Our clinical director, Shaw Somers featured on this morning on Monday 21st October answering Q&As around weight loss options and how to choose a provider. His founding partner and bariatric surgeon, Guy Slater, delves into the side effects, long-term health risks, and important considerations surrounding weight loss medications.
Weight loss medications have become an important tool for those struggling with obesity. While these medications can lead to significant and lasting weight loss, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects.
Are there any side effects to weight loss medications?
The medications are generally well tolerated, but they are not without side effects. The severity of the side-effects will not only vary from person to person but also with the specific medication and dose.
Gastrointestinal Issues:
- Nausea: This is the most common side effect, especially when starting treatment or increasing the dose. Nausea tends to improve over time as the body adjusts.
- Vomiting: In some cases, nausea can lead to vomiting.
- Diarrhea: Another common GI issue that may occur, particularly early in treatment.
- Constipation: Some people experience constipation instead of, or in addition to, diarrhea.
- Abdominal pain: Mild stomach pain or discomfort can occur.
- Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Some users experience indigestion, bloating, or gas.
Decreased Appetite:
Although this is the intended effect, it can sometimes result in too high a daily calorie reduction causing fatigue.
Injection-Site Reactions (for injectable forms):
Redness, itching, or mild pain at the injection site can occur, but these reactions are generally mild and temporary.
Are there any long-term risks to my health?
As with side-effects, the medications are generally safe with longer term more serious complication of the medication being rare, but the following have been seen with the medication:
Pancreatitis:
Although rare, GLP-1 medications have been associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Patients with a history of pancreatitis should avoid these medications.
Gallbladder Issues:
Some patients may experience gallbladder problems, such as gallstones or cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), especially when there is significant weight loss. Patients with pre-existing asymptomatic gallstones may develop abdominal symptoms with pain and nausea related to eating.
Kidney Problems:
In rare cases, GLP-1 medications have been associated with kidney issues, including acute kidney injury. This is usually linked to severe dehydration due to vomiting or diarrhoea.
Thyroid Cancers:
In animal studies, GLP-1 agonists have been associated with an increased risk of medullary thyroid carcinoma(MTC). While this risk has not been conclusively observed in humans, the medications carry a boxed warning for patients with a personal or family history of MTC or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2).
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar):
GLP-1 medications, when used alone, generally do not cause low blood sugar. However, the risk of hypoglycemia increases when these medications are used in combination with insulin or sulfonylureas (another type of diabetes medication). Symptoms include shakiness, sweating, dizziness, and confusion.
Is this medication safe to take with other medications or conditions?
Because the medication mimics a naturally occurring intestinal hormone, it is usually well tolerated, rarely a cause for concern with other illnesses and uncommonly interacts with other medications, with the exception of diabetic medication.
Nevertheless, before starting the medication, anyone with chronic illness, weight related illnesses, other conditions such as cancer or taking multiple medications should seek professional advice.
At Streamline, our clinicians perform thorough assessments before prescribing any weight loss medication. If there are any concerns or potential risks, patients are referred to a bariatric physician for further consultation, ensuring that treatment is tailored to their specific health needs.
Streamline’s weight loss medication programme
Unlike other providers of weight loss medication, Streamline is owned and led by a team of weight loss surgeons with decades of experience in the field, bringing a unique perspective to weight loss treatment. Our deep understanding of weight management and metabolic health allows us to offer the best possible care and weight loss solutions, one of them being our weight loss medication programme.
What is included in our weight loss medication programme?
- Breakthrough weight loss medication
- Access to our health app, to track and monitor your progress
- 1:1 coaching and support from our team of experts
- Eco friendly, insulated packaging
If you’re interested in finding out more and to see if you’re eligible, please fill out our online assessment form.
