Doctor issues devastating warning of ‘overlooked’ side effects of using Ozempic

Warning: This article contains discussion of weight and weight loss which some readers may find distressing.

A health expert has revealed a commonly overlooked side effect of Ozempic - and this time, it relates to your mental health.

Ozempic is a medication that must be prescribed by a health professional and is intended for use by diabetics. However, as a common side effect of the drug is rapid weight loss, some people have been obtaining it in a bid to lose weight.

The way in which the weight loss occurs is due to the person's appetite being suppressed, by way of mimicking the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).

Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQ Doctor, shared some lesser-discussed side effects of the drug with Tyla.

Wylie said: "Ozempic (semaglutide) is a medication licensed for the management of type 2 diabetes. While it has shown efficacy in promoting weight loss by suppressing appetite, its growing popularity among celebrities as a 'quick fix' for weight loss raises significant health concerns."

(Steve Christo - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

She added that an 'overlooked issue is the impact on mental health'.

Wylie explained: "The sudden and rapid weight loss caused by Ozempic might be appealing to those under societal or industry pressures to look a certain way, but this can exacerbate or trigger eating disorders and body dysmorphia. In some cases, people become overly reliant on the drug, unable to maintain a healthy lifestyle without it, fostering an unhealthy relationship with food and body image.

"The wider repercussions of this surge in use are troubling. The drug is becoming harder to access for those who genuinely need it for diabetes management, as supplies become strained.

"Furthermore, normalising its use among celebrities risks sending dangerous messages to the public, reinforcing the idea that extreme or pharmaceutical measures are the answer to weight loss, when a balanced diet and physical activity are far safer and more sustainable.

(Steve Christo - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

"Ozempic should only be taken under the careful guidance of a healthcare professional, with a focus on long-term health rather than short-term aesthetics."

Referencing the toll it can take on your body, Wylie added: "Using Ozempic for weight loss without medical supervision can lead to serious side effects.

"Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea are common, but more severe complications like pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and kidney failure have also been reported.

"For individuals without diabetes, Ozempic could also lead to dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), which can cause confusion, fainting, and seizures. Many users may not fully understand the long-term implications of taking a drug designed for managing a chronic illness."

When approached for comment, Novo Nordisk responded: "Obesity is a complex disease requiring long term management with lifestyle changes (diet and exercise), and in some cases, medical intervention. It is a risk factor for several other chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Obesity is linked to poorer mental health, as the stigma that many people living with obesity face can lead to anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. The decision on the choice of treatment must be made by the patient in consultation with their healthcare professional.

Novo Nordisk stressed that Ozempic isn't indicated for weight loss purposes (Getty Stock Image)

"Patient safety is of the utmost importance to Novo Nordisk. We continuously collect safety data on our marketed GLP-1 RA medicines and work closely with the authorities to ensure patient safety. Any decisions made regarding treatment options should always be made in consultation with a healthcare professional and require strict medical supervision. Side effects should be reported to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme."

Novo Nordisk added: "Ozempic® (semaglutide injection) is not indicated for weight loss. We are working closely with the MHRA and are doing our utmost to discourage the off-label use of our medicines. Novo Nordisk recommends patients take these medications for their approved indications and under the supervision of a healthcare professional."