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A new study named some of the most common potential side effects of weight loss jabs (Image: Getty)
A new study has listed some of the most common side effects of weight loss jabs. Almost half of participants using GLP-1 inhibitors reported issues.
Recent research has highlighted some frequently experienced side effects associated with weight loss injections, noting that nearly 50% of users of GLP-1 inhibitors have reported complications.
GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone synthesized in the gut, instrumental in regulating blood sugar and appetite. In recent years, the popularity of GLP-1 inhibitors, also known as receptor agonists, has soared due to their dual benefits of controlling blood sugar in diabetic patients and promoting weight loss.
These medications are typically administered via injection and, for eligible patients, are accessible through the NHS. However, as with any pharmaceutical treatment, health officials caution that they may lead to side effects.
A new study has tapped into patient anecdotes to identify the prevalent side effects tied to these injections.
Published in the journal Nature Health, the study employed artificial intelligence to sift through social media platforms, revealing patient-reported side effects of these drugs that may not yet be documented in formal clinical trials.
Almost half of participants using GLP-1 inhibitors reported side effects (Image: Getty)
The study examined more than 400,000 Reddit posts from nearly 70,000 users discussing GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide and tirzepatide.
Among the most reported side effects were gastrointestinal symptoms, which are already highlighted by health organisations such as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Researchers analyzed over 400,000 Reddit posts from around 70,000 users discussing GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, to gather this data.
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On top of this, fatigue emerged as a frequently discussed symptom, despite being less prominent in clinical trial data.
Senior author Dr Sharath Chandra Guntuku, from the University of Pennsylvania, said: “Some of the side effects we found, like nausea, are well known, and that shows the method is picking up a real signal.
“The underreported symptoms are leads that came from patients themselves, unprompted, and clinicians could potentially pay attention to them.”
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Read more: Major NHS change lets one million Brits qualify for weight loss jabs
What were the most commonly reported side effects?
Within the study, a total of 67,008 Reddit users self-reported using these medications. Of these, 43.5% described at least one side effect.
- Nausea (36.9%)
- Fatigue (16.7%)
- Vomiting (16.3%)
- Constipation (15.3%)
- Diarrhoea (12.6%)
Study authors added: “Notably, reproductive symptoms (for example, menstrual irregularities) and temperature-related complaints (for example, chills and hot flushes) emerged as unrecognised potential effects.
“These findings highlight patient concerns not well captured in current labelling or trials. Large-scale social media analysis can complement traditional pharmacovigilance by detecting emerging safety signals and expanding understanding of the real-world safety profile of GLP-1 RAs.”
