Modern weight-loss drugs have made it possible for many Americans to slim their waists, but the benefits are not without potential side effects, leading doctors to issue new warnings. According to NBC News:.
According to the report, these medications include GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro and Zepbound, which have been linked to an increase in eating disorders.
“When you start using this drug, you quickly develop symptoms that are very similar to those of anorexia,” says Tom Hildebrand, a psychologist at the Center for Eating and Weight Disorders Research at Mount Sinai.
These drugs mimic glucagon-like peptide 1, a hormone that controls blood sugar levels and reduces hunger.
At higher doses, patients may lose up to 21% of their body weight.
“That level of weight loss can trick the brain into believing the body is in starvation mode,” which could lead patients to restrict their food intake even if it puts their health at risk, Hildebrandt said.
Hildebrandt told NBC News that people who have developed an unhealthy relationship with food are especially susceptible to developing these side effects.
NBC News reported that these “restrictive dieting” habits can “spin out of control” and that it’s essential to closely monitor these patients.
Eli Lilly, the maker of Munjaro, told NBC News that patient safety is its top priority and that the company “actively monitors, evaluates and reports safety information for all drug products.”
“If you experience any side effects while taking Lilly medicines, we encourage you to talk to your healthcare provider,” the company added.
