The promise of help with weight loss is always alluring. But what if that solution comes with a few hidden risks?

In South Africa, where obesity rates are on the rise, GLP1 medications such Ozempic, originally created for type 2 diabetes, have become a hot topic.

While these drugs have shown remarkable benefits for weight loss and reducing certain health risks, a growing body of research highlights a few serious potential side effects.

So, are these so-called miracle drugs worth the risk? GLP-1 receptor agonists (like Wegovy and Mounjaro) have gained global attention for their ability to help people shed significant weight.

These weight loss medications, administered via injections, work by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. In South Africa, where nearly 68% of women and 31% of men are overweight or obese (according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation SA), it's easy to see why these drugs are becoming popular.

Social media is flooded with testimonials of people losing weight rapidly, often accompanied by glowing endorsements from celebrities. But beneath the surface lies a more complex story.

The health risks of weight loss drugs

A recent study by the Washington University School of Medicine has raised red flags about the long-term safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists.

The study, which analysed data from over two million individuals, found that while the drugs offer benefits, they also come with significant risks.

Potential health benefits

In South Africa nearly 68% of women and 31% of men are overweight or obese. Picture: Gustavo Fring/pexels

The research showed that GLP-1 drugs can lower the risk of:

- Stroke and heart attacks.

- Substance use disorders.

- Seizures.

- Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

For diabetics and those with obesity-related health conditions, these benefits could be life-changing.

However, the study also revealed some alarming side effects:

-Doubling of pancreatitis risk: Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, can lead to complications like sepsis, organ failure and internal bleeding.

- 11% higher risk of arthritis: this finding contradicts earlier studies suggesting weight loss from these drugs could alleviate joint pain.

- 30% higher risk of nausea and vomiting: these symptoms might seem mild but can lead to dehydration or, in rare cases, choking.

- 12% increased risk of sleep disturbances: disrupted sleep could have cascading effects on overall health.

In severe cases, these side effects have proven fatal, with over 160 deaths in the U.S. last year linked to the use of weight-loss drugs.

The real-life consequences

@dailymail Singer Avery has told fans her shock at discovering she has a debilitating bone-thinning disease after taking Ozempic for just a year. Thee 30-year-old from Pheonix, Arizona admitted she took the weight-loss drug after struggling with an ED. Now, tests have now revealed she has osteoporosis — a condition that puts sufferers at high risk of deadly fractures — after 'losing too much weight' on the jab. In a desperate plea to followers, she urged them to not 'make the same mistake' and take a medication 'you do not need'. Read more at DailyMail.com #avery #singer #arizona #ozempic #disease #scary #doctor #health ♬ original sound - Daily Mail

The risks are not just numbers on a page. Avery, a singer from Phoenix, Arizona, recently shared her harrowing experience on TikTok.

After taking Ozempic for a year, she developed osteoporosis, a bone-thinning condition typically seen in older adults.

“I took this drug to lose weight but it cost me my health,” she tearfully admitted to her followers.

Avery had previously struggled with an eating disorder, a condition that may have compounded the drug’s effects. Her story serves as a cautionary tale for those considering these medications for quick weight loss.

Osteoporosis, a common bone condition, is more common in females, with a prevalence of 19.6% compared to 4.4% in males.

Factors such as medical history, chronic illnesses, medications and exercise regimen can contribute to bone thinning.

@weightdoc #GLP1 #osteoporosis ♬ original sound - Dr Jennah | WeightDoc

Dr. Jennah Siwak, a family and obesity medicine MD, argues that Avery's medical history, chronic illnesses, medications and exercise regimen are all factors that could contribute to bone thinning.

Weight loss, particularly rapid weight loss, can also contribute to bone thinning if the individual's nutrition is not up to par. South Africans are no strangers to weight-related health issues. Obesity is a growing epidemic, contributing to conditions like diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

While medications like Ozempic may seem like a solution, they are not a substitute for sustainable lifestyle changes. The cost of these drugs is also worth noting. Many might find them financially out of reach, with prices ranging from R3,000 to R5,000 per month depending on the brand.

And if side effects occur, additional medical expenses could follow. Moreover, our healthcare system is already burdened. The long-term impact of widespread use of these drugs, particularly if complications arise could strain resources further. Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic are not inherently bad.

For those with type 2 diabetes or severe obesity, they can be a vital tool when used under medical supervision. However, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. The allure of a quick weight-loss fix is undeniable, especially in a society that often equates thinness with health and beauty.

But as the saying goes: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” For anyone, the fight against obesity requires a sustainable multifaceted approach, one that includes public health campaigns, better access to nutritious food, and affordable healthcare solutions.

Weight-loss drugs may have a role to play but they should not overshadow the importance of long-term, sustainable habits. As researchers continue to study the effects of these medications, one thing is clear: informed decision-making is crucial.

Whether you’re considering Ozempic or any other weight-loss drug, always weigh the potential risks against the benefits.