Weight loss pills linked to stomach paralysis in new study

New study links weight loss pills to stomach paralysis (Photo:iStock)

Weight loss pills have become popular for those seeking to shed off extra weight, without hitting the gym.

But before popping them, hold.

New research has revealed a troubling link between these drugs and stomach paralysis, a condition known as gastroparesis.

As obesity rates spike worldwide, more people are seeking ways to manage their weight. The World Obesity Federation estimates that 1.9 billion people globally will be affected by obesity by 2035.

While many focus on healthier diets, regular exercise and lifestyle changes, others turn to weight loss pills for faster results.

The weight loss supplement market, valued at $29.96 billion in 2023, is expected to grow steadily over the next several years. However, recent findings raise questions about the safety of these pills. 

Gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach muscles and nerves fail to function correctly, causing food to remain in the stomach for extended periods. This disrupts digestion and can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting and bloating. In severe cases, gastroparesis can cause serious health complications.

A study from the University of Kansas established that certain weight loss drugs, specifically glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1), including well-known medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, “increased the risk of developing gastroparesis by 66 per cent” in people who took them.

The study analysed data from patients prescribed GLP-1 drugs between 2021 and 2022, either for obesity or diabetes. The researchers noted that the use of these drugs led to several gastrointestinal side effects. “Patients experienced nausea, vomiting, gastroparesis, GERD, esophagitis and even drug-induced pancreatitis,” the authors note.

Another study looked at over 300,000 patients with Type 2 diabetes who were prescribed GLP-1 medications. The researchers monitored these individuals for a period of between three months and 2 years.

While the risk of gastroparesis was similar between groups at first, after 18 months, those taking the drugs had a 25 per cent increased risk of developing this condition.

A third study examined 80,000 patients, 839 of whom underwent tests to measure how long food stayed in their guts. Results showed that “one-third of the patients still had food in their digestive systems four hours after eating, indicating delayed gastric emptying, a key sign of gastroparesis.

These findings highlight the potential risks associated with weight loss pills. Even though medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are not widely available in Kenya, similar drugs, such as Rybelsus, are accessible. However, health experts recommend caution when considering them for weight loss.

According to the British Medical Journal (BMJ), the most effective and sustainable way to lose weight is through non-pharmacological methods.

Dietary changes, physical activity and behavioural therapy have been shown to help individuals lose weight safely and effectively.

The BMJ further advises that weight loss programmes “require regular follow-ups and support from healthcare professionals” to ensure that weight loss is maintained and overall health is protected.

 While weight loss pills may offer a quick solution, the long-term risks, such as gastroparesis, should be taken seriously.

So, if you’re thinking about using weight loss pills, kindly consider the risks. Opting for a natural approach, one that includes healthy eating and exercise, may not only help you achieve your goals but also protect you from harmful side effects like gastroparesis. You are warned.