Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy have grown in popularity for diabetes management and weight loss, with the latter becoming especially trendy among celebrities and social media influencers.

Stars who’ve spoken about ozempic — and what they’ve said. Peoplemag.

Blum D. What is ozempic and why is it getting so much attention? The New York Times. Published November 22, 2022. Accessed January 9, 2024.

 

Ozempic, for example, was approved in 2017 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in adults with type 2 diabetes. It’s now often prescribed as an off-label drug to people who want to lose weight.

Research C for DE and. Medications containing semaglutide marketed for type 2 diabetes or weight loss. FDA. Published online December 21, 2023.

Ozempic for weight loss: Does it work, and what do experts recommend? cultivating-health

 

Experts, however, are worried about potential risks associated with these drugs. Side effects have also been reported. 

“Of perhaps greatest concern in the case of the GLP-1–based drugs, including GLP-1 agonists…is preliminary evidence to suggest the potential risks of asymptomatic chronic pancreatitis and, with time, pancreatic cancer,” they continue.

More so, data collected between July and September 2023 from the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), patients taking GLP-1s have reported alopecia, aspiration, and suicidal thoughts.

Research C for DE and. July - september 2023 | potential signals of serious risks/new safety information identified by the fda adverse event reporting system(Faers). FDA. Published online January 2, 2024.

 

 

The FDA states that reported risks aren’t conclusive. “It means that FDA has identified a potential safety issue, but it does not mean that FDA has identified a causal relationship between the drug and the listed risk,” the FDA clarifies.

Research C for DE and. July - september 2023 | potential signals of serious risks/new safety information identified by the fda adverse event reporting system(Faers). FDA. Published online January 2, 2024.

 

 

 

Expert insights on GLP-1 drugs

 

These drugs do work for the right patient. According to Obesity, a real-world study of more than 2,400 patients who were overweight or obese and who had type 2 diabetes saw “modest weight loss” through 72 weeks after starting a GLP-1 agonist at standard glycemic control doses. They’ve also been shown to improve blood glucose control, beta-cell function, and insulin sensitivity.

White GE, Shu I, Rometo D, Arnold J, Korytkowski M, Luo J. Real-world weight-loss effectiveness of glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists among patients with type 2 diabetes: A retrospective cohort study. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2023;31(2):537-544.

Prasad-Reddy L, Isaacs D. A clinical review of GLP-1 receptor agonists: efficacy and safety in diabetes and beyond. Drugs Context. 2015;4:212283.

 

Caroline Thomason, RD, CDCES, a dietitian and diabetes educator based in Washington, DC, says that she's worked with patients taking these sorts of drugs over the last 7 years. “[They] work by slowing down digestion, keeping us feeling fuller longer...and in the brain, [they] work by reducing signals of hunger and increasing signals of satiety. It’s a one-two punch,” she says. 

According to ​​Wajahat Mehal, PhD, MD, Director of the Yale Metabolic Health and Weight Loss Program at Yale Medicine, these drugs are “very helpful and result in health improvement for patients with obesity-related diseases,” but not everyone should be taking them. “There needs to be a clear health-related goal, in addition to any goal for a certain amount of weight loss. [There is] no point in taking them for a short-term goal and then stopping, as this will result in weight regain. Also, the long-term perspective is essential,” Dr. Mehal says. “These drugs are for people with diabetes mellitus or high BMI and should not be taken for recreational or cosmetic reasons,” he stresses. 

Phyllis Pobee, MD, a family physician specializing in weight loss medicine, says that her view on the widespread popularity of weight loss drugs “is multifaceted and deeply informed by both professional and personal perspectives.” 

Dr. Pobee believes that weight loss drugs can be effective tools for the right patient but that there can be risks, including hormonal imbalances that can have an effect on reproductive health, mood, and energy levels. Moreover, she worries about potential overreliance on these drugs. 

Thomason also notes that side effects are possible, especially when patients aren’t carefully monitored by a professional. She notes that GLP-1 drugs are being compounded with other supplements and vitamins in certain health and wellness clinics, and that because this isn’t regulated it’s hard to know what patients are getting.