
The Hidden Risks Behind Popular Weight Loss Drugs
Medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have surged in popularity for their weight loss benefits—but serious health risks are emerging. Their widespread use has led to alarming side effects, including:
- Gastroparesis (Stomach Paralysis)
- Intestinal Obstruction
- NAION (Sudden Vision Loss)
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Pulmonary Embolism
Beasley Allen is actively investigating injuries linked to these medications and is part of the leadership team in the nationwide multidistrict litigation (MDL) consolidated in February 2024. With decades of experience in pharmaceutical litigation and billions recovered for clients, Beasley Allen is committed to holding drug manufacturers accountable and protecting consumer health.

What Are GLP-1 Drugs?
Glucagon-like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a hormone made in your intestines that helps control your blood sugar. It does this by:
- Making your body release insulin, which lowers blood sugar.
- Stopping the release of another hormone called glucagon, which raises blood sugar.
GLP-1 also slows down how quickly your stomach empties, making you feel full longer and reducing your appetite. Because of these benefits, medications that mimic GLP-1 are used to treat type 2 diabetes and help with weight loss.
A Look at the Labels
What do these diet drugs have in common? Breaking down the active ingredients linked to weight loss:
- Tirzepatide – Tirzepatide works by mimicking two hormones to help regulate appetite and blood sugar. Used as a second-line treatment for diabetes, it’s given as a once-weekly injection. Eli Lilly produces both Mounjaro and Zepbound with tirzepatide.
- Semaglutide – Semaglutide is a medication that helps lower blood sugar levels. It mimics a natural hormone that aids digestion and promotes feelings of fullness, helping to reduce hunger.
Serious Side Effects
While these drugs can be used to manage type 2 diabetes, they also are linked to a variety of serious and potentially fatal health hazards.
- Gastroparesis (Stomach Paralysis): A condition where the stomach muscles stop working properly, causing food to remain undigested. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, bloating, and malnutrition.
- Intestinal Blockage (Ileus): A potentially life-threatening condition that may require emergency surgery. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, constipation, and vomiting.
- NAION (Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy): A rare but serious eye condition that causes sudden vision loss due to reduced blood flow to the optic nerve. Recent studies have linked semaglutide use to increased NAION risk.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism: Blood clots that can travel to the lungs and become fatal if untreated.
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