Researchers link popular weight loss drugs to serious digestive problems for ‘hundreds of thousands’ worldwide

A recent study has raised concerns about the safety of certain popular injectable weight loss medications, including Wegovy, Ozempic, Saxenda, and Victoza. These drugs have been linked to an elevated risk of severe digestive complications, such as stomach paralysis, pancreatitis, and bowel obstructions. While the individual risk for users appears to be low, the sheer number of people using these medications worldwide means that even rare side effects could result in a significant number of cases.

The research analyzed over 16 million insurance claims from a U.S. prescription drug database spanning from 2006 to 2020. The findings revealed that individuals on Ozempic and Saxenda were more prone to serious stomach and intestinal issues compared to those taking Contrave, another weight loss drug. Specifically, about 1% of Ozempic users were diagnosed with stomach paralysis, emphasizing the potential severity of these complications.

While the study is observational and can only show associations rather than direct causation, the results underscore the importance of patients being fully informed about potential risks. Researchers hope that these findings will prompt updates to drug warning labels and guide both doctors and patients in making more informed decisions regarding these medications.