• Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are linked to nearly 25,000 emergency room visits in 2022-2023 due to gastrointestinal complications, according to a new study.
• Dentists and dermatologists report new side effects such as 'Ozempic mouth,' characterized by sagging skin, wrinkles around the mouth, and volume loss in the face.
• Therapists are raising concerns about the drugs potentially triggering a mental health crisis as they remove food as an emotional coping mechanism, leading to amplified negative emotions.

The increasing popularity of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy has brought attention to a range of potential side effects. While these drugs have been effective for weight loss, concerns are growing about their impact on physical and mental health. Recent studies and expert observations highlight issues from gastrointestinal distress and emergency room visits to cosmetic concerns like 'Ozempic mouth' and psychological challenges related to emotional coping mechanisms.

• What: Side effects associated with weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, including gastrointestinal issues, cosmetic changes (e.g., 'Ozempic mouth'), and mental health impacts.
• Who: Individuals using semaglutide for weight loss or diabetes management, medical professionals, researchers from the CDC and Harvard Medical School, and celebrities such as Sharon Osbourne, Whoopie Goldberg, and Rebel Wilson.
• When: The reported emergency room visits occurred between 2022 and 2023. The study was published April 8, with the gastroparesis link reported in June 2024 and the ileus warning in September 2024.
• Where: United States (national surveillance data from hospitals), New York (dermatological observations), and global (reported side effects among users).

The analysis of the provided news content reveals a growing concern regarding the adverse effects of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic. While the drugs are effective for weight loss, the potential for severe gastrointestinal issues leading to emergency room visits, the emergence of cosmetic side effects like 'Ozempic mouth,' and the possible triggering of mental health issues raise significant questions about the overall safety and appropriate use of these medications. Experts recommend that clinicians thoroughly counsel patients about potential side effects and adjust co-prescribed medications to mitigate risks. Further research and monitoring are needed to fully understand the long-term impacts of these drugs.

"The safety and efficacy profile of Ozempic has been evaluated in clinical studies involving more than patients. The most commonly reported side effects were gastrointestinal, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach (abdominal) pain, and constipation. The known risks associated with use of Ozempic are reflected in the FDA-approved product labeling."

“We found that it’s very infrequent that semaglutide leads to very serious adverse events that would land a patient in the hospital, but that they do occur.”

“Clinicians could counsel patients when initiating semaglutide about the potential for severe gastrointestinal adverse effects and adjust co-prescribed antidiabetic medications to decrease hypoglycemia risk,”

“Many users of Ozempic who I know report noticeable volume loss in the face, which can result in the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and jowls around the mouth... This volume loss can also worsen the appearance of existing fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity contributing to a more aged smile and overall look.”

The rise in popularity of weight-loss drugs has been accompanied by increasing reports of concerning side effects. From gastrointestinal emergencies and the aesthetic impact of 'Ozempic mouth' to the potential for exacerbating underlying mental health issues, the landscape of weight management is becoming more complex. While these medications offer significant benefits for some, comprehensive risk assessment, patient education, and ongoing monitoring are essential to ensure safe and effective utilization.