The Side Effects of GLP-1 Medications (And Why You Might Not Mind Them)
Ozempic. Wegovy. Mounjaro. Zepbound. You’ve probably seen them in commercials, heard about them from friends, or read about them in the news. These medications have been making headlines for their effectiveness in weight loss and improving overall health. But let’s take a look at some side effects you might not see on the prescription insert:
The side effects:
Your old high school clothes fit again—yes, even those jeans you swore you’d never wear.
You take the stairs without a second thought (and without a recovery break at the top).
On your next European vacation, you power up cathedral steps while your travel companions cheer you on from halfway up.
You may find yourself less likely to need a knee replacement in the future.
Lower risk of heart attack and stroke.
Possibly reducing your risk of dementia.
The “official” side effects:
Nausea.
Occasional gastrointestinal discomfort.
Mild fatigue the day after injection.
Important precautions:
Tell your doctor if you have a history of pancreatitis or gallbladder issues.
If your gallbladder has been removed, certain risks may actually be lower.
Very rare risk of a specific thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid cancer (not linked to common thyroid cancers like papillary thyroid cancer).
The bigger picture:
The only medications without side effects are the ones that don’t do anything.
Losing excess weight can significantly lower your risk of many obesity-related conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, joint problems, and several types of cancer.
For the right patient, GLP-1 medications can be a powerful tool for living better, moving more easily, and staying healthier—side effects and all.
References
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Study identifies benefits, risks linked to popular weight-loss drugs. Published January 5, 2024.
American Heart Association News. Weight-loss drugs may benefit heart health beyond weight loss. Published March 12, 2024.