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Most people know that GLP-1 receptor agonist medications like Ozempic and Wegovy can cause relatively minor side effects like nausea and diarrhea. But new research confirms that more serious complications, like pancreatitis and kidney damage, are real.
It is important to note that most people who use GLP-1 receptor agonist medications do not experience these side effects. But of course, you should be aware of all the potential risks before using any medication. Here’s what the study suggests, plus what a weight loss doctor wants you to know.
Meet the expert: Mir Ali, MD, is the medical director of the MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California.
What did the study reveal?
The study, published in Natural medicine on January 20, analyzed data from more than 2 million people with diabetes who were taking GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.
Researchers found that these medications helped reduce the risk of developing 42 different health conditions or problems, including dementia, cardiac arrest, and certain types of cancer. But they also found that people who took these medications were at higher risk of developing 19 different health problems.
These included nausea and vomiting, kidney stones, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sleep problems, stomach cramps, pancreatitis, and gastroparesis (stomach paralysis).
These findings are “consistent with other previously performed studies,” says Mir Ali, MD, medical director of the MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California.
How likely is pancreatitis and kidney damage during treatment with Ozempic?
The risk of developing both conditions while taking a GLP-1 receptor agonist medication is low. But research has generally shown that the risk of developing pancreatitis while taking this medication is less than 1 percent.
Reports of kidney damage are largely limited to case reports, suggesting that they are extremely rare.
What are the other side effects of Ozempic?
Of course, it is possible to experience side effects with Ozempic without becoming seriously ill. According to the Ozempic website, the most common side effects include:
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Nausea
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Diarrhea
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Constipation
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Stomach pain
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Vomiting
How can I avoid Ozempic side effects?
Everyone reacts differently to these medications, Ali says. However, he says you can often reduce your risk of side effects by staying well hydrated, eating smaller meals, and limiting processed foods, high-fat foods, and refined carbohydrates.
Another thing to keep in mind: Side effects, if you experience them, tend to subside within a few weeks as your body gets used to the medication, according to Ali.
“I believe the benefits outweigh the risks; Although gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, or constipation are common, they are manageable for the most part,” says Ali. “More serious side effects like pancreatitis and kidney complications are very rare.”
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