Podcast Summary
Concerns over side effects of weight loss drugs: Recent reports highlight potential risks of weight loss drugs like Ozempic, including suicidal thoughts, muscle loss, and gastric issues. Regulators investigate, experts question benefits vs risks.
While weight loss drugs like Ozempic have gained popularity for their effectiveness in helping people lose weight, recent reports have raised concerns about potential side effects. These side effects include suicidal thoughts, muscle loss, and debilitating gastric issues. Regulators are investigating these reports, and some experts are questioning whether the benefits of these drugs outweigh the risks. Last year, when we first discussed these drugs, they were seen as relatively safe. However, as more people use them, concerns about long-term health effects are growing. It's important for individuals considering these medications to be aware of the potential risks and to discuss them with their healthcare providers. Science is continuing to explore these drugs, and we'll be looking at the latest research to better understand their safety and efficacy.
Ozempic and muscle wastage: Ozempic and similar medications can lead to muscle loss, potentially causing health issues like decreased insulin sensitivity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Awareness and consultation with a healthcare professional is important.
Ozempic and similar medications, while effective for weight loss and managing blood sugar levels, have been linked to muscle wastage. This muscle loss can lead to various health issues, including decreased insulin sensitivity, which can result in conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. The extent of muscle loss and potential consequences is still being studied, but it's clear that maintaining muscle mass is crucial for overall health. As such, it's essential to be aware of this potential side effect and discuss any concerns with a healthcare professional.
A significant portion of weight loss comes from muscle: During weight loss, 20-50% of weight lost is muscle, emphasizing the importance of preserving and building muscle through regular exercise and adequate protein intake
When people lose weight through medication or other means, a significant portion of the weight lost is muscle. On average, 20-50% of weight loss comes from lean tissue, which is mostly muscle. This happens because the body seeks energy sources when caloric intake is reduced, and muscles are a potential source. In studies on specific weight loss medications like Tirzepatide and semaglutide, approximately 25% and 40% of weight loss, respectively, was muscle. However, there is no evidence to suggest that muscle loss on these medications is different from other weight loss methods. It is essential to be aware of muscle loss during weight loss and take steps to preserve and build muscle, such as regular exercise, particularly resistance training, and adequate protein intake. The focus on muscle wastage with specific medications may be due to increased scrutiny and reporting.
Study finds no increased risk of suicidal thoughts with Semaglutide: Semaglutide users had a lower rate of suicidal thoughts compared to those on other weight loss meds, contradicting earlier reports of potential risks.
Despite reports of depression and suicidal thoughts among people using weight loss medications like Wegovy and Zepbound, a recent study led by neuroscientist Nora Volkoff found no increased risk of suicidal thoughts in those taking Semaglutide, the active ingredient in these drugs. Instead, the study showed a lower rate of suicidal thoughts among Semaglutide users compared to those on other weight loss medications. The FDA has also concluded, based on current evidence, that there is no clear relationship between these medications and an increased risk of suicidal thinking or behaviors. However, it's important to note that individual experiences may vary, and people should continue to monitor their mental health while taking these medications. The study also hints at the possibility of these drugs having antidepressant effects, but more research is needed to confirm this.
Study reveals slow stomach emptying in Ozempic users: A study found that Ozempic and similar medications slow down stomach emptying, potentially causing severe stomach issues like paralysis, vomiting, and tooth loss.
While Ozempic and similar medications are commonly used for weight loss and diabetes management, there have been increasing concerns and lawsuits regarding severe stomach issues, including paralysis. These claims suggest that the stomach's ability to move food effectively is impacted, leading to debilitating symptoms like vomiting and even tooth loss. A study led by gastroenterologist Michael Camilleri at the Mayo Clinic aimed to understand this phenomenon by following the movement of a radioactive-labeled breakfast through the digestive tracts of participants. The findings revealed that food emptied from the stomachs of those taking the medication more slowly than expected. This research sheds light on the potential cause of these severe stomach issues, emphasizing the importance of further investigation and potential caution for those considering these medications.
Weight loss medications can cause stomach slowdown in some individuals: 30% of people on weight loss meds experience stomach slowdown, potentially leading to symptoms and conditions like bloating, inability to eat, vomiting, and gastroparesis. Severe gut reactions, like stomach paralysis, are rare but could pose problems for individuals undergoing surgery.
Certain weight loss medications, such as Zepbound and Wegovy, can slow down the digestion process in some individuals, leading to symptoms like bloating, inability to eat, and even vomiting. This is due to the medication affecting the normal contractions of the stomach. Around 30% of people in a study experienced this slowdown, and for some, it can progress to a condition called gastroparesis, where the stomach doesn't move food properly. While the exact prevalence of severe gut reactions, like stomach paralysis, is not yet clear, it appears to be relatively rare. However, experts warn that this stomach slowdown could pose a problem for individuals requiring surgery, as they are typically asked to fast beforehand to prevent vomiting and choking under anesthesia. Both Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, manufacturers of the mentioned medications, maintain that they monitor, evaluate, and report safety issues, and are defending against related lawsuits.
Higher risk of bezoars with certain medications: People on Ozempic and similar drugs have a higher risk of developing bezoars, undigested food collections in the stomach, which may require medical intervention to remove.
People taking certain medications like Ozempic are at a higher risk of developing bezoars, which are collections of undigested food in the stomach. These bezoars can look like small, brown or black, slimy stones and require medical intervention to be removed. While the exact prevalence of bezoars in people taking these medications is not well-known, a study found that 4 out of 23 such individuals had bezoars, compared to none in a control group. Bezoars can also form from other causes, such as eating persimmons. While Coca-Cola can be used to help dissolve bezoars due to its acidity, the process often involves having the beverage introduced through a nasal tube and into the stomach. More research is needed to understand the risk and prevalence of bezoars in individuals taking medications like Ozempic.
Weighing the risks and benefits of weight loss drugs: Despite potential side effects, weight loss drugs like Ozempic can reduce heart attacks and deaths, making their benefits outweigh the risks for many.
While there are concerns about the potential side effects of weight loss drugs like Ozempic, such as muscle loss, suicidal thoughts, and stomach issues including bezoars, the overall benefits, particularly in reducing heart attacks and deaths, outweigh the risks for many people. Experts recommend skipping a dose before surgery if you're taking these medications and severe gut reactions may require stopping the drugs altogether. It's important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages when discussing these medications. Some people may be morally opposed to their use as an easy way out, but they should be seen as tools to be used appropriately. The ongoing research and discussion around these drugs highlight the need for continued awareness and monitoring of their effects.
Discussing the use of Coca-Cola as a potential cure for bezoars: While rare, stomach issues from weight loss meds are usually manageable. Emotions shouldn't cloud our judgment about their benefits. A new episode of Science Versus explores the history of bezoars and the potential use of Coca-Cola as a cure.
While stomach slowdowns from weight loss medications can be concerning, severe symptoms are quite rare. If we as a society could separate our emotions from the facts about these drugs, it would be beneficial. During a new segment on the show called "How Did You Find the Bezoar?", the hosts discussed discovering a paper about bezoars, which led them to learn about the use of Coca-Cola as a potential cure. The episode featured 65 citations and can be found in the show notes. Follow Science Versus on social media for additional content, including a photo of a bezoar. The episode was produced by a team including Rose Rimmler, Wendy Zuckerman, Meryl Horn, Michelle Dang, Joel Werner, Blaidd Terrell, Erica Akiko Howard, Selena Reynolds, Bobby Lorde, Peter Leonard, Boomuhidaka, Emma Munga, So Wiley, and Bobby Lorde. A special thanks to all the researchers and listeners involved. Science Versus is a Spotify Studios original.
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