According to the World Health Organization, in 2022, 1 in 8 people in the world were living with obesity. Even children under 5 years of age are affected by obesity. The impacts of obesity on health are profound. It can contribute to various complications such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and even cancers. Obesity has now become a significant worldwide crisis.
The introduction of new-generation weight loss drugs like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide has revolutionized the therapeutic management of obesity. However, none of these drugs are free of side effects. Their safety and potency of weight loss also varies. Both individuals and healthcare professionals need to comprehend the possible side effects of these medications and make informed decisions about treatment. Alongside these treatments, the prevention of obesity through lifestyle modifications remains crucial.
In this article, you will learn more about these weight loss drugs, their advantages and side effects. By the end of the article you will be able to understand if these drugs are a suitable option for you or not.
Common Side Effects of Five Popular Weight Loss Drugs
1. Phentermine: It is the oldest and the most popular weight loss drug, but it has certain side effects. It is advised that you should avoid this medicine if you have:
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Stroke.
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Glaucoma.
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Heart diseases.
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Hyperthyroidism.
Side Effects:
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Headaches.
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Inability to sleep.
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Tremors.
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Hypertension.
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Rapid heart rate.
2. Phentermine Combined With Topiramate: This combination is preferred for weight reduction as it gives promising results by reducing cravings. It is sold under the brand name Qsymia capsule. However, this combination cannot be taken during pregnancy.
Side Effects:
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Dizziness.
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Insomnia.
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Xerostomia (dry mouth).
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Altered taste in the mouth.
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Constipation.
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Stomach pain.
3. Semaglutide: A 2023 clinical trial listed by the National Library of Medicine found that Semaglutide is quite effective in reducing obesity. It was also found to lower the risk of cardiovascular adverse effects.
Side Effects:
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Nausea.
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Severe vomiting.
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Mood swings.
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Bloating.
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Abdominal pain.
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Constipation.
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Oily stools.
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Diarrhea.
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Mild headache.
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Weakness and fatigue.
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Allergic reactions in a few cases.
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Heartburn and burping.
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
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Risk of thyroid cancer in a few cases.
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Pulmonary hypertension.
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Kidney problems.
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Pancreatitis.
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Hypoglycemia.
A few patients have also reported a loss in muscle mass after taking Semaglutide for a more extended period. A case report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2023 found the potential side effects of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide) agonists such as Semaglutide.
4. Orlistat - This medicine reduces the amount of fat absorbed from your diet in your body. This means fewer calories will be absorbed, which can help with weight loss. Common side effects of Orlistat include:
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Reduced absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
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Sticky, oily stools.
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Black or bloody stools.
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Allergic reactions like skin rash and itching.
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Pain during micturition (urination).
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Lack of appetite.
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Pain in the upper part of the belly.
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Nausea and vomiting.
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Uncontrolled bowel movements.
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Bloating and flatulence.
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Adverse drug interactions.
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Back pain.
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Kidney stones in a few cases.
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Anal fissures.
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Difficulty breathing.
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Severe liver injury in rare cases (in 2009, the Food and Drug Administration revised the approval guidelines and label for Orlistat due to reports of liver injury in a few clinical trials).
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Risk of colorectal cancer reported (no substantial evidence present).
5. Tirzepatide - A warning is given on the label of Tirzepatide drug that it can cause mood changes such as agitation, irritation, and abnormal behaviors. A study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society,2023 found that the most common side effects of Tirzepatide were gastrointestinal, including nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Mild Side Effects:
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Nausea and watery stools (diarrhea) are the most common side effects.
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Loss of appetite.
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Dizziness.
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Difficulty digesting food.
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Bloating.
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Flatulence.
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Pain in the abdomen.
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Acid reflux.
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Mild pain at the injection site.
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Mild skin rash or hives.
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Acid reflux.
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Difficulty passing stools.
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Gastric pain.
Adverse Side Effects:
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Kidney injury in acute cases.
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Gallbladder issues.
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Pancreatitis.
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Risk of thyroid cancer.
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Serious allergic reactions.
The potential side effects of various weight loss drugs are presented in Table 1
Conclusion
So, if you have tried everything from dieting to exercising and still haven’t been able to reach your weight goals, you may consider weight loss medicines. But take them only if your doctor recommends them and under close medical supervision.
These medicines should be seen as an aid, not a replacement, for healthy habits.
While these medicines can help improve health, they can also cause unwanted side effects. As mentioned in the article above, several studies have looked at the risks linked to popular drugs like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide.
Understanding how these medicines work and their possible side effects can help you make informed choices and take steps to reduce those risks.
