Summary
This document provides current news and information about GLP-1 injectable weight loss drugs such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy. For background see the 2023 report.
Considerations
Injectable weight loss drugs have some potential negative health impacts. Medications typically come with a long list of possible side effects. Sometimes doctors prescribe drugs, even when the side effects may be harmful, because the condition or illness being treated is worse than the possible side effects of the drug.
A condition or illness may have a 100% certainty of a certain negative result. The drugs to treat it may have a very small percentage of people who will have a negative reaction or harmful side effect.
So, doctors usually inform the patient and explain these tradeoffs. Patients sometimes are willing to take their chances on side effects to help relieve a condition.
Some of the news below may sound cautionary. It’s up to each individual to decide what risks they are willing to take.
For example, a recent study showed that 10 out of 100,000 people may have vision impairment from some GLP-1 injectables. When we hear that news, our brain interprets the risk as high. The chances of harmful health conditions or early death from obesity are much higher than 10 out of 100,000.
News
ABC (17 Aug 2024 at 1300)
“How weight loss drugs are transforming America” — Bloomberg Health reporter Madison Muller and Dr. Natewood break down the latest on Ozempic and how its uses are transforming America. [Source]
NBC (31 Jul 2024 at 1900)
“Popular weight loss drugs may worsen eating disorders in patients” — GLP-1 medications, such as Mounjaro and Ozempic, may be helpful for losing weight. However, doctors are reporting that patients suffering from eating disorders can face worsening symptoms on the medications. NBC News’ Akshay Syal spoke with a patient who explained her experience. [Source]
TODAY (8 Jul 2024)
“Weight loss drugs like Ozempic may lower cancer risk, study finds” — A new study is showing that the new class of weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy may help lower the risk of 10 different obesity-related cancers. Dr. Roshini Raj joins TODAY to break down the findings. [Source]
ABC News (7 Jul 2024)
“New study suggest weight loss drugs may help lower risk of certain cancers” — ABC News’ medical correspondent Dr. Darien Sutton reports on the new study that suggest weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy may help lower risk of certain cancers. [Source]
CNBC (5 Jul 2024)
“Ozempic & Wegovy may be linked to eye condition, vision loss: Study” — Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb joins ‘Squawk Box’ to discuss a new study showing people taking Ozempic and Wegovy may be at an increased risk of developing an eye condition that can cause irreversible vision loss. [Source]
CBC (4 Jul 2024)
“Ozempic is changing eating habits, and food companies are taking notice” — With more people using drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss, food companies are paying close attention and trying to adapt to changing eating habits. [Source]
WGN (3 Jul 2024)
“Popular weight loss drugs may be linked to a rare form of blindness — and more” — For Wednesday, July 3, WGN’s Ray Cortopassi and Micah Materre have the latest medical information. [Source]
Deutsche Welle (25 Jun 2024)
“Ozempic – What’s the truth behind the hype?” — The hype is enormous: A new weight-loss drug is being aggressively marketed on social media – promising patients a quick fix for obesity. But what’s the truth behind the hype? [Source]
PBS (17 Jun 2024)
“The many ways new weight loss drugs could transform the economy” — Last year, Americans spent over $50 billion on weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. Their popularity, and their price, are having effects throughout the economy. PBS News Hour special correspondent and Washington Post columnist Catherine Rampell reports. [Source]
NBC (29 Feb 2024)
“Weight-loss drug shortages prompt pharmacies to make similar medications” — Amid surging popularity and shortages of popular weight-loss drugs, some patients are turning to cheaper, compounded versions of the drugs. The concern is that patients may not necessarily know what they’re getting. CNBC’s Melissa Lee reports. [Source]
TODAY (9 Nov 2023)
“How does Zepbound work, and will the cost come down?” — The FDA has approved the drug Zepbound by Eli Lilly to treat weight loss in patients, but it’s expected to cost more than $1,000 a month. Gastroenterologist Dr. Roshini Raj joins TODAY with insight into how the medication works, the side effects and if the cost could come down over time. [Source]
Dr. Eric Berg (30 Aug 2023)
“The Best OZEMPIC Alternative (Without the Side Effects)” — Does Ozempic® work for weight loss? Here’s what you need to know. [Source]
CBS (4 Aug 2023)
“Health officials raise concern about weight-loss drugs’ possible side effects” — Drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro have seen their popularity skyrocket thanks to their weight loss benefits, but doctors are warning of the possibility of serious side effects that potential users aren’t always aware of. The high cost of the drugs is also a concern. CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder, editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News, has more. [Source]