Updated Science on Weight‑Loss Injections: Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro & More

Updated Science on Weight‑Loss Injections: Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro & More
GLP‑1 weight-loss injections like Ozempic and Mounjaro can reduce body weight by up to 20%—but not without serious medical risks


Weight‑loss injections like Ozempic (semaglutide), Wegovy, and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) have revolutionized obesity treatment—but are they safe long-term?

 Effectiveness: Clinical Trials vs Real-World Results

A head-to-head clinical trial shows Mounjaro users lost up to 20% of body weight vs 14% for Wegovy.

However, a Cleveland Clinic study of 7,900 patients found average real-world weight loss to be around 6.9% due to inconsistent use and early dropouts.

 New Drug: MariTide – Monthly Weight-Loss Shot

A promising new medication, MariTide, offers once-a-month dosing. In a phase 2 trial, it helped participants lose ~16% of body weight in 52 weeks. Learn more via this Health.com article.

 Risks and Side Effects

  • Pancreatitis: The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) linked over 80 deaths to GLP‑1 drugs. Read the full article on El País.
  • Vision loss (NAION): A JAMA Ophthalmology study from Mass General Brigham suggests a 4x increased risk in diabetics.
  • Neovascular AMD: A Canadian study reported a doubled risk of retinal damage in semaglutide users.
  • Muscle loss: A meta-analysis showed ~25% of weight lost via GLP‑1 drugs is lean muscle.

 Safety Guidelines for GLP‑1 Use

  1. Always begin treatment under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.
  2. Follow dosing instructions; avoid DIY practices like splitting doses.
  3. Conduct regular follow-up exams, including bloodwork and vision screenings.
  4. Watch for side effects like abdominal pain, nausea, blurred vision, or fatigue.
  5. Pair medications with a proper diet, strength training, and medical monitoring.

 Expert Opinion

Dr. Mohamed El‑Sayed, internal medicine consultant at Surgical Arts Hospital (Qatar), emphasizes: “GLP‑1 medications are tools—not magic shots. They require structured medical oversight and should never replace a healthy lifestyle.”

These remarks were featured in an Al Jazeera Mubasher interview on the program “With the Doctor” (Ma’a Al‑Hakim).

 References & Sources

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