Serious Digestive Problems Linked to Weight-Loss Drugs Ozempic and Wegovy

A study from the University of British Columbia has found that weight-loss drugs known as GLP-1 agonists, including popular brands like Wegovy and Saxenda, are associated with increased risks of stomach paralysis, pancreatitis, and bowel obstruction. While these drugs were initially prescribed for managing Type 2 diabetes, they have gained popularity for weight management. The study compared GLP-1 agonists to a drug used for chronic obesity and found significantly higher risks for the former. Although these adverse events are rare, the widespread use of these drugs could potentially lead to hundreds of thousands of people experiencing these conditions. The FDA has recently added warning labels to Ozempic and Wegovy regarding the risk of intestinal blockage.