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Story at-a-glance
- Ozempic and similar weight loss drugs have been linked to 162 deaths in the U.S., with adverse reactions increasing by 40% in six months as usage expands
- These medications are associated with serious side effects, including pancreatitis, bowel obstruction and stomach paralysis, with 80% to 90% of users experiencing at least one adverse event
- Studies have found a significant link between semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) and suicidal ideation, particularly in patients also taking antidepressants or antianxiety medications
- Emerging reports indicate severe kidney problems in some patients using these weight loss drugs
- Akkermansia, a beneficial gut bacteria, is a natural alternative to stimulate GLP-1 production, offering similar benefits without the risks associated with drugs like Ozempic
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, including semaglutide — the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy — have taken the world by storm. Originally developed for Type 2 diabetes, these drugs’ weight loss properties quickly caught the attention of researchers and the public alike.
Their effectiveness in shedding pounds has led to a global shortage, with an estimated 20 million people using them annually.1 But as with any quick fix, there’s often a catch. According to data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), these medications have been linked to 162 deaths in the U.S.2
The Daily Mail reports that fatalities mentioning weight loss drugs have increased by 40% in just six months, jumping from 117 to 162 reported deaths.3Â This sharp rise coincides with the expanding use of these medications, as more formulations hit the market and off-label prescriptions become commonplace.
However, your risk doesn’t disappear simply because you’re using these drugs as directed. The FAERS data show that adverse reactions occur in patients using these medications for their approved purposes, whether for diabetes management or weight loss.
Ozempic-Related Deaths and ‘Serious’ Reactions on the Rise
The FAERS database reveals a disturbing trend in adverse reactions to weight loss drugs containing semaglutide and tirzepatide (used in Mounjaro and Zepbound). Since 2018, there have been 62,000 reported reactions to these medications in the U.S.4
What’s particularly alarming is that 46,000 of these reports — nearly three-quarters of the total — occurred after 2022. This coincides with the increased availability and marketing of these drugs. Of the 162 reported deaths, 94 were linked to semaglutide-based drugs, while 68 were associated with tirzepatide medications. It’s worth noting that in 2023, tirzepatide was linked to nearly twice as many adverse reactions as semaglutide.5
The FAERS system has recorded 10,000 “serious” reactions to these weight loss drugs, defined as events resulting in hospitalization or life-threatening conditions. These aren’t just minor inconveniences; they’re significant medical events that could have long-lasting impacts on your health.
For instance, Daily Mail reports a case of a 30-year-old man on Ozempic who was hospitalized with pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that causes severe abdominal pain. In another case, a 49-year-old woman taking Ozempic experienced mania and a dangerous surge in blood pressure, requiring hospitalization.6
While 1.7% of Americans — approximately 5.6 million people — were prescribed weight loss drugs in 2023, recent surveys suggest that number has grown to about 6% of U.S. adults, or 15.5 million people.7 This rapid increase in usage means more individuals are exposed to the serious side effects.
Ozempic Linked to Suicidal Ideation
A comprehensive study analyzing the World Health Organization’s database of adverse drug reactions uncovered more troubling findings about Ozempic.8Â The research, which looked at over 36.1 million reports, found a significant link between semaglutide and suicidal ideation.
Out of 30,527 total reports for semaglutide, 107 cases of suicidal or self-injurious reactions were identified, and the association remained significant even after accounting for other factors. The research revealed a 45% increased risk of suicidal ideation in patients taking semaglutide compared to other medications.9
Further, people taking antidepressants or antianxiety medications alongside semaglutide were at an even higher risk of reporting suicidal thoughts — a 150% to 300% increase in suicidal ideation was found among this group.10
A study in Frontiers in Psychiatry revealed insights into semaglutide’s impact on your emotional state and psychological well-being.11Â The drug’s main component targets GLP-1 receptors, which are present not just in your digestive tract but also in critical brain areas. These regions, such as the lateral septum and hypothalamus, are essential for managing emotions, reward systems and appetite control.
Semaglutide’s interaction with these receptors modifies the functioning of neural pathways involved in these processes. Particularly noteworthy is its influence on dopamine, a neurotransmitter closely associated with mood regulation and reward perception.
Research indicates that stimulating GLP-1 receptors may enhance dopamine transporter expression, leading to decreased free dopamine levels in specific brain regions. This shift in dopamine signaling might lead to alterations in your mood, motivation levels, and even how you experience pleasure.
Up to 90% of Ozempic Users Experience an Adverse Event
The most common side effects linked to Ozempic and similar drugs are gastrointestinal, including nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. In clinical trials, a staggering 80% to 90% of participants experienced at least one adverse event.12Â Though most were mild to moderate, they led some people to discontinue the medication.
Further, these drugs are intended for long-term use — stopping them often results in weight regain — further increasing the risk of side effects over time. While nausea and diarrhea might seem manageable, more severe health risks, including pancreatitis, are a real concern. A study of 16 million patients found that those taking liraglutide or semaglutide had over nine times the risk of developing pancreatitis compared to those on other weight loss medications.13
The same study showed a four-fold increase in the risk of bowel obstruction and nearly four times the risk of gastroparesis (stomach paralysis). Gallbladder issues are another significant concern. Clinical trials revealed higher rates of gallstones and cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation) in people taking these drugs.14
While rare, some patients required surgery for these complications. It’s also worth noting that these medications increase heart rate.15 There’s also the potential for aspiration during anesthesia. These drugs slow down stomach emptying, which means you may still have food in your stomach even after fasting for the recommended time before surgery. This increases the risk of aspiration pneumonia, a serious complication.
The FDA has also warned that Ozempic causes an intestinal blockage called ileus,16Â which can lead to life-threatening complications if not treated promptly.
Another Ozempic Dark Side: Kidney Damage
Troubling reports of severe kidney problems due to Ozempic are also emerging. Research published in the Clinical Kidney Journal reported two patients experienced acute interstitial nephritis (AIN), a serious kidney inflammation, after starting semaglutide.17
One case even involved focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a type of kidney scarring. These findings suggest these drugs pose significant risks to your kidney health, especially if you have pre-existing kidney issues. The first case involved a 68-year-old woman with chronic kidney disease who started semaglutide for weight loss.
Within weeks, she developed severe nausea and vomiting, leading to a dramatic increase in her creatinine levels — a key indicator of kidney function. Even after stopping the medication, her kidney function worsened upon restarting it. A biopsy confirmed acute interstitial nephritis, likely triggered by semaglutide.18
The second case was even more alarming. A 49-year-old woman with no prior kidney issues developed severe swelling and protein in her urine after three months on semaglutide. Her kidney biopsy revealed not only AIN but also FSGS, a condition that can lead to kidney failure.
The study authors suggest that risk factors for these complications may include chronic kidney disease, advanced age, obesity and concurrent use of other medications that can affect the kidneys. A review of the FDA’s adverse event reporting system revealed 2,375 kidney-related events associated with GLP-1 drugs between 2010 and 2022.19
Acute kidney injury was the most common, accounting for nearly 59% of reports. Other reported issues included high blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances and, in rare cases, severe protein loss in the urine.