Ozempic And Other Weight-Loss Drugs Have Been Linked To Serious Eye Conditions, Suggests Latest Study. (Image: Canva)
Weight loss drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro have for sure changed the way clinicians manage diabetes and obesity all around the world. For the unversed, they are collectively known as GLP-1 agonists and these drugs mimic the hormone GLP-1. This further limits both hunger and interest in food as it helps users to lose weight and also helps in controlling blood sugar levels.
However, two new studies that have been published recently show that people who have been taking these drugs may have encountered an increased risk of serious eye conditions and vision loss.
Non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy, or NAION, is a rare but devastating eye condition that occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is suddenly reduced, or even blocked. It is also called an “eye stroke.” Unlike other eye conditions that develop gradually, NAION escalates suddenly and causes painless loss of vision. Patients typically notice the condition when they wake up and discover that they have lost vision in one eye.
It tends to worsen over a couple of weeks.
Meanwhile, earlier, a study published in Current Neuropharmacology sounded alarm on potential mental health risks associated with GLP-1 agonists. The research shows how these drugs may interact with genes involved in mood regulation and dopamine signalling, including DRD3, BDNF, and CREB1—genes linked to depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
“Chronic use may disrupt dopamine signalling and increase the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts,” warned the researchers. The study found that while GLP-1 agonists might be helpful for individuals with hyperdopaminergic conditions (too much dopamine activity), they may be harmful for those with low dopamine levels, potentially increasing mental health issues. “This study should not be ignored, despite the hype surrounding the positive clinical outcomes of GLP-1 receptor agonists,” said senior author Dr Kenneth Blum of Western University Health Sciences and Ariel University.