Can Taking Ozempic Lead to Vision Loss?
The Popular Weight Loss Medication Might Have Some
Ozempic seemingly came out of nowhere as a weight loss strategy. It’s garnered a huge fanbase, and as of 2024, about 1 in 8 American adults have tried it for themselves. As popular as the GLP-1 drug has become, there’s been plenty of backlash as well, especially from fitness gurus and nutritionists who think of it as nothing more than a shortcut.
More research about the harmful side effects of Ozempic are coming to light, including a new report from the University of Utah's John A. Moran Eye Center. According to their research, the injections may negatively affect your vision and even cause you to lose it entirely.
This is alarming news to anyone currently taking Ozempic. Let’s look more at the research.
A Look at the Study
It seems like Ozempic is a relatively new drug, but it’s actually been around for over 7 years. The GLP-1 drug was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2017. Surprisingly, it wasn’t primarily used to aid in weight loss. It was prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes.
But is the drug actually safe? Physician-scientists at the University of Utah’s John A. Moran Eye Center published an investigative report about the potentially harmful effects of weight loss injections like Ozempic and Wegovy. Nine patients experienced vision problems when taking semaglutide, an active ingredient in both drugs.
Seven of the patients experienced nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, better known as eye stroke. The other two patients also had vision-related problems, including papillitis, an inflammation of the optic nerve head, and paracentral acute middle maculopathy, a condition that causes a blind spot in the field of vision.
In fairness, blame for the vision problems can't be attributed to Ozempic alone. The researchers concluded that the rapid changes in blood sugar of each patient was likely the culprit. However, further research is needed before coming up with a concrete conclusion.
The John A. Moran Center isn't the only place to study the link between semaglutide and vision impairments. The American Academy of Ophthalmologists has fascinating research about the topic. Meanwhile, a pharmaceutical company called Novo Nordisk is in the middle of a five-year study looking at the effect of semaglutide on eye disease in those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
It will be interesting to see what all this research concludes. Until then, if you experience any problems with your sight while taking the injections, it’s strongly advised that you stop immediately.
…And There’s Even More Side Effects
Vision impairments are a possible risk of taking Ozempic, though research is still being done on the topic. Your doctor will provide other possible side effects, or you can visit the Ozempic website for more details. Healthline has also looked into the side effects of the GLP-1 drug based on their own research.
The full list of possible side effects includes:
Nausea and vomiting
Stomach pain
Constipation
Diarrhea
Headaches
Fatigue
Acid reflux
Skin discoloration (at the injection site)
Minor increase in heart rate
There are other more serious side effects to Ozempic as well. The drug is currently facing a lawsuit since users have been diagnosed with gallstones. In rare cases, some have developed pancreatitis after taking the injections. Kidney disease, low blood sugar, and allergic reaction have also been reported side effects.
Harvard Health reports of a phenomenon called “Ozempic face.” This is where the skin on the face wrinkles from the rapid weight loss. The eyes appear sunken and the jowls around the neck and jaw begin to sag. Some sources go as far as to call this look “hollowed out,” kind of like a mummy or zombie.
Time will tell what other side effects will materialize from taking Ozempic. Speak with a trusted medical professional to get their opinion as well.
Ozempic is the talk of the weight loss world. What's your opinion on the subject? Reach out in the comments!
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