A massive new study highlights both the advantages and potential dangers of popular weight-loss medications like Ozempic. While the drugs reduce risks of heart disease and improve mental health, they also raise concerns about serious side effects, including an increased risk of arthritis and pancreatitis.
BY PC Bureau
In a groundbreaking study published in Nature Medicine on January 20, 2025, researchers have identified new risks linked to popular obesity medications, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and other glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These drugs, which have become household names for their ability to promote weight loss and treat a variety of health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and even Parkinson’s disease, are now under scrutiny for potential adverse effects, particularly concerning conditions like arthritis and pancreatitis.
2. Why Ozempic Is Dangerous
While it’s hailed as a weight-loss miracle, reports show:
1) Severe side effects: From nausea and vomiting to pancreatitis and thyroid cancer risk.
2) Dependency: Many users regain weight (and more) when they stop taking it.
3) Unknown long-term… pic.twitter.com/Wu4jb53btg
— Gabe Pluguez (@Gabepluguez) December 2, 2024
The study, which analyzed the health data of nearly 2 million people over a period of 3.5 years, provides a deeper understanding of the impacts these drugs may have on the body beyond their weight-loss benefits. The findings suggest that, while GLP-1 drugs do offer significant advantages in managing weight and controlling blood sugar levels, they may also increase the likelihood of developing other serious health issues.
Positive Effects on Heart Disease, Stroke, and More
GLP1 agonists like Ozempic are great for weight loss but can lead to severe GI side effects. If you start patients on this without proper counselling, this could happen to you ⚠️‼️ pic.twitter.com/EmTeogV9Ne
— Keith Siau (@drkeithsiau) December 11, 2024
GLP-1 receptor agonists have garnered significant attention for their range of benefits. In addition to helping with weight loss, these medications have been linked to improvements in several major health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and stroke. The study found that these drugs reduced the risk of heart disease and kidney disease, providing hope for those struggling with chronic conditions.
More surprisingly, the research also revealed that these drugs seemed to lower the risk of mental health conditions, including a decrease in the risk of psychotic disorders by 18%, Alzheimer’s disease by 12%, and addiction disorders by an average of 13%. Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, a physician-scientist at the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Health Care System in Missouri, who led the study, pointed out that the drugs’ effects on the brain could be due to their action on regions involved in reward and impulse control. This, he speculated, could help reduce cravings for substances such as tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and opioids, potentially offering a new avenue for addiction management.
I know Ozempic & other semaglutide injections are all the rage right now, but you need to know it can bring serious health consequences in the long term.
For both weight loss & Type 2 Diabetes, the root cause is actually made worse long-term with Ozempic.
I’ll explain.
THREAD pic.twitter.com/ZDceeJESHN
— Dr. BP | Metabolism 2.0 (@DrBPHealth) December 21, 2024
The Risks: Arthritis and Pancreatitis
While the benefits of GLP-1 drugs are undeniable, the study also highlighted a number of newly recognized risks that come with their use. Perhaps most concerning is the 11% increase in the likelihood of developing arthritis in patients using these medications. Arthritis is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and the finding raises concerns about whether long-term use of GLP-1 drugs could lead to joint issues.
Even more alarming is the discovery of a significant increase in the risk of developing pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that can lead to life-threatening complications. The study found that patients using GLP-1 drugs had a 146% higher risk of developing pancreatitis compared to those on other diabetes medications. Pancreatitis is a serious condition that can cause severe abdominal pain, digestive issues, and in extreme cases, organ failure. Experts warn that patients considering GLP-1 medications need to be aware of this risk, especially if they have a history of pancreatic issues.
Dr. Daniel Drucker, an endocrinologist at the University of Toronto, emphasized the importance of these findings, noting that while the overall risk of pancreatitis may still be low, the substantial increase in likelihood warrants further investigation. He also pointed out that the study’s methodology could limit the ability to fully assess the clinical relevance of these risks, particularly given that the participants were not matched for factors such as age, lifestyle, or existing medical conditions.
What Does This Mean for Patients?
The findings of the study are likely to influence how healthcare providers assess the use of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss and other treatments. Dr. Randy Seeley, an obesity specialist at the University of Michigan, noted that while the data is valuable, it may not be enough to draw definitive conclusions about the risks. He pointed out that a benefit or risk may be “associated” with the use of these drugs, but it’s important to understand how these associations translate to actual changes in the likelihood of developing health conditions.
For patients using GLP-1 drugs, the new data may prompt a closer examination of their overall health and the potential risks associated with continued use of these medications. Given that these drugs are often prescribed for long-term use, patients and healthcare providers must carefully weigh the benefits against the risks, particularly for those with a predisposition to arthritis or other pancreatic conditions.
Looking Ahead: The Need for Further Research
The study, which primarily involved participants from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, included a significant portion of older, white men. As a result, Dr. Al-Aly and his colleagues have emphasized the need for future studies that examine more diverse populations to ensure that these findings are relevant to a broader range of patients. Moreover, future research will focus on quantifying the absolute number of adverse events in each group to better understand the real-world significance of the findings.
Despite the concerns raised by the study, the popularity of GLP-1 drugs is unlikely to wane anytime soon, as they continue to be a key tool in the fight against obesity and related diseases. However, this new data serves as an important reminder that all medications carry risks, and ongoing research is necessary to ensure that the benefits of these drugs continue to outweigh the potential harms.
In the coming months, as more clinical data becomes available, healthcare providers will be better equipped to make informed decisions about how best to incorporate GLP-1 receptor agonists into treatment plans for obesity and other conditions. For now, patients using these medications should stay informed about both the benefits and risks, and discuss any concerns with their healthcare providers.
