Lately, weight loss medications have grown in popularity as many people have seen the drugs’ effects on their appearance. In recent news in the UK, the government has proposed to give medications like Wegovy to those who are obese and unemployed in the UK to help them get back into work.
However, as there has been an increase in those taking weight loss medication, there have been increasing reports of complications and serious concerns affecting patients. As more research is emerging, there is a suggestion that weight loss medication can harm your digestive system.
In this article, we explain what weight loss medications are, their side effects and how they can impact the digestive system.
What are weight loss medications?
Prescription weight loss medications are either tablets or injections that work by suppressing your appetite, reducing the amount of fat absorbed by the body, or increasing your metabolism. They work the most effectively alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise routine under the supervision of a medical professional.
Some approved weight loss medications include:
- Orlistat
- Liraglutide
- Semaglutide
Ozempic is not prescribed for weight loss but is a recommended medication for those who have type 2 diabetes.
Wegovy and Mounjaro are both type 2 diabetes medications that have also been approved also to be used for weight loss for patients who are obese and struggle to lose weight.
Side effects
Side effects may vary depending on the type of drug you take and how the drug works. Common mild side effects of weight loss medications include:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Excessive wind
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
Although not as common as these symptoms, weight loss medication can also lead to some serious complications. These issues include gallstones, kidney problems, or allergic reactions. I advise you to contact a doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms:
- Severe stomach pain
- Severe vomiting
- Fever
- Clay-coloured stools
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling, problems breathing, or fainting
Weight loss medication can lead to serious digestive problems with lasting, difficult-to-manage consequences.
Impact on the digestive system
Recent research has found a link between popular weight loss medications, particularly medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, and an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal problems.
A study conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia found that people taking these drugs had nine times higher risk of pancreatitis and four times higher risk of bowel obstruction and gastroparesis (stomach paralysis). These conditions can lead to severe symptoms.
Because of this risk, those who have a family history of these conditions and are at risk of or currently experience other digestive issues, such as inflammatory bowel disease, are advised not to take certain weight loss medications. We advise you to talk to a healthcare professional about your choice of weight loss medication to assess whether the medication is right for you.
It’s important to note that the overall risk for individual patients is very low generally, with serious adverse events occurring in about 1% of cases. However, we are seeing an increase because people are uneducated about their potential risks due to the lack of reporting surrounding its side effects and its impact on the digestive system.
Private digestive healthcare
Before taking weight loss medication, evaluating your digestive health and ensuring you are healthy before committing to the prescription is important.
If you want to learn more about your gut health, book an appointment with us today. Our expert gastroenterologist will thoroughly assess your health to determine the most suitable treatment.
At Digestive Health UK, we offer a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Get in touch for private diagnostics and treatment.
