Obesity drug Ozempic linked to suicidal thoughts

Think twice before using Ozempic as a weight loss drug - 2 possible damaging side effects. Ozempic, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, was originally developed for treating type 2 diabetes but has gained popularity as a weight loss drug. Studies have shown it can lead to significant weight loss in some people, leading to increased off-label use for weight management. However, it's important to note that it should only be used under medical supervision, as there can be side effects and it's not suitable for everyone. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Ozempic works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which helps regulate appetite and food intake. By activating GLP-1 receptors, it can increase feelings of fullness and reduce hunger, leading to lower calorie consumption and potential weight loss.

Obesity drug Ozempic linked to suicidal thoughts. Image: MikeB

Potential dangers

But apparently there are dangers. There appears to be a general belief that Ozempic is some sort of wonder drug that suppresses your appetite leading to weight loss. This appeals tremendously to people who struggle (and I fully understand the difficulties) of controlling their eating. However, there are genuine issues because all drugs are essentially poisons. They are unnatural substances place inside the body where they can be beneficial but there are invariably some sort of side effects and it depends how extreme the side effects are.

The report today, in The Times, is that taking Ozempic "could be linked to a higher risk of having suicidal thoughts" according to a new study. The report states that there have been more than a hundred cases worldwide "where patients have reported feeling suicidal or wanting to self-harm as a side effect of the weight-loss injection, which is prescribed on the NHS to treat type II diabetes."

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The drug is also known as Wegovy. Analysis of global data shows an association with "disproportionately increased reporting of suicidality" compared to other medicines. Although, overall cases remain rare. The suicidal thoughts ceased once the patients stopped taking the drug.

The study authors want a warning placed on Ozempic packaging. It is published in JAMA Network Open. It is a reviewed database of adverse drug effects held by the World Health Organisation.

Cause and effect is not proven but as mentioned there is an association between these two i.e. the drug and suicidal thoughts.

It may be the case that the suicidal thoughts could be an "uncommon but tragic consequence" of losing large amounts of weight. Comment: I would doubt that. There have been other drugs that have caused suicidal thoughts including one which treats acne in young people. If a drug is designed to alter the mentality of a person as this drug is, it would be unsurprising to me that it might have adverse effects as described.

The Times also reports that "a review by the European Medicines Agency this year found no link between obesity drugs and suicidal thoughts."

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P.S. please forgive the occasional typo. These articles are written at breakneck speed using Dragon Dictate. I have to prepare them in around 20 mins. Also: sources for news articles are carefully selected but the news is often not independently verified. Also, I rely on scientific studies but they are not 100% reliable.