Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Ozempic And Wegovy Users Are Reporting A Growing ‘Unusual’ Side Effect, Study Finds

ozempic wegovy weight loss drugs

A recently published study has drawn attention to a new and rather unexpected side effect linked to popular weight-loss medications.

Drugs such as <span>Ozempic</span> and <span>Wegovy</span>, originally developed for type 2 diabetes but now widely used for weight management, have seen a sharp rise in demand. A Kaiser Family Foundation survey released in May 2024 found that roughly one in eight American adults has used a GLP-1 drug.

However, as their use becomes more widespread, doctors are identifying additional side effects, one of which may complicate the results of certain medical scans.

<h2>Ozempic And Wegovy Users Are Reporting A Growing ‘Unusual’ Side Effect</h2>

Researchers at Alliance Medical, a European imaging services company, examined PET-CT scans of cancer patients who were using GLP-1 medications. In this type of scan, a patient is given an intravenous injection of a radioactive sugar compound called fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG). Because diseased cells consume more of the substance than healthy ones, the PET scanner highlights these areas as “hot spots,” as described by the Cleveland Clinic.

Often, PET and CT scans are done together, the CT providing X-ray–based images that, when combined with PET data, give doctors a detailed 3D view of the body.

According to findings presented in September at the Annual Congress of the European Association of Nuclear Medicine, Alliance Medical researchers observed several abnormal FDG uptake patterns among patients using GLP-1 drugs. These irregularities could easily be mistaken for signs of disease if physicians are unaware of the patient’s medication use.

“We first saw an unexpected uptake pattern in one patient taking a GLP-1 agonist, which led us to conduct a broader review across our centers,” said Dr. Peter Strouhal, Medical Director at Alliance Medical, in a statement shared by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

If these scans are read incorrectly, patients could face unnecessary diagnostic procedures, inaccurate cancer staging, and potential delays in receiving the right treatment.

<h2>Other Side Effects Of Weight Loss Drugs</h2>

Many people who use GLP-1 medications experience digestive discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, or heartburn. The drugs are also known to carry risks like gallbladder disease, bone fractures, and, in some cases, pancreatitis.

Recently, however, new physical changes popularly referred to as “Ozempic vulva” and “Ozempic breasts” have begun drawing attention. Across social media, women have described noticeable changes since starting these injections, including sagging skin, vaginal dryness, weakened pelvic muscles, and occasionally an increase in discharge.

Though vaginal changes are not listed among the official side effects of GLP-1 drugs, specialists believe they may be connected to the rapid fat loss these medications cause. As body fat decreases, the natural fat pads that cushion and support vulvar tissue can diminish, leading to visible and functional changes.

“Ozempic breasts” is a term used to describe changes in breast size or shape that occur after significant weight loss from GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy. Many women report reduced volume, increased sagging, and, in some cases, tenderness as their body fat percentage drops.

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A recently published study has drawn attention to a new and rather unexpected side effect linked to popular weight-loss medications.Drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy, originally developed for type 2 diabetes but now widely used for weight management, have seen a sharp rise in demand. A Kaiser Family Foundation survey released in May 2024 found that roughly one in eight American adults has used a GLP-1 drug.However, as their use becomes more widespread, doctors are identifying additional side effects, one of which may complicate the results of certain medical scans.Ozempic And Wegovy Users Are Reporting A Growing ‘Unusual’ Side EffectResearchers at Alliance Medical, a European imaging services company, examined PET-CT scans of cancer patients who were using GLP-1 medications. In this type of scan, a patient is given an intravenous injection of a radioactive sugar compound called fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG). Because diseased cells consume more of the substance than healthy ones, the PET scanner highlights these areas as “hot spots,” as described by the Cleveland Clinic.Often, PET and CT scans are done together, the CT providing X-ray–based images that, when combined with PET data, give doctors a detailed 3D view of the body.According to findings presented in September at the Annual Congress of the European Association of Nuclear Medicine, Alliance Medical researchers observed several abnormal FDG uptake patterns among patients using GLP-1 drugs. These irregularities could easily be mistaken for signs of disease if physicians are unaware of the patient’s medication use.“We first saw an unexpected uptake pattern in one patient taking a GLP-1 agonist, which led us to conduct a broader review across our centers,” said Dr. Peter Strouhal, Medical Director at Alliance Medical, in a statement shared by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.If these scans are read incorrectly, patients could face unnecessary diagnostic procedures, inaccurate cancer staging, and potential delays in receiving the right treatment.Other Side Effects Of Weight Loss DrugsMany people who use GLP-1 medications experience digestive discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, or heartburn. The drugs are also known to carry risks like gallbladder disease, bone fractures, and, in some cases, pancreatitis.Recently, however, new physical changes popularly referred to as “Ozempic vulva” and “Ozempic breasts” have begun drawing attention. Across social media, women have described noticeable changes since starting these injections, including sagging skin, vaginal dryness, weakened pelvic muscles, and occasionally an increase in discharge.Though vaginal changes are not listed among the official side effects of GLP-1 drugs, specialists believe they may be connected to the rapid fat loss these medications cause. As body fat decreases, the natural fat pads that cushion and support vulvar tissue can diminish, leading to visible and functional changes.“Ozempic breasts” is a term used to describe changes in breast size or shape that occur after significant weight loss from GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy. Many women report reduced volume, increased sagging, and, in some cases, tenderness as their body fat percentage drops.