Although semaglutide has proven effective in weight loss by suppressing appetite and regulating blood sugar levels, long-term use is not without risks. The drug mimics the hormone GLP-1, which can slow gastric emptying and lead to aspiration, a serious condition in which food or liquids enter the lungs and cause a potentially fatal infection. In addition, long-term use can also cause other side effects, such as nausea, vomiting and gastrointestinal problems.
Health experts have recently warned about new dangers of weight loss drugs that could affect people in the long term.
How semaglutide helps with weight loss
Semaglutide, sold under brand names such as Wegovy and Ozempic, helps people lose weight by suppressing their appetite. Changes in diet and exercise are recommended along with the medication. The drug has offered hope to people at risk of obesity and a variety of related diseases.
The Food and Drug Administration first approved Ozempic as a diabetes treatment in 2017, while a higher-dose version of semaglutide as an obesity treatment was launched under the brand name Wegovy in 2021. Many people, including celebrities, have jumped on the Ozempic bandwagon and spoke of its magical effects.
Ozempic and eating disorders
However, these drugs have also been linked to an increase in eating disorders.
“When you start using this drug, you quickly develop symptoms that are very similar to anorexia,” Tom Hildebrandt, a psychologist at Mount Sinai’s Center for Eating and Weight Disorders Research, told NBC.
Many health experts believe that these drugs can cause eating disorders or worsen existing eating disorders.
The drug is known to mimic glucagon-like peptide 1, a hormone that controls blood sugar levels and reduces hunger, and at high doses, patients can lose up to 21% of their body weight. However, misusing the drug can have serious consequences on the body.
“That level of weight loss can trick the brain into believing the body is in starvation mode,” which could lead patients to restrict their food intake even if it puts their health at risk, Hildebrandt said.
People with pre-existing disabilities may suffer even more.
Some people go too far with restrictive dieting and end up depriving their body of nutrients and necessary calories. This can lead to serious side effects, especially for people who already have an eating disorder.
“Restrictive diets can inadvertently cause people to spiral out of control to the point where they feel like they can’t control themselves,” Dr. Aaron Keshen, co-director of the Nova Scotia Provincial Service for Eating Disorders and an associate professor of psychiatry at Dalhousie University, told NBC News.
“If you experience side effects while taking any Lilly medicine, we encourage you to consult with your healthcare professional,” Eli Lilly, the maker of Maunjaro, told NBC News, adding that the company “actively monitors, evaluates and reports safety information for all medicines.”
Useful but requires caution
GLP-1 drugs are also known to suppress inflammation in the brain, which may be beneficial for conditions such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease. The drugs are primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes and aid in weight loss, but they can also improve blood sugar stabilization, weight loss and mental health through their potential effects on neurotransmitter regulation and brain function. However, more research is needed to see whether they are effective in treating anxiety and depression.
Vegetables for weight loss and improved health
