11 GLP-1 agonists aka Ozempic

11 GLP-1 agonists aka Ozempic

By Marjorie Appiagyei

GLP-1 agonists are medications that can be used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. Ozempic is one example of this type of medication. Ozempic works by acting like GLP-1, a hormone your body naturally produces that decreases blood sugar and makes you feel fuller after eating. Other GLP-1 agonists include Semaglutide, Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, and Exenatide. In clinical studies, GLP-1 agonists have caused weight loss and lower blood sugar levels among people living with diabetes. Possible side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and decreased appetite. Serious side effects may include pancreas inflammation, gallbladder problems (including gallstones) and dehydration caused by severe vomiting. There is a risk for thyroid tumors in individuals with genetic syndromes that predispose them to tumors. In some cases, people taking Ozempic rapidly lose too much weight and reach a dangerously low body weight. This can result in loss of muscle mass and nutritional deficiencies if not monitored by a physician. For these reasons, these drugs are only recommended to be taken under a doctor's care and in conjunction with healthy lifestyle changes.

References

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/in-depth/type-2-diabetes-drugs/art-20044867 

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/ozempic-semaglutide-injection

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/managing-diabetes/medication

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