A man experienced severe health complications after losing 30 percent of his body weight in six months using tirzepatide, a new weight loss drug. Researchers at the University of Colorado reported the case in JAMA Internal Medicine. The 62-year-old, who had obesity, Type 1 diabetes, and hypothyroidism, was taking a weight-based dose of levothyroxine. After significant weight loss, he developed atrial fibrillation due to an excess of thyroid hormone.
Semaglutide is handed out like candy whenever I go to the pharmacy, it’s every other script they process. One out of 8 Americans report taking it or another GLP-1 drug.
I think there is a balance to strike. Yellow journalism is no new thing, just Americans in particular believe everything the TV tells them for some reason.
However, the article demonstrates there are risks to consider and discuss with your doctor before just going full throttle on any new medication.
People are seeing their peers and heroes all magically becoming skinny and think it’s a miracle cure. These risks are not always direct, every persons health is unique to them.