Patrick Sison, Associated Press
This Tuesday, April 3, 2018, photo showing a close-up of a beam scale in New York. High-dose oral versions of the drug in weight-loss drug Wegovy may work as well as injections for weight loss and improved health, including people with hard-to-treat diabetes, according to a study published Sunday, June 25, 2023.
If you haven’t heard about the latest weight loss medications, some people might say you’ve been living under a rock for several months.
The use of Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and other similar drugs has exploded and the demand is increasing every day.
But are they safe? Are they the best choice?
According to Dr. Christopher Jones, yes and no. The drugs are very powerful, so if you just want to lose the last 10 pounds to fit into your bikini, you should probably try something else. However, if you are severely obese, have diabetes, or are at risk for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses, the medications have been shown to be effective for some people.
These medications are indicated for both diabetes and weight loss, said Jones, medical director of diabetes care at Intermountain Health. These are powerful medications and they work if you use them correctly. If you’re trying to lower your blood sugar, they work and help people lose weight.
But the drugs have side effects and some of them are pretty horrible, Jones said.
Most side effects are related to the gastrointestinal tract, he said. They can slow down the intestine and in some cases paralyze or freeze it, which is really concerning.
Some of the other side effects may include inflammation of the pancreas, blocked intestines (ileus), increased heart rate, and mental problems such as anxiety and suicidal thoughts. An increased risk of thyroid cancer has also been noted as a potential side effect.
We are also concerned about the finances of these drugs, Jones said. They are very expensive and are also starting to drive up medical insurance costs. It is therefore very important to understand who would benefit most from these medications.
Because they are in high demand, there has been a shortage and many people are turning to compounded forms of the medication. Jones said that was never a good idea.
Compounded forms do not have a clear history as to where they came from and there is a lot of handling after they arrive at the pharmacy and are used by the patient, he said. All of these things that are uncontrolled and uncertain really put people at significantly increased risk of complications. We therefore advise people not to use them due to the risk present.
The drugs, also known as semaglutide, belong to a class called GLP-1 agonists. The mechanism of medication slows down the passage of food through the abdominal system. They also help reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Diabetes is increasing across the country and these medications help us keep people alive longer, and that’s a positive thing, Jones said. These medications have given hope to many people and changed their lives. So I don’t want to say that they are all bad. They were a miracle for many people. We just need to make sure they reach the right people for the right reasons. These medications have also been shown to reduce heart attacks and strokes in people with diabetes.
Jones said it’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re considering taking any of the medications, and if you start, make sure your doctor monitors your progress carefully, so that if side effects occur, you can be treated immediately.
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