Weight-loss drug overdoses surge as popularity grows
Calls related to overdoses and side effects from popular weight-loss medications have surged in recent years, raising concerns among health experts about dosing errors and the growing use of compounded versions of the drugs, reports a Qazinform News Agency correspondent.
The medications, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, include widely used drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus and Trulicity. Originally developed to treat diabetes, they have become increasingly popular for weight loss.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels, appetite and digestion. By reducing hunger and slowing the rate at which food leaves the stomach, the medications can contribute to significant weight loss.
However, the growing demand has been accompanied by a sharp increase in overdose-related incidents. According to poison control data, calls involving overdoses or side effects linked to injectable weight-loss drugs have risen by nearly 1,500% since 2019.
Poison centers say many cases involve accidental therapeutic errors, including taking doses too close together or injecting more than the prescribed amount. In some cases involving compounded products, patients have reportedly taken up to ten times the recommended dose because of confusion over syringe measurements.
The shortage of GLP-1 medications has also pushed some consumers toward online sellers and compounding pharmacies. While compounding is permitted during shortages, these products are not reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for safety or effectiveness. Regulators have also warned about counterfeit versions entering the market.
As of April 30, 2025, poison centers had managed 3,633 exposure cases involving GLP-1 agonists.
“GLP-1 drugs are prescription medications and should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional,” health experts stress.
Common symptoms of overdose mirror known side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain. In severe cases, dehydration and dangerously low blood sugar levels may occur.
Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that researchers are uncovering new clues behind the rising incidence of colorectal cancer among people under 50, suggesting the disease may be biologically distinct from cases traditionally diagnosed in older adults.