Weight loss drugs have been linked to more than 60 reported deaths in Australia and thousands of serious reactions, but doctors warn the drugs may not be to blame.
Australia’s medicines regulator has received reports of 62 deaths and more than 2800 adverse reactions potentially linked to drugs including Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro.
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The booming medications have transformed weight loss, but they don’t come without risk.
Side effects range from nausea and pancreatitis to suicidal thoughts and a rare eye condition that can cause blindness.
There are also concerns about long-term impacts.
However, doctors say the figures need context.
The injectable drug Ozempic. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File) Credit: DP/AP
Leading cardiologist Dr Ross Walker said “an association does not necessarily mean the drug caused the death.”
He says the bigger threat is “diabesity” – the dangerous combination of diabetes and obesity.
For some patients, the risk of remaining overweight may outweigh those of medication.
No treatment is risk-free. Patients are reminded to talk to their doctor.
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