FDA Investigates Health Risks in Popular Weight Loss Medications

The FDA is examining potential health risks associated with widely used weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound. The investigation focuses on hair loss (alopecia), surgery complications (aspiration) and suicidal ideation.

The FDA’s records indicate 201 reports of suicide or suicidal ideation from patients taking medications with semaglutide, the key active ingredient of Ozempic and Wegovy, or tirzepatide, the ingredient for Zepbound and Mounjaro.

In the FDA’s records there are at least 422 reports about patients taking semaglutide or tirzepatide that mention the term alopecia.

Reports of aspiration of food or other substances during surgery have also prompted caution, with the American Society of Anesthesiologists recommending discontinuation of GLP-1 RA medications before elective operations.