With the rise in popularity of weight-loss injectables, there are also rising concerns about the potential of serious side effects from using these injectables. Weight-loss drugs and injectables can be an effective short-term strategy, but the long-term success and tolerance for side effects of these medications is still being researched. 

While drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy can help people lose significant amounts of weight, the drugs may be delivering more than weight loss. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been receiving reports of severe gastroparesis, also known as stomach paralysis, from those using these drugs to lose weight. Gastroparesis is a condition that slows or stops food from moving from the stomach to the small intestine. 

Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide, which is a synthetic version of a hormone known as GLP-1. The body releases GLP-1 into the intestine when people eat food. The release of this hormone leads to a reduced appetite and slows down stomach emptying, which may contribute to feeling full. 

Ozempic was initially sold as a diabetes medication, while Wegovy is specifically for weight loss. According to the drug’s labels, side effects can include gastrointestinal issues, including abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. 

New York Bariatric Group surgeon Dr. Sherard Chiu says speaking to a weight loss specialist is your best option. “Much information regarding injectable weight-loss medications is coming out, and more and more are focused on the negatives of the medications in terms of weight loss. Patients must be warned of these side effects and that medications are only a temporary solution to a much larger problem. We want our patients to be successful in their weight loss journey and recommend speaking with one of our physicians to see what may be a best fit for them.” 

New York Bariatric Group: Weight Loss Leader 

New York Bariatric Group’s doctor-supervised medical weight loss program is committed to patient safety and well-being. Patients benefit from regular monitoring and follow-up appointments. This ongoing supervision allows doctors to make necessary adjustments to a patient’s treatment plan based on their progress and any changes in their health status. It ensures that the weight-loss journey is personalized and optimized for each individual, leading to more effective outcomes. 

New York Bariatric Group is a leader in long-term weight-loss solutions. It’s bariatric practice is
the best around and they have the numbers to prove it:

  • Over 30 surgeons who are leaders in bariatrics, plastic surgery, veins, and medical weight loss.
  • 36,000 successful procedures p