Ozempic Triggers Alarming Long-Term Health Effects, Doctor Warns
New research reveals how the brain's reward centers are blunted - not just for food, but for intimacy, connection, and joy - raising deep concerns about emotional well-being.
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
Ozempic users risk losing essential lean muscle and bone mass, making them physically weaker and shortening their lifespan
GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic dull emotional responses, reduce life satisfaction, and significantly increase risks of depression and suicidal thoughts by altering brain chemistry and dopamine regulation
After discontinuing semaglutide, many users regain more fat than they lost, with a worse fat-to-muscle ratio, as hunger returns and muscle loss remains unrecovered
Common GI symptoms could escalate into dangerous conditions like gastroparesis, where digestion slows or halts, leading to vomiting, nutrient deficiency, and chronic digestive distress
Since 2018, 62,000 adverse events and 162 deaths linked to Ozempic-type drugs have been reported, with a surge following increased marketing and prescriptions after 2022
The popularity of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, has significantly surged in recent years, with 1 in 8 Americans now using these drugs.1 Globally, around 20 million people rely on semaglutide, the active ingredient in these injections, to help with their weight loss goals.2
But going down this shortcut to achieve your desired weight actually comes with long-lasting effects. While these drugs are often touted as a "miracle answer" for shedding pounds, experts warn that taking them could cause you to lose more than just body fat — and expose you to dire, long-term consequences.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Alter More Than Your Waistline
In an article published in the Daily Mail, Benjamin Bikman, Ph.D., a metabolic scientist at Brigham Young University in Utah, warns that GLP-1 receptor agonists are reshaping more than body weight — they're changing your physiology, psychology, and possibly your long-term health trajectory as well.3
Three major effects that Ozempic users aren't being told about — According to Bikman, Ozempic leads to long-term effects such as severe loss of muscle and bone, dulled emotional response that could lead to depression, and rapid rebound weight gain that leaves patients with a worse fat-to-muscle ratio than before.
You lose not just fat, but lean muscle mass, too — The article notes one clinical trial on semaglutide, wherein 140 participants were tracked over 68 weeks and found that while they lost 23 pounds of fat, they also lost 15 pounds of lean muscle mass. That's nearly 40% of their total weight loss coming from tissue the body actually needs to survive and thrive.
"Frail people are much more likely to die young" — Bikman notes that having low muscle mass and fragile bones especially among seniors, not only puts you at risk of injury from falls; it also weakens your immune system, compromising your body's ability to handle infections, which is also a common health concern among the elderly.
Ozempic Wrecks Your Mental Health
Bikman says that people who use Ozempic and Wegovy are also losing their interest and desire for sexual intercourse and social enjoyment. "The benefit in reducing cravings for sweet food may actually be a reduction in cravings for life," he warns.4 But to make matters worse, Ozempic wreaks havoc on your mental state and leaves you feeling depressed.
Semaglutide drugs are associated with an increased risk of depression — He highlights one study wherein semaglutide users developed a 195% increased risk of major depression and over 100% greater risk of suicidal behavior compared to those on other medications. According to the researchers:
"These findings underscore the critical need for physicians to thoroughly assess patient history before prescribing GLP-1 RAs and highlight the urgent requirement for further prospective clinical trials to fully understand the implications of GLP-1 RA use on mental health in the obese patient population."5
Ozempic users are more prone to having suicidal thoughts — Bikman also notes additional findings from a World Health Organization (WHO) database that revealed a 45% higher rate of reported suicidal thoughts in patients using semaglutide, compared to the average across all medications.
Why does Ozempic affect your mental state? Basically, the drug's main component targets GLP-1 receptors — these are present not just in your digestive tract but also in critical brain areas. These regions, such as the lateral septum and hypothalamus, are essential for managing emotions, reward systems and appetite control.
Particularly noteworthy is its influence on dopamine — This neurotransmitter is closely associated with mood regulation and reward perception. Research indicates that stimulating GLP-1 receptors enhances dopamine transporter expression, leading to decreased free dopamine levels in specific brain regions. This shift in dopamine signaling leads to alterations in your mood, motivation levels, and even how you experience pleasure.
Government agencies insist there's "no direct link" — Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) later concluded there wasn't enough evidence to confirm a direct causal link, these early signals are hard to ignore.
If you're using a drug that's not just flattening your appetite but also crushing your motivation and ability to enjoy life, you're likely to struggle more with personal growth, productivity, and maintaining social bonds — all of which are foundational to your mental health.
The Ozempic 'Rebound' Problem
Lastly, Bikman says that using semaglutide drugs actually leads to more weight gain.6 He highlights a 2022 clinical trial involving roughly 200 long-term semaglutide users; most regained about two-thirds of their lost weight within a year after stopping the drug7 — this is what's called the Ozempic rebound.
So why do you regain fat after stopping Ozempic? Simply put, when you've been taking Ozempic and suddenly stop, the hunger cues it had suppressed come raging back — this causes you to revert to unhealthy eating, which causes the weight to return.
To put it simply, the muscle and bone mass you lost while using this drug don't return naturally; however, fat comes back easily and quickly. Semaglutide also triggers the formation of new fat cells, according to Bikman.
"This becomes a problem because when a person start[s] to regain fat mass after stopping Ozempic, with more fat cells comes a greater potential to gain more fat. 'As a result, even though a person may still weight less than they did before starting the drug, they may be fatter, with a higher percentage of body fat,'" he said.8
Other "health benefits" also disappear when you stop using it — Ozempic is said to help reduce blood pressure, but this could bounce back when you discontinue using the drug. There's evidence that certain positive cardiometabolic effects persist; however, the gains are modest.
Patients must be advised to stop the drug after a period of use — During this time, they must assess their cravings for carbohydrates. "Ideally, a person has learned how to eat better and control carb cravings and their weight loss can be sustained in the long run," Bikman said.
Stomach Paralysis and Other Digestive Dangers Linger Under the Surface
A separate report published in The Standard focused on another growing concern, one that hasn't received nearly enough attention — GLP-1 receptor agonists wreak havoc on your digestive health.9
Ozempic interferes with normal digestion (and not just in minor ways) — While nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea are the most commonly reported digestive side effects, these symptoms could snowball into dangerous, even life-altering complications, according to health experts.
10% of GLP-1 drug users experience gastrointestinal disturbances — In some cases, these escalate into serious health concerns. Kiran Jones, a clinical pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, says the most worrying among them is stomach paralysis, or "gastroparesis." This condition means food moves extremely slowly — or not at all — through the stomach. Left untreated, it causes persistent vomiting, malnutrition, and long-term digestive distress.
GLP-1 receptor agonists intentionally slow digestion — This design aims to suppress your appetite and keep you feeling full longer. However, when overactivated, this same mechanism will throw your whole digestive system out of balance.
Chronic digestive issues have a major impact on your mental health — Constant nausea, bloating, or pain disrupts your sleep, affects mood, and increases anxiety. Over time, your confidence in your body erodes.
There are other rare but severe side effects linked to these drugs — Some users have experienced kidney damage, pancreatitis, and even thyroid cancer. Recently, I wrote an article about the many damaging effects linked to these medications, even though they only lead to "modest benefits." Read "Ozempic Linked to 19 Adverse Health Events" for more information.
While The Standard article mentions remedies that will help curb the side effects of these drugs, like eating crackers or sipping mint tea 30 minutes after taking the medication, I believe the best strategy is to get off these drugs completely. There are better and more efficient ways to manage your weight without harming your mental and physical health.
Ozempic-Related Deaths and Adverse Reactions Are on the Rise
From 2018 to 2024, the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), which tracks reports of adverse events related to drugs like Ozempic, recorded 62,000 adverse reactions to semaglutide and tirzepatide (used in brands like Mounjaro and Zepbound).10
Nearly 75% of the adverse events occurred after 2022 — Around 46,000 adverse event reports coincide with the increased availability and marketing of these drugs.
FAERS has recorded 10,000 "serious" reactions to these drugs — These are events that result in hospitalization or life-threatening conditions. These aren't just minor inconveniences; they're significant medical events that could have long-lasting impacts on your health.
There were also 162 reported deaths from these weight loss drugs — According to a Daily Mail article, the fatalities linked to these medications increased by 40% in just six months. For more information, read "Ozempic and Other Weight Loss Drugs Linked to 162 US Deaths."
In clinical trials, a staggering 80% to 90% of participants experienced at least one adverse event.11 Though most were mild to moderate, they led some people to discontinue the medication — which, if you're truly determined to be healthy, is the step in the right direction.
5 Strategies to Address Underlying Metabolic Challenges
I believe the key to maintaining a healthy weight is optimizing your cellular energy production. This requires a multifaceted approach that takes effort to implement, but it leads to safer, healthier results — something GLP-1 receptor agonists don't offer. Here are five strategies that I recommend for healthy weight management.
Avoid Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonist receptors — These medications initially seem efficient in eliminating excess fat, however, their benefits are usually short-lived and, as mentioned above, the side effects (many of which are still unknown) are damaging.
Eliminate vegetable oils from your diet — If you regularly consume ultraprocessed foods, I recommend stopping right now and replacing them with real, whole foods. Processed foods contain linoleic acid (LA)-rich vegetable oils that disrupt your metabolic pathways and alter how your body stores fat. Instead, cook your meals using tallow, grass fed butter, or coconut oil.
Shift your carbohydrate sources gradually — Avoid making sudden dietary changes that will shock your system. If your gut is compromised, start by introducing easily digestible carbohydrates like whole fruit or white rice before incorporating more complex carbs. If you have severe gut issues, sip dextrose water to provide your cells with a steady source of easy-to-digest, healthy carbohydrates for energy.
Consider your protein and collagen intake — I suggest aiming for 0.8 grams of protein per pound of your ideal body weight and balancing that amount so that about one-third comes from collagen. This will help support muscle maintenance, tissue repair, and hormone balance.
If you exercise frequently, you might need to slightly increase your intake. My suggestion is to take it slow and listen to how your body responds. Stable protein intake is foundational for regulating cravings and stabilizing energy.
Support your mitochondrial health with other healthy habits — Getting daily sun exposure is one example; however, if you're still consuming vegetable oils, make sure to avoid intense midday sun for at least six months.
The LA in these oils migrate to your skin and oxidize under sun exposure, causing skin damage. Get enough sleep at night, minimize your stress, and incorporate moderate-intensity movement, such as walking, in your lifestyle — these strategies will support your cellular energy production and aid in weight management.
Gradual, consistent effort in these areas strengthens your metabolism and leads to lasting health improvements, including achieving your optimal weight. Remember, there is no shortcut to optimal health. If you're still tempted to start using weight loss medications, you owe it to yourself to read the studies to understand the dangers.
Boost Your GLP-1 Naturally with Akkermansia
Rather than take weight loss drugs, I recommend naturally boosting your GLP-1 levels by supporting Akkermansia. This beneficial gut probiotic produces a GLP-1-inducing protein.
Many people lack Akkermansia due to various reasons — One reason is having impaired mitochondrial function or an environment that is inhospitable to beneficial gut bacteria. Ideally, Akkermansia should comprise 3% to 5% of your total gut microbiome and it plays many different roles aside from promoting GLP-1.
Akkermansia has the ability to produce mucin — This thick, gel-like substance that protects the gut lining from harmful pathogens, irritation from stomach acid and enzymes, as well as mechanical damage. Moreover, mucin helps nourish the gut bacteria already existing in your gut.
Certain foods will help boost your Akkermansia levels — Polyphenol-rich fruits like berries and inulin-rich foods such as garlic, asparagus, bananas, and leeks will help increase your Akkermansia levels.
Note, however, that if your gut health is currently out of whack, introducing high amounts of dietary fiber in your system all at once could worsen your gastrointestinal symptoms. So, work on healing your gut first, then gradually increase fiber intake.
Supplements are also available — Ideally, look for Akkermansia products that use timed-release capsules or microencapsulation technology to ensure it reaches your colon effectively. Here's how to make sure Akkermansia reaches your colon.
It's also important to eliminate all vegetable oils from your diet for at least six months before starting an Akkermansia supplementation program. This preparatory period allows your body to recover mitochondrial function and create a more hospitable environment in your colon for the beneficial bacteria.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ozempic Side Effects
Q: What are the most concerning long-term side effects of Ozempic and similar drugs?
A: Ozempic, Wegovy, and other GLP-1 receptor agonists may cause severe loss of muscle and bone mass, dulled emotional responses, and rebound weight gain that worsens body composition. These changes could significantly impact long-term physical and mental health.
Q: How do GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic affect mental health and emotional well-being?
A: These drugs alter brain regions tied to mood and pleasure by reducing dopamine levels, increasing the risk of depression, emotional numbness, and even suicidal thoughts. Some users report a loss of interest in intimacy, food, and social connection.
Q: Why do people often regain weight after stopping Ozempic?
A: After discontinuing Ozempic, appetite suppression wears off rapidly, often leading to overeating. The lost muscle and bone mass don't return naturally, but fat does — leading to a worse fat-to-muscle ratio and higher long-term weight gain risk.
Q: Are there any serious digestive or physical complications associated with these drugs?
A: Yes. Beyond common symptoms like nausea or constipation, some users develop serious conditions like gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), kidney damage, pancreatitis, or even thyroid cancer. Chronic GI issues also affect mood, sleep, and overall quality of life.
Q: What are safer alternatives to achieve sustainable weight loss and metabolic health?
A: Avoid GLP-1 drugs and focus instead on eliminating vegetable oils, gradually improving carbohydrate quality, increasing protein and collagen intake, supporting mitochondrial health through lifestyle changes, and boosting natural GLP-1 via Akkermansia probiotics.
Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Dr. Mercola, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked.
The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Mercola and his community. Dr. Mercola encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. The subscription fee being requested is for access to the articles and information posted on this site, and is not being paid for any individual medical advice.
If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your health care professional before using products based on this content.
This is so biased I don’t understand why you’d even call yourself a doctor