glp1sideeffects.com

Users on Reddit express a variety of concerns regarding the long-term safety of GLP-1 medications, alongside discussions about whether these drugs are intended for lifelong use and the potential consequences of stopping them.

Concerns about Long-Term Safety and Unknowns:

Some users report their doctors have mentioned a lack of extensive long-term studies. One user's endocrinologist stated, "there isn’t enough long term studies for what it will do to your organs on continue use. "[1]

Another user echoed this, saying, "The doctors all pointed out that the meds would likely be a lifelong proposition. Cost, time, dedication, potential unknown side effects all made the decision easier for me [to choose surgery instead]. "[4]

A user considering GLP-1s versus gastric sleeve surgery mentioned, "Yes, GLP-1 medications can have long-term issues, although they are generally considered safe and effective for weight loss and type 2 diabetes management. While benefits like improved blood sugar control and cardiovascular health are well-documented, potential long-term risks like increased risk of pancreatitis, kidney problems, and even certain types of cancer need to be considered. "[5]

One user shared an anecdotal concern: "I’ve not been on it, but just wanted to chime in to be careful with this stuff if you’re using it strictly because of the weight loss benefits. It can come at a severe cost and I think years from now we will see how it caused more cancers than is currently thought. I’ve known several people on it. All ended up with cancer. Many ended up with pancreatic cancer, one with thyroid cancer, and the pancreatic cancers were aggressive. "[10] However, another user on Mounjaro for two years mentioned that the medication led to the diagnosis of their thyroid cancer (papillary, not medullary, which is a contraindication) because weight loss made a lymph node noticeable, and their doctors confirmed the medication did not cause it. [12, 13]

The risk of pancreatitis is a recurring theme. One user mentioned, "Studies seems to report considerably higher risk of pancreatitis, wonder if glp1 accelerate pancreas aging and wether this will lead to massive pancreas dysfunction that will only shows up 30 years laters when the patients get old. "[17] Another reported, "Pancreatitis requiring ICU. Recovered fine, this was trulicity. "[24]

Gallbladder issues are also a concern. A user on Wegovy developed gallstones, requiring gallbladder removal, and could no longer take the medication due to the risk of pancreatitis. [19] Another user on Saxenda also developed gallstones and had their gallbladder removed. [8]

Sarcopenia (muscle loss), especially in older adults, is a worry. "Sarcopenia - when people lose weight, it's inevitable that some of it is muscle loss. The faster you lose it, the more of it comes from muscle... I'm worried that there is a sub-population of de-conditioned, weaker older adults who become more frail and have greater risk of falls and fractures after GLP-1s. "[25] This is compounded by insurance and stock issues leading to intermittent use: "people going on and off glp-1 are at risk for the worst of both worlds - adipose loss and sarcopenia initially, then a regain of adipose tissue without muscle regain when they lose coverage. "[26]

Some users express caution based on past experiences with other weight loss drugs: "Having lived through the fen/phen debacle and seen how medical science considered fenfluramine perfectly safe until they found it wasn't, I decided I'd let other people find out what the long-term side effects of the GLP-1 meds are. "[6] This sentiment is reinforced by another user who experienced heart damage from fen/phen. [7]

A user highlighted the importance of being aware of potential long-term complications like gastroparesis: "You can indeed get long term complications like gastroparesis and more, so don’t keep on going if you’re actually feeling awful. "[11]

Lifelong Use and Discontinuation:

Many users understand GLP-1s to be long-term or lifelong medications. [1, 4, 15] One user stated, "yes - these are meant to be lifelong drugs. "[3]

Concerns about weight regain upon discontinuation are common. "I lost 100lbs in 3 years on the shots... it's not sustainable without the shot. I went off it for a few months and gained 20 lbs quickly. "[14] Another said, "With Glp-1’s as soon as you stop the injections the weight comes right back. "[16]

However, some believe it's possible to maintain results off the medication with lifestyle changes: "Are there cases where people can come off the meds and maintain their results through other strategies—like strength training, improved metabolic flexibility, or gut health work? The answer is yes. "[9]

Counterarguments and Perspectives on Safety:

Some users point out that GLP-1 drugs have been in use for a considerable time for diabetes management. "GLP1 drugs have been in use since the late 80s. There’s been no data to suggest they are dangerous, or more importantly, they’re more dangerous for your organs compared to unchecked diabetes, insulin resistance or obesity. "[2] Another user mentioned, "We’ve had GLP1 for twenty years, and study after study shows that people who take them: live longer, have less strokes, less heart attacks, less diabetes, less obesity, less sleep apnea, less kidney disease, and even less dementia! "[20]

A user also noted, "The first GLP-1 drug, Byetta, was approved by the US FDA in 2005. Of the ones commonly used for weight loss these days, the one that’s been on the US market the longest is Ozempic, which was approved in 2017. "[7]

Remedies and Preventions Recommended:

Medical Supervision and Awareness:

Users emphasize discussing long-term plans and risks with doctors. [1, 9]

Being aware of potential complications like pancreatitis and gallbladder issues is crucial. [5, 19]

One user mentioned their doctor prescreens for gallbladder and pancreatitis history before prescribing. [21]

Lifestyle Adjustments for Maintenance:

Some users suggest that to maintain results after stopping GLP-1s, strategies like "strength training, improved metabolic flexibility, or gut health work" might be effective, ideally with support from progressive or functional medicine doctors. [9]

One user advised, "Use it, learn proper eating habits and work yourself off of it. "[18]

Managing Specific Risks:

For patients with a history of pancreatitis, some doctors proceed with GLP-1s cautiously, ensuring the patient understands the risks, especially if other diabetes medications aren't tolerated or if the pancreatitis had a known, resolved cause (like alcohol or gallstones). [22, 23]

To mitigate risks like sarcopenia, focusing on protein intake and resistance training is implicitly important, though not explicitly detailed as a remedy in these comments for long-term safety.

Hydration is mentioned as important for kidney health and managing side effects generally, which could contribute to long-term well-being on the medication. [11]

It's important to note that many users report positive long-term experiences with controlled blood sugar and sustained weight loss, viewing the benefits as outweighing potential risks, especially when compared to the risks of untreated obesity and diabetes.