The Ozempic, developed by the Novo Nordisk laboratory, acts by attaching to the receptors of the hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). The latter plays a role in the maintenance of blood sugar by stimulating the release of insulin when blood glucose levels are high. Ozempic is therefore made to regulate insulin levels and promote satiety. It also targets the hypothalamus, the area of the brain that manages appetite and the feeling of fullness.
For this reason, this medicine was developed to help patients with type 2 diabetes. En France, it is only authorized in this context. However, in the United States, some stars have boasted of the success of their diet thanks to this drug. It is rumored that this drug would have allowed Kim Kardashian and her sister Khloé to lose several kilos in a very short time. For this reason, Ozempic suffered supply tensions.
So much so that the ANSM and Health Insurance were forced to point out that the use of the drug Ozempic must be reserved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, which is insufficiently controlled. “ A reinforced surveillance has been put in place to ensure that the prescriptions respect this framework of use », declares the ANSM. Rushing for this medication prevents sick people from seeking treatment in the event of a stock shortage, which can have serious consequences.
In addition, a new study warns non-diabetic people who wanted to test Ozempic: they are exposed to a risk of serious digestive side effects.
The research was conducted by the University of British Columbia and published October 5, 2023 in the journal JAMA.
A risk of pancreatitis and intestinal obstruction
The scientists analyzed health insurance data from approximately 16 million American patients. These were people not affected by diabetes or obesity. The aim was to determine the number of patients who suffered from gastrointestinal disorders, which are known to be common after taking Ozempic.
The results were compared to another weight loss drug, bupropion-naltrexone.
The study shows that Ozempic is associated with a 9 times higher risk than the other weight loss drug of suffering from pancreatitis (an inflammation of the pancreas). The risk was also 4.2 times higher of suffering from bowel obstructionand 3.6 times of gastroparesis (stomach paralysis). These gastrointestinal disorders lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea and even vomiting. They may require hospitalization or surgery.
“ Given the wide use of these medications, these side effects, although rare, should be considered by patients considering their use for weight loss. said Mohit Sodhi, author of the study.
Ozempic involves risks other than digestive symptoms
Digestive symptoms aren’t the only side effects associated with Ozempic. A serious worsening of the diabetic retinopathy (damage to the retina, the light-sensitive membrane at the back of the eye) is common. It can affect up to one in ten people.
Furthermore, in an interview devoted to Daily MailNew York plastic surgeons denounced a significant increase in requests forabdominoplasty. This plastic surgery procedure involves lifting sagging skin. Rapid weight loss, due to Ozempic, involves excess skin. “ Many of these patients seek these treatments after losing weight quickly “, warned Dr. Gary Linkov, plastic surgeon in New York.
