The global obesity epidemic affects a staggering 52% of adults as of 2016 [1] and continues to escalate. Therefore, the quest for effective weight management has never been more pressing. In recent months, the use of diabetic drugs for weight loss has gained a lot of popularity as many TikTok influencers claimed losing weight in a short period without much effort. In fact, the hashtag #Ozempic has been viewed more than 273 million times on this platform [2]. However, before blindly believing this claim, it is important to understand how they work and the adverse effects associated with them.
Since diabetic drugs affect how glucose is metabolized in the body (read more here), weight loss is a common side effect. They are classified according to their function:
Metformin is one of the most prescribed diabetic medications [3]. It effectively decreases glucose production in the liver, reduces the amount of glucose absorbed in the intestines, and improves insulin sensitivity [4]. As there is less glucose in the body, there is no excess to turn into fat.
Glucagon-Like-Peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists like Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Victoza [5] are made from molecules that are difficult to degrade. Hence, they stimulate insulin secretion for a longer period of time; moving food slowly through the stomach, reducing the feeling of hunger, and increasing the sensation of being satisfied after eating. In addition, it prevents the release of excess glucagon from the liver and supports the growth of beta cells in the pancreas, which are in charge of producing and releasing insulin [5,6].
Finally, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors like Jardiance, Farxiga, and Invokana [3] act on the channels that reabsorb glucose and sodium in the kidneys [7]. By stopping this process, the excess of glucose is excreted through urine instead of turning it into fat.
Using diabetic medications for weight loss, while showing promise, comes with potential risks and precautions that individuals should be aware of. These medications may lead to adverse effects including but not limited to [4,6-10]:
Gastrointestinal discomfort (diarrhea, bloating, stomach pain, gas, constipation, indigestion, etc.)
Chest pain.
Increased urination.
Muscle pain, tenderness, and feeling debilitated.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Diabetic ketoacidosis (high blood sugar levels which causes severe symptoms and require emergency medical treatment).
Heart disease and/or liver disease.
It is crucial for anyone considering using these medications for weight control to consult with a doctor beforehand. Healthcare professionals can assess individual health conditions, provide personalized advice, and monitor regularly for potential side effects. It is crucial to note that there’s a lack of research regarding the prolonged effects of using these medications specifically for weight loss in non-diabetic patients.
In conclusion, at a time of societal pressure to have a perfect shape and the proliferation of diets and supplements, the recent interest surrounding the use of diabetic medications for weight should be treated with caution. It is crucial to take them under medical supervision and create healthy eating and exercise habits that can be maintained over time, as there is no research on the long-term effects of these medications in non-diabetic patients.
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Written by: María
Edited by: Natasha
BioDecoded is a volunteer group committed to sharing accurate scientific information. We cannot offer any specific health advice. If you have any questions about this topic or would like to learn more, please comment below, or send us your questions.
References:
Obesity and overweight (2021). World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight (Accessed: 3 December 2023).
Blum, D. (2022). What Is Ozempic and Why Is It Getting So Much Attention?. The New York Times. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/22/well/ozempic-diabetes-weight-loss.html (Accessed: 3 December 2023).
Le, K. (2023). Which Diabetes Medications Can Cause Weight Loss or Gain?. GoodRx Health. Available at: https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/diabetes/medications-that-cause-weight-loss
Corcoran C and Jacobs TF (2023). “Metformin”, StatPearls Publishing. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK518983/
Adkison, J. (2023). “Ozempic, Trulicity, and More: 9 GLP-1 Agonist Drugs and How to Navigate Your Options”, GoodRx Health. Available at: https://www.goodrx.com/classes/glp-1-agonists/glp-1-drugs-comparison (Accessed: 3 December 2023).
Latif W, et al. (2023). “Compare and Contrast Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP1RAs)”, StatPearls Publishing. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572151/
Padda IS, et al. (2023). “Sodium-Glucose Transport Protein 2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors”, StatPearls Publishing. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK576405/
Metformin (2020). Medline Plus US - National Library of Medicine. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a696005.html (Accessed: 3 December 2023).
Tirzepatide injection (2022). Medline Plus US - National Library of Medicine. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a622044.html (Accessed: 3 December 2023).
Empagliflozin (2023). Medline Plus US - National Library of Medicine. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a614043.html (Accessed: 3 December 2023).
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