this post was submitted on 10 Jan 2026
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Weight loss drugs make it harder to get the nutrients you need – here’s what to do about it (theconversation.com)
submitted 2 months ago by sabreW4K3@lazysoci.al to c/publichealth@mander.xyz
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[–] PaddleMaster@beehaw.org 6 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

I hope you’re not one of those people who just hate fat people and want to force them to loose weight “the old fashioned way”.

These drugs have been on the market for long enough and they are very safe. I think issues arise when they are prescribed for people who don’t need them.

I’d like to loose 10 lbs. but for me to loose weight, I’d have to eat 1000 calories total each day. I don’t do that, because that’s not a healthy behavior, so I eat 1200. I don’t qualify for these medications, but I know there’s places I could very easily get a prescription. And perhaps that’s where the issue is.

Anecdotally, I know about 5 people on these meds and they all still get hungry. They all still eat. They do get full sooner, and eat small portions. All of these people were prescribed the medication from an actual dietitian. Not an internet doctor.

These medications are life changing for people with addiction, with food noise, and for those who have disabilities.

There is no shame in being prescribed weight loss drugs for those who truly need it.

[–] xep@discuss.online 2 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

I'm not, and I don't.

However, I am concerned about the side effects of these drugs, the speed at which they were brought to market for a purpose they weren't meant to be initially used for, the ease at which they are being prescribed in high doses, and the lack of any information at all being provided to patients they are prescribed to.

The way GLP-1 receptor agonists work is not something the body expects. GLP-1 by itself has a half life of less than 2 minutes in the body. The delivery technology is novel. I would personally exercise great caution before taking this class of drugs.

they are very safe.

I don't believe this to be the case.

[–] PaddleMaster@beehaw.org 1 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Do you have literature to prove these aren’t safe?

The fact that they are prescribed world wide refutes your claim.

[–] xep@discuss.online 3 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

All manner of drugs are prescribed world wide. Every drug has a different toxicology and safety profile.

Here's Ozempic's warning and precautions:

• Pancreatitis: Has been reported in clinical trials. Discontinue promptly if
pancreatitis is suspected. Do not restart if pancreatitis is confirmed (5.2).
• Diabetic Retinopathy Complications: Has been reported in a clinical trial.
Patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy should be monitored (5.3).
• Never share an OZEMPIC pen between patients, even if the needle is changed
(5.4).
• Hypoglycemia: Concomitant use with an insulin secretagogue or insulin may
increase the risk of hypoglycemia, including severe hypoglycemia. Reducing
dose of insulin secretagogue or insulin may be necessary (5.5).
• Acute Kidney Injury: Monitor renal function in patients with renal impairment
reporting severe adverse gastrointestinal reactions (5.6).
• Hypersensitivity Reactions: Serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g.,
anaphylaxis and angioedema) have been reported. Discontinue OZEMPIC if
suspected and promptly seek medical advice (5.7).
• Acute Gallbladder Disease: If cholelithiasis or cholecystitis are suspected,
gallbladder studies are indicated (5.8).

Cochrane: https://www.cochrane.org/about-us/news/glp-1-drugs-effective-weight-loss-more-independent-studies-needed

However, evidence on longer-term outcomes, side effects, and potential conflicts of interest remains limited or uncertain.

[–] PaddleMaster@beehaw.org 1 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Every medication has a long list of adverse effects that could happen. So from your position, all drugs are bad for everyone. And nobody should take or be prescribed any drugs for any reason.

This doesn’t not mean they are not safe. People are not dying from these drugs. They aren’t causing harm to people. And places like the EU and Canada (or any place with a very strict drug regulations) would pull them from pharmacies if they truly were not safe. And doctors prescribe drugs based on the fact that the benefit outweighs the side effects.

Mental health drugs can shave years off people’s lives because they are so hard on the kidneys and liver. But taking those drugs gives people the ability to be productive in society. And the reduced lifespan is seen as a net positive for each person.

I am always happy to be educated on a topic I am not an expert in. But it seems like you just have prejudice for whatever reason and have no good sources or research journals to back up your claims.

[–] xep@discuss.online 3 points 2 months ago

So from your position, all drugs are bad for everyone. And nobody should take or be prescribed any drugs for any reason.

Did I say that?

If you wish to assume that I'm prejudiced, then fair enough. To good health.