Ozempic and other GLP-1 meds are raising some red flags
https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/ozempic-weight-loss-drugs-deaths-us-cola/?utm_source=x&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=defender&utm_id=20241102
Data is rolling out on Ozempic and its generic weight loss counterparts. We have heard some issues with nausea/vomiting/gastroparesis. As I have always said, we do not have ANY long term data on this, it is a learn as we go.
Some of the data now is not looking so hot.
“According to data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), these medications have been linked to 162 deaths in the U.S. The Daily Mail reports that fatalities mentioning weight loss drugs have increased by 40% in just six months, jumping from 117 to 162 reported deaths.
This sharp rise coincides with the expanding use of these medications, as more formulations hit the market and off-label prescriptions become commonplace.
However, your risk doesn’t disappear simply because you’re using these drugs as directed. The FAERS data show that adverse reactions occur in patients using these medications for their approved purposes, whether for diabetes management or weight loss.”
“The FAERS database reveals a disturbing trend in adverse reactions to weight loss drugs containing semaglutide and tirzepatide (used in Mounjaro and Zepbound). Since 2018, there have been 62,000 reported reactions to these medications in the U.S.
What’s particularly alarming is that 46,000 of these reports — nearly three-quarters of the total — occurred after 2022. This coincides with the increased availability and marketing of these drugs.
Of the 162 reported deaths, 94 were linked to semaglutide-based drugs, while 68 were associated with tirzepatide medications. It’s worth noting that in 2023, tirzepatide was linked to nearly twice as many adverse reactions as semaglutide.
The FAERS system has recorded 10,000 “serious” reactions to these weight loss drugs, defined as events resulting in hospitalization or life-threatening conditions. These aren’t just minor inconveniences; they’re significant medical events that could have long-lasting impacts on your health.”
Then there is the mental health implications.
“Out of 30,527 total reports for semaglutide, 107 cases of suicidal or self-injurious reactions were identified, and the association remained significant even after accounting for other factors. The research revealed a 45% increased risk of suicidal ideation in patients taking semaglutide compared to other medications.
Further, people taking antidepressants or antianxiety medications alongside semaglutide were at an even higher risk of reporting suicidal thoughts — a 150% to 300% increase in suicidal ideation was found among this group.
A study in Frontiers in Psychiatry revealed insights into semaglutide’s impact on your emotional state and psychological well-being.
The drug’s main component targets GLP-1 receptors, which are present not just in your digestive tract but also in critical brain areas. These regions, such as the lateral septum and hypothalamus, are essential for managing emotions, reward systems and appetite control.
Semaglutide’s interaction with these receptors modifies the functioning of neural pathways involved in these processes. Particularly noteworthy is its influence on dopamine, a neurotransmitter closely associated with mood regulation and reward perception.
Research indicates that stimulating GLP-1 receptors may enhance dopamine transporter expression, leading to decreased free dopamine levels in specific brain regions. This shift in dopamine signaling might lead to alterations in your mood, motivation levels, and even how you experience pleasure.
I know many people taking a GLP-1, some have had side effects, others have not. I have had 1 with severe suicidal ideation that required hospitalization. The only change in their life was starting Semaglutide. I have others who say their mood is much better on a GLP-1 which does correlate to the dopamine levels in the brain. If you are on a GLP-1, watch your physical and mental health closely for any changes. I still firmly believe this drug is not meant for long term use in non-diabetics.
Devil's Advocate Report follows:
I have been using Ozempic for the last 6+ years. The VA provides it. Brace yourselves, this may shock you. This is one of the best things the VA has ever done for me. First, they gave it to me for diabetes. The intended use for the drug. Second, the dose has been maintained at a relatively low level. I can't believe the dosages I hear about for the weight loss / off label use crowd. Yikes! Third, the VA didn't just hand me an Ozempic pen and turn me loose. There was instruction and support for maintaining an adjusted diet and increasing exercise to counteract the then known problem of muscle loss. In fact, my weight remained the same for the fist couple of years I used it. I lost weight later, but that was from a different cause. Fourth, There was a list of drugs known to interact badly with Ozempic when I started it. The doctor who prescribed Ozempic made sure I was not using any of those. And as the list has grown I have had my list of prescriptions examined to make sure there are no conflicts. Do the weight loss pushers engage in this practice? I doubt it. Might cut into sales. I believe the problems associated with Ozempic are from the off label use as a weight loss "miracle cure". I do hope we don't go all "opioids" on this and try to eliminate it because some people abuse it. Ozempic makes my life better. Go between the horns of the dilemma. If you have to campaign, then campaign for responsible use. Not removal from the market.
They are also finding about 40% of the weight loss in people that don’t change any other behavior is muscle, hence the Ozempic face and butt people are complaining about. That is a recipe for disaster since when you stop and gain back weight it won’t be your muscle. You will end up metabolically unhealthier than when you started. People taking these drugs should be eating adequate protein and engaging in resistance training. This reminds me so much of the Fen Phen insanity in the 90s. These things never end well.