Posted on 07/03/2024 1:26:51 PM PDT by Red Badger
Slimmers were today warned that weight loss jabs could trigger a worrying eye condition causing blindness.
Semaglutide, available as Ozempic and Wegovy, has been hailed as a monumental breakthrough in the war on obesity.
But according to US experts, people with diabetes prescribed semaglutide were four times more likely to be diagnosed with non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
And overweight or obese people taking the drugs were seven times more likely to develop the condition, known as an 'eye stroke', than those on other weight-loss medications.
Researchers labelled the findings 'significant but tentative' and urged medics to warn patients of the risk especially if they suffer 'other known optic nerve problems like glaucoma'.
Professor Joseph Rizzo, an expert in ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School said: 'The use of these drugs has exploded throughout industrialised countries and they have provided very significant benefits in many ways.
'But future discussions between a patient and their physician should include NAION as a potential risk.
'It is important to appreciate, however, that the increased risk relates to a disorder that is relatively uncommon.'
NAION, which affects around one in 10,000 people, occurs when the vessels supplying blood to the optic nerves become blocked.
The loss of blood supply deprives the optic nerve of oxygen and results in damage to all or part of the nerve.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
Have you not followed all the reports of dread side effects—and people therefore dropping it after a couple of months?
Why should we pay ridiculous prices for a dangerous drug when a simple diet fix works?
And how about its impact on superior prevention of cardiac events:
https://mediacenteratypon.nejmgroup-production.org/NEJMoa2307563.pdf
Compared to simple weight loss? Are you kidding?
There are side effects. Go onto any forum discussion about these and you will see discussions about those. MOST people are not impacted in a way that is more than a nuisance. No one is saying there are not.
But if you go onto those same forums you will see hundreds of people who have success stories after decades if trying your answers.
For someone who doesn’t comprehend how addictions work, saying “just diet” seems like a reasonable answer. Try telling that to a drug addict, or alcoholic. It’s not that easy.
This drug acts in two ways: One is to trigger a missing hormone in the gut. That trigger is what tells the brain to tell you to stop eating.
At the same time, the hormone reaches the membrane of the brain and it too works to shut down the “drive” to eat.
These people are not fat or diabetic because they are weak willed or lazy or stupid. (And I am not talking about people who need to drop 20 pounds or stop drinking a six pack every night—but the real targets of this addiction.)
These drugs are allowing them to diet and exercise in ways they couldn’t before. The result is they are healthier and have fewer long term chronic problems.
GLP-1s have been around for a long time. The system benefits for the health care industry are going to be huge. Fewer cardiac events. Fewer “ortho” issues. Less kidney disease. Less cancer.
The impact on things like addiction centers in the brain are being studied. A recent trial will result in its use for sleep apnea.
Compared to the long term benefits, the side effects (which are minimal to most people) are not even worth discussing. The money saved over the next 50 years will be in the billions.
But yeah, go around and tell folks to “eat a salad and try harder.”
It’s not the same. Carb cravings go away after a bit.
And at $1800 a month, to trust any supposedly objective online forum is just crazy.
Who do you think was getting prescribed this drug?
It’s like talking to Joe Biden. You know nothing about the medication, the targeted cohort, or the benefits.
I just think you’re insane on it, and trading insults gets us nowhere.
FReegards.
If you are eligible for the prescription for the intended reasons, your insurance will cover it.
If you are not, it’s $1800 a month.
You don’t seem to understand that these people who are targeted for this drug have tried all the stuff you are talking about…and it’s failed. Why can’t you be happy that it works for a lot of people?
And those who are on it and paying $1,800 a month will tell you they are working their ass off to get down to a lower dose. The drug makes that possible.
Why are you being so obstinate?
Facts suck. I get it.
Next time you start mouthing off about stuff that is literally saving lives…perhaps do five minutes of research. Find out who the patients are and why the drug works.
There is too much of that crap going on when people discuss medicine and healthcare. You’ve been brainwashed to believe everyone is out to screw you. In all honesty if you are in the target cohort…they don’t care about you, let alone want to screw you.
If you ARENT in their target cohort…they don’t care about you.
That means everyone else with insurance is paying for it.
And no, they haven’t. They often haven’t gone low carb. Even if it were a matter of self-control, there are many cheaper options.
Hey bud, you’re the one who seems to need better facts.
Thread winner.
Bayetta?
I hated that ad long before I even knew what it was an ad *for*...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.