called NAION (a kind of optic nerve damage) has been linked to the drugs. Though it’s very uncommon (affecting about 10 in 100,000 people), people with diabetes who take GLP-1 drugs may have four times the average risk of developing it.

More Research Is Needed

Experts say more studies are needed — especially involving:

• People taking the drug for weight loss (who usually take higher doses)
• Long-term users (over two years)
• Women, who often have different side effects but are underrepresented in clinical trials

Are the Benefits Still Worth It?

Despite the risks, many doctors and researchers say the benefits of GLP-1 drugs outweigh the downsides — if taken properly. These medications can improve or even save lives by helping people lose weight and reduce the risk of many health issues.

Interestingly, GLP-1 drugs might also reduce the risk of:

• Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
• Blood clots
• Heart and kidney problems
• Some lung diseases

There’s even research exploring whether these drugs could help treat

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy help with weight loss but can cause side effects, some of which are serious and rare.

Ongoing research is needed to fully understand their risks, especially for long-term and higher-dose users. However, many experts still believe the benefits outweigh the risks for most people.

Source:  DW