Weight loss "magic" or health-threatening? Why are weight loss medications being questioned?

News Topical, Digital Desk : In the past few years, GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have become a popular weight loss trend worldwide. Many people are rapidly losing weight with the help of these drugs, and their self-confidence and mental health are also improving. 

But amid the growing popularity of these drugs, some questions remain unanswered. New research has deepened these mysteries, raising concerns about their hidden dangers.

What are GLP-1 drugs?

GLP-1 drugs mimic GLP-1, a hormone naturally produced in the body. This hormone reduces appetite, regulates blood sugar, and affects many vital organs. This is why people taking these drugs experience rapid weight loss. Big pharmaceutical companies are capitalizing on this popularity, generating billions of dollars in business.

Do these affect the brain?

This question remains a major mystery for scientists today. Some studies have found that these drugs improved mood, reduced cravings for smoking and alcohol, and even stimulated new brain cell growth in animal experiments.

But on the other hand, these drugs haven't shown any significant effect on diseases like Alzheimer's. This means their impact on mental health remains elusive.

How safe is it during pregnancy?

This is one of the most sensitive questions. Research so far suggests that doctors generally recommend stopping these medications about two months before conception. Some studies found that women taking the medications gained up to 3.3 kg of weight after delivery and had a slightly higher risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and preterm birth. However, a study from August 2024 showed a lower risk. These contradictory results make it difficult to definitively assess the risks to pregnancy.

Are its long-term effects known?

There's no definitive answer to this either. In one trial, participants taking the drug tirzepatide took it for 36 weeks, but when half the participants were given a placebo, they regained approximately 25% of their weight. This raises the big question: will these drugs need to be taken forever? This question also remains unanswered. The long-term effects of these drugs on children, drug addicts, pregnant women, and normal-weight individuals are also unclear. Their effects on metabolism, hormones, and the immune system are still incomplete.

Uses and precautions in India

These medications are becoming increasingly popular in India as well. But remember, taking them without a doctor's advice can be extremely dangerous. Furthermore, every individual's body, health, and metabolism are different, so medical supervision is essential.

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