By With the number of obesity cases rising worldwide, weight loss has become a pressing priority. While some people lose weight naturally with a balanced diet, consistent exercise, and better lifestyle choices, others may use weight loss medications. Are medications for weight loss safe for you, even if doctors recommend them? According to a recent study, taking these medications on a daily basis may raise your risk of developing gastrointestinal disorders including gastroparesis or stomach paralysis.
Weight loss pills linked to stomach paralysis
Have you ever questioned the safety of the medications you’re using to lose weight? Three studies that were recently presented in the US during Digestive Disease Week 2024 looked at the data to determine the side effects of diet tablets like Ozempic.
The University of Kansas researchers‘ first study revealed that the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1) medications, such as twincretin medications, semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy), and others, increased the risk of gastroparesis by 66 percent in those who took them. The paralysis of the stomach that affects its muscles and nerves is known as gastroparesis. Patient information who had been prescribed a GLP-1 for diabetes or obesity between 2021 and 2022 was included in the study.
In the second trial, researchers looked at almost 3,000,00 individuals to determine the prevalence of gastroparesis in patients with type 2 diabetes who were taking twincretin or GLP-1 medication. For two years to two months, the patients’ data was monitored by the researchers, who then made one-to-one comparisons with those who did not take the weight loss medications. After three months, the groups’ outcomes were comparable. Nonetheless, there was a higher risk of gastroparesis in the GLP-1 groups. After eighteen months, the risk rose by twenty-five percent.
The third study focused on 839 patients who had stomach emptying scintigraphy (GES) tests out of 80,000 people who were administered GLP-1. One important technique for evaluating stomach emptying is GES. Four hours after eating, one-third of these individuals still had food in their stomachs, a sign of gastroparesis. Of these, 38 had previous proof of delayed stomach emptying, and 127 reported preexisting gastrointestinal symptoms.
This analysis highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and research into long-term impacts, as it reveals a possible link between type 2 diabetes patients’ development of gastroparesis and GLP-1 therapy.
Weight loss pills may not be the solution!
Wegovy and Ozempic, two medications used for weight loss, might not be sold in India, but there are alternative medications with a similar formula that might. To reduce weight, it’s advisable to attempt natural techniques instead of using weight loss medications.
In general, nonpharmacological techniques present safer options. A balanced diet, consistent exercise, and long-term lifestyle adjustments are necessary to reach and stay at a healthy weight. Without the negative effects of some drugs, these techniques assist people in improving their general health and well-being and losing weight. A thorough, personalized approach is necessary for safe and effective weight management, according to nutritionist Dr. Rohini Patil.
What is gastroparesis or stomach paralysis?
When the movements of the stomach are feeble, it is called abdominal paralysis (sometimes called gastroparesis) and makes it difficult for food to pass through the digestive tract. Delays in the digestive process result in discomfort and possible consequences.
Occasionally, it is separated into three groups based on the origin of the issue. Diabetic-related gastroparesis is the term used to describe gastroparesis that results from diabetes. It is known as post-surgical gastroparesis when it develops as a surgical consequence and as idiopathic gastroparesis when the reason is unknown.
What are the symptoms of gastroparesis?
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of this digestive issue could include:
- vomiting and nausea
- stomach ache
- bloating
- Feeling satisfied fast
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- bloating
- alterations in blood sugar levels
- Insufficient appetite
- Unintentional loss of weight
Even though these are typical indications of gastroparesis, each person’s symptoms may differ and, if unchecked, may get worse over time.
How is gastroparesis treated?
Treatment for gastroparesis involves a variety of techniques to reduce symptoms and enhance stomach functionality. You must first modify your diet to include more foods high in fiber and low in fat. In order to induce stomach contractions and relieve the discomfort, your doctor could also recommend certain drugs. To determine the best course of action and the treatment that will work best for your situation, it is essential to speak with a doctor.
