Certain drugs have grown popular for weight loss and now, a new study revealed that these medications may not be as magical as people make them out to be.
In a multinational study conducted by researchers from across the US, Brazil, Iran, and Israel, the study’s 24 scientists came to the conclusion that these drugs have potentially life-threatening side effects, and issued warnings.
More about the popular drug
http://gty.im/2193622571Drugs like Ozempic are “GLP-1 agonists,” a class of medications used to manage blood sugar levels, especially for those with Type-2 diabetes, and aid with weight loss.
Many celebrities have used Ozempic and similar drugs for the sole purpose of weight loss, which has been criticized by many.
Amy Schumer couldn’t handle its side effects
Amy Schumer was one of many who used the drug for weight loss but admitted on The Howard Stern Show that it had grown too much for her to handle, saying:
“I tried Ozempic almost three years ago and I was like, bedridden. I was like, vomiting — and then you have no energy. But other people take it and they’re all good.”
And scientists warn about more
Researchers discovered that these drugs are potentially linked to increased risks of depression and suicidal thoughts, especially for those with low dopamine production.
However, those with already high dopamine levels in their bodies are safe from this and may actually reap benefits from the drug.
What the study revealed
The peer-reviewed study, published in Current Neuropharmacology, stated:
“Chronic use of these drugs could dysregulate dopamine signalling, potentially leading to depressive symptoms, mood disturbances, and suicidal ideation.”
A senior author of the paper issued a warning
Dr. Kenneth Blum, a senior author and Research Professor at Western University Health Sciences and Ariel University, urged that “this study should not be ignored, despite the hype surrounding the positive clinical outcomes of GLP-1 receptor agonists.”
He warned the prescribing doctors about taking caution and care when prescribing the drug, so as “to avoid another tragic wave of ‘people dying to lose weight.'”
The drugs are being under review
Professor Albert Pinhasov, the Provost of Ariel University, weighed in, saying: “These findings should encourage regulatory agencies and clinicians to investigate further, given the heterogeneity of the human population.”
And indeed, the European Medicines Agency has already initiated a review of GLP-1 agonists, after receiving reports of suicidal thoughts and other side effects.
