The media has been ripe for touting the benefits of the weight loss medications known as the “GLPs”, i.e. Ozempic, Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide). These medications are injectables and work by delaying the transit time of food from the stomach into the small intestine. This prolonged dilation of the stomach reduces appetite, and weight loss is achieved by people eating less food.
Similar to any other medicine on the market, risks are associated with their usage and most of the focus has been on gastrointestinal side effects including:
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Pancreatitis
However, more and more eye issues are being reported including a potentially serious eye problem called “NAION”. This stands for non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, which is basically a reduced blood flow to the optic nerve that may result in sudden loss of vision that could be permanent. This is more often seen in diabetic patients. Not much is known about why it happens, though some likely risk factors include age, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
In my medical experience there is no such thing as a “Miracle Drug”, i.e. one that produces the intended impact and has no risk associated with it. Please be careful using the GLPs for weight control because for long-term weight control success, behavioral modification is needed and not just simply using a medication.
And although there is no “Miracle” weight loss medication, here is a “Miracle” of a song…please do not laugh at me for liking Barry Manilow.
