A growing body of evidence suggests a potential link between certain weight loss medications, particularly GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (commonly marketed as Wegovy or Ozempic) and cases of acute pancreatitis, Dr Manoj Gupta, Head of Liver Transplant and Surgical Gastroenterology, PSRI Hospital, Delhi, recently told the OnlyMyHealth team.
A 2024 study published in the journal Cureus highlighted a case of a 74-year-old man with diabetes and heart disease who died from severe pancreatitis after four years on semaglutide.
UK health officials have launched a study into the side effects of viral weight loss drugs amid increasing reports of acute pancreatitis among users.
The Link Between Weight Loss Drugs And Pancreatitis
According to Dr Gupta, weight loss drugs, also known as semaglutide, work by mimicking the hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which regulates blood sugar levels, slows gastric emptying, and suppresses appetite.
“However, GLP-1 also stimulates the pancreas, and in some cases, this can lead to inflammation, especially in predisposed individuals,” he warns.
While pancreatitis remains a relatively rare side effect, it has been documented in clinical trials and real-world reports. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes pancreatitis as a known risk in the prescribing information for these drugs.
Are Certain Individuals More Susceptible?
According to Dr Gupta, people with a personal or family history of pancreatitis, gallstones, high triglycerides, or alcohol use disorder are at greater risk of developing side effects like pancreatitis.
“Individuals with type 2 diabetes, who are already prescribed GLP-1 drugs for blood sugar control, may have an elevated baseline risk of pancreatic stress,” he adds.
It’s also important to consider that rapid weight loss can sometimes alter bile composition, increasing the risk of gallstones, which is another known trigger for pancreatitis.
Early Signs Of Pancreatitis
Early detection is critical, and users should be aware of warning symptoms. The most common signs of acute pancreatitis are:
- Sudden, severe pain in the upper abdomen, often radiating to the back
- Pain that comes on after eating and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, or tenderness when touching the stomach
- Bloating
- Rapid heartbeat
- Changes in stool consistency
Anyone experiencing these symptoms while on a weight loss drug should stop the medication immediately and seek medical attention, as untreated pancreatitis can quickly become a medical emergency.
Precautions To Take Before Using Weight Loss Drugs
Before starting GLP-1 receptor agonists or similar weight loss drugs, both physicians and patients should evaluate the individual’s complete medical history. “Screening for risk factors such as gallstones, pancreatitis, high lipid levels, and liver dysfunction is crucial,” advises Dr Gupta, emphasising that a baseline lipid panel and abdominal ultrasound may be considered in high-risk patients.
Patients should also be advised to report any unusual abdominal symptoms promptly. Doctors should monitor patients periodically during treatment, especially if the person has pre-existing conditions that might complicate the medication’s effects.
Also Read: Everyone’s Talking About Ozempic, But What Does It Mean For Indian Women’s Metabolism?
Safer Alternatives To Lose Weight
While weight loss drugs have taken centre stage, there are safer alternatives for individuals who are not ideal candidates for GLP-1-based weight loss drugs. “Lifestyle interventions including structured dietary changes, physical activity, and behavioural therapy remain the safest and most effective long-term strategies,” says Dr Gupta.
He adds that medications like orlistat, which works by reducing fat absorption in the intestine, do not carry a pancreatitis risk, although they have other gastrointestinal side effects. Additionally, metformin, although primarily for blood sugar control, is sometimes used off-label for weight management and has a favourable safety profile.
Some people may also consider bariatric surgery, especially in morbidly obese individuals, but it comes with its own risks and requires lifelong follow-up, shares Dr Gupta.
Conclusion
While weight loss drugs like semaglutide have shown promising results, especially for people struggling with obesity or type 2 diabetes, they aren’t without risks. The potential link to serious conditions like pancreatitis reminds us that no medication is 100% effective or free of side effects. It’s important for individuals to stay informed, listen to their bodies, and have open conversations with their doctors before starting such treatments.