A recent report from the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) has linked weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy to 162 deaths in the U.S. over the past six years.
The FAERS system tracks reports of adverse drug reactions and safety issues after medications have been released to the public.
These reports come from a variety of sources, including medical professionals, manufacturers, and even patients.
While none of the deaths have been explicitly proven to be caused by the semaglutide injections in these medications, the drugs were reportedly a contributing factor in the fatalities.
Additionally, death reports involving these drugs have increased by 40% in the last six months alone, suggesting a growing concern.
One such case involves Juanita Gantt, a mother from Pennsylvania, who is suing the makers of Ozempic and Wegovy.
Gantt claims that she nearly died from using these drugs and that she was not adequately warned about the potential dangers. Her case is part of a larger wave of complaints involving severe side effects linked to these weight loss medications.
Since 2018, there have been 62,000 recorded adverse reactions to these drugs, with 10,000 of them being classified as “serious,” meaning they resulted in hospitalization or life-threatening conditions.
This surge in reports coincides with the rapid rise in popularity of Ozempic and Wegovy as off-label weight loss solutions.
Originally designed to manage type 2 diabetes by stimulating insulin release and reducing blood sugar, these drugs have become widely used for weight loss.
Although Ozempic has not been FDA-approved for weight management, it continues to be prescribed off-label for this purpose.
Meanwhile, in March 2024, Wegovy became the first weight loss medication also to receive FDA approval for reducing life-threatening cardiovascular events in adults suffering from obesity or cardiovascular disease.
However, this widespread use has not come without risk.
Beyond the deaths, common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
In 2023, the FDA updated the Ozempic label to include reports of blocked intestines, further adding to the list of known issues. In more extreme cases, the drug has been associated with vision loss and reckless behavior.
Despite these alarming reports, public interest in weight loss drugs like Ozempic continues to grow.
A recent Gallup poll found that 6% of U.S. adults—about 15.5 million people—have tried Ozempic or similar medications. Of those, 3% used them specifically for weight loss.
Even with the increasing awareness of serious side effects, Americans are still turning to these medications in hopes of shedding pounds quickly.
As the popularity of Ozempic and Wegovy rises, the medical community and FDA continue to monitor their impact closely.
With 162 deaths now tied to these drugs, both patients and healthcare providers are urged to weigh the benefits against the potential risks when considering these medications for weight loss.