FDA reviews reports showing link between weight loss drug and suicide; new data suggests otherwise
Researchers from the National Institutes of Health have discovered people taking Semaglutide had lower risk of suicidal thoughts.
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Health officials are looking into inconsistent findings that suggest some patients taking popular weight loss medications have suicidal thinking.
Earlier this week, the Food and Drug Administration said it would review reports showing some people who take Semaglutide and similar medications reported having suicide thoughts.
But on Friday, data was released which contradicts those reports.
Researchers from the National Institutes of Health have discovered people taking Semaglutide had between a 49% and 73% lower risk of suicidal thoughts compared those given other medications.
"Studies are showing actually that the medications decrease depression. Depression can be complicated because people with obesity tend to have a higher rate of it," says Dr. Neil Floch, the head of bariatric surgery at Greenwich Hospital.
Florch says it's important for people to meet with a doctor in person for a thorough exam and go over potential side effects from medications for obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
"The drug may be good for one person, but not very good for another. Buyer beware. Meet with a physician who is knowledgeable," says Floch.
Floch says common side effects of these medications include nausea, vomiting, flex and belly or abdominal pain.
People can also experience rare complications such as severe pancreatitis, thyroid cancer and gall bladder problems.
