by Dr. Joseph Mercola, Mercola:
Story at-a-glance
- GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy, originally intended as diabetes medications, have gained popularity for weight loss, leading to global shortages despite having modest benefits
- Research shows these drugs reduce seizures and substance addiction risks, but they increase the likelihood of 19 other health conditions, including fainting, kidney problems and pancreatic issues
- Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain, with potential risks of acute pancreatitis and thyroid cancer, making the trade-off dangerous for users
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- Ozempic’s manufacturer Novo Nordisk reported $40.6 billion in revenue, highlighting how the “magic pill” mentality and ultraprocessed food consumption create a profitable cycle for pharmaceutical companies and food manufacturers
- Instead of relying on weight loss drugs, focus on optimizing cellular energy production through dietary changes, avoiding vegetable oils and supporting your gut and mitochondrial health
By now, most people around the world have heard of Ozempic and Wegovy, which are GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs, originally made for treating Type 2 diabetes, cause rapid weight loss, thus attracting individuals who have been struggling to lose weight for a long time. In fact, the effectiveness of these drugs has led to a global shortage.1 However, as with many other drugs that promise immediate results, there’s a catch.
Ozempic Hailed as a ‘Miracle Drug,’ but the Downsides Are Sinister
A report from The Epoch Times2 covered a study published in Nature Medicine,3 showing the impact of certain GLP-1 receptor agonists, sold under brand names such as Ozempic and Wegovy. As noted by The Epoch Times, “The media, patients, and even some doctors have dubbed the medications ‘miracle drugs’ because of their profound weight-loss effects.”4
In addition to weight loss, the study also noted that these drugs also lower the risk of “seizures and addiction to substances such as alcohol, cannabis, stimulants and opioids.”5 It’s believed that these drugs affect the brain’s neurological pathways related to reward and impulse control, explaining how these changes in behavior occur.6
Despite these benefits, the researchers caution potential, as there’s a dark side to these drugs that mainstream media and Big Pharma do not want you to see. According to the report, Ozempic increases your risk of developing a slew of other serious health conditions:7
“Researchers warn that these benefits come with an increased risk of 19 health conditions, such as syncope (fainting), arthritic disorders, and kidney and pancreatic problems.”
Similarly, a 2022 study found that commonly reported problems include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain. An increased risk for acute pancreatitis and thyroid cancer was also noted.8 Meanwhile, Nature Medicine claims the benefits are “modest” at best:9
“While GLP-1RA drugs display effectiveness against a wide array of health problems, the magnitude of associated benefits is modest — about a 10% to 20% reduction for most outcomes.”
A Closer Look at the Research
The Nature Medicine study analyzed 215,970 diabetics using GLP-1 receptor agonists and compared them to multiple control groups: 159,465 taking sulfonylureas, 117,989 using DPP-4 inhibitors, and 258,614 on SGLT2 inhibitors. An additional control group of 536,068 used all three medications, while a separate baseline group of 1,203,097 received only standard care.10
They then produced a master list of health outcomes related to GLP-1 agonist receptor usage. As noted by The Epoch Times, while these drugs produced benefits, there were also significant adverse health outcomes:11
“Compared to usual care, GLP-1RA use was associated with a reduced risk of substance use and psychotic disorders, seizures, neurocognitive disorders (including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia), coagulation disorders, cardiometabolic disorders, infectious illnesses and several respiratory conditions.
There was an increased risk of gastrointestinal disorders, hypotension, syncope, arthritic disorders, nephrolithiasis, interstitial nephritis and drug-induced pancreatitis associated with GLP-1RA use compared to usual care. The results provide insights into the benefits and risks of GLP-1RAs and may be useful for informing clinical care and guiding research agendas.”
In a report by GoodRx, Stacia Woodcock, PharmD., outlines the mechanisms that lead to weight loss and other supposed benefits related to taking these drugs:12
•They signal your pancreas to release more insulin — After a meal, your blood glucose levels go up. Usually, the pancreas releases insulin when this happens to lower blood glucose levels. But in Type 2 diabetics, the body doesn’t always release enough. Incretin mimetics work on the pancreas to help raise insulin levels after you eat, which then lowers your blood glucose level.
•They increase your body’s sensitivity to insulin — Your body may also not respond as well to insulin if you’re diabetic. Incretin mimetics help increase insulin sensitivity, so your body can respond better to insulin when it’s released.
•They tell your liver to stop making glucose — This helps stop the production of new glucose to keep blood levels down.
