Side Effects of Diabetes Drugs for Weight Loss

 

Usually healthcare providers prescribe diabetes drugs to regulate blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. As these drugs have also been shown to lead to weight loss, many take these drugs for weight loss instead.

There are two main groups of type 2 diabetes medicines that lower blood sugar and also may lead to weight loss. The first group is glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists. The second is sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors.

Mounjaro (contains the active ingredient tirzepatide) is the diabetes drug that leads to the most weight loss, followed by Ozempic (contains the active ingredient semaglutide), Rybelsus and Victoza.

However, in the U.S., their use as a weight management aid is “off-label", meaning a doctor uses a medication to treat a condition or symptom for which it was not explicitly designed or officially approved.

GLP-1 receptor agonists cause weight loss by:

• Lowering blood sugar by encouraging the pancreas to release insulin
• Reducing your overall appetite
• Slowing down the emptying of the stomach (making you feel fuller longer)

SGLT-2 inhibitors cause weight loss by:

• Releasing excess blood sugar through the urine

Common side effects of these drugs include:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) - more serious risk linked to GLP-1 agonists

Side effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors may include:

• Genital yeast infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Kidney injury
• Weaker bones and a higher risk of broken bones
• A higher risk of diabetic ketoacidosis

Certain GLP-1 drugs can increase the risk of developing certain medical conditions while some GLP-1 agonists may not be appropriate for people who have a health condition that affects the intestines, such as gastroparesis, or for people who have some types of kidney disease.

Studies have also linked GLP-1 agonists with certain thyroid tumors in rats.

These drugs should be avoided if you have a history of:

• Gallbladder problems
• Pancreatitis
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) (thyroid cancer)
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
• Diabetic retinopathy (eye problems)
• High cholesterol or triglyceride levels
• Any digestive disorders

GLP-1 agonists are not recommended for people who:

• Have had medullary thyroid cancer or who have a family history of the disease.
• Have had multiple endocrine neoplasia or who have a family history of the disease.
• Have had pancreatitis.
• Are pregnant or are actively trying to get pregnant.
• Are breastfeeding.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any doubt.

In fact, to have lasting effect, weight loss should be handled with healthy lifestyle changes rather than taking any medication.

Healthy lifestyle includes:

• A healthy diet: A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. Cutting excessive calorie intake and avoiding high-fat, sugary, and overly processed foods.
• More exercise: An appropriate exercise program for your level.