More and more people are looking to GLP-1 medications for weight loss, but several health factors can make these treatments inappropriate or harder to tolerate.
GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro were developed to help people with type 2 diabetes manage blood sugar, though they’ve also become popular among those trying to lose weight.
In the US, the FDA has approved Ozempic for adults 18 and over to treat type 2 diabetes. That said, clinicians may still prescribe it “off label” for weight loss in some cases.
While some view these injections as a straightforward solution, they aren’t suitable for everyone. One doctor has outlined several circumstances that may rule out their use.
Common side effects often involve the digestive system, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
Because of that, people with “conditions such as gastroparesis, severe acid reflux, inflammatory bowel disease, or other significant digestive disorders may find the treatment unsuitable or difficult to tolerate,” Dr Basford tells Metro UK.
The doctor also says that patients with a history of pancreatitis may be advised against these medications due to a “risk of inflammation to the pancreas”.
In the US, the “Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System database, have reported mixed findings on the relationship between GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy and pancreatitis,” and therefore, clinicians have avoided “using GLP-1 receptor agonists in patients with a history of acute pancreatitis.”
Separately, people living with certain ongoing health issues—such as kidney disease or liver disease—may not be considered good candidates for GLP-1 drugs.
In the United States, medical guidance also states GLP-1 medications should not be used during pregnancy.
Based on existing research, Dr. Swarup tells Health Central there may be risks associated with taking the medication while pregnant, including “miscarriage, lowered birth weights, and birth defects.”
Much of the evidence comes from animal studies rather than human data, but Cleveland Clinic notes “there’s enough concern to warrant stopping the medication during pregnancy.”
The doctor adds “not to be alarmed” if you’re taking the medication and then unexpectedly learn you’re pregnant.
GLP-1 drugs are also generally not recommended for those who are breastfeeding.
Although many side effects are considered manageable, some people experience symptoms severe enough to stop treatment altogether—including well-known figures such as Kris Jenner and Sharon Osbourne.
If that happens, restarting the medication may not be advised, and other approaches may be a better option.
Dr Bashford also explains to Metro that “appetite-suppressing medicationshave the potential to worsen disordered eating behaviours or negatively impact mental wellbeing” for people with a current or past eating disorder.
While most GLP-1 drugs don’t have many medications you must “absolutely not” take them with, they can still come with significant interaction risks.
This may include people using other diabetes treatments, such as insulin, which can increase the side effects of Ozempic. Certain antibiotics can also pose concerns, according to HealthLine.
Cleveland Clinic adds that hypoglycemia can become a “serious” risk if “you take GLP-1s with other medications that lower blood sugar, like sulfonylureas or insulin.”
Anyone considering GLP-1 drugs—or already taking them—should speak with a doctor about personal risks, side effects, and potential interactions.