The dangers of a popular weight loss drug have been named

It turns out that taking popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic carries a risk of gastrointestinal problems, including inflammation of the pancreas and moving the stomach too slowly, which is known as "gastric paralysis."

In the paper, scientists compared the frequency of serious gastrointestinal problems in people who took a drug similar to Ozempic, called GLP-1 agonists, for weight loss with the frequency seen in people who took another type of weight loss drug called bupropion-naltrexone.

In the new study, researchers found that those who took GLP-1 agonists had higher rates of intestinal obstruction, pancreatitis and gastroparesis - "gastric paralysis." The pathology is characterized by a slowing or stopping of gastric contractions. As a result, food lingers for too long and potentially forms bezoars.

"Patients should be aware of these side effects, though rare, given their widespread occurrence," said study first author Mohit Sodhi, a medical student at the University of British Columbia.

GLP-1 agonists such as Ozempic were originally developed for patients with type II diabetes. However, they have also begun to be taken by healthy people for weight loss.

"Recent trials examining GLP-1 agonists for weight loss have been limited in size and duration, leaving a gap in our understanding of the drugs' side effects," the authors write in their paper. They believe that healthy people who take Ozempic should be aware of the side effects.