New research shows the dangers of using the diabetes drugs Wegovy and Ozempic for weight loss.

According to a new epidemiological study released Thursday, weight loss using diabetes medications such as Wegovy and Ozempic may be associated with an increased risk of three rare but serious stomach conditions in non-diabetic patients.

The study was published in the research journal JAMA.

The use of Wegovy, Ozempic and other similar drugs has exploded in the US due to their increased effectiveness in causing dramatic weight loss over time.

However, the safety of the drugs, known as GLP-1;for this particular use is under investigation as some patients have reported side effects while taking them such as stomach paralysis and suicidal ideation.

GLP-1s they work by slowing digestion to suppress a person’s appetitebut they can cause problems if this process is slowed down too much.

Researchers from the University of British Columbia said the study results included a disorder not listed on the package insert for these drugs: gastric paralysis, which slows or completely stops the movement of food from the stomach to the intestine and can cause symptoms such as persistent vomiting.

The study also demonstrates the increased risk of intestinal obstruction, a disorder where food cannot pass through the small or large intestine, and pancreatitis due to inflammation of the pancreas. Warnings for pancreatitis and certain types of bowel obstruction are already included in the package leaflets of these drugs.

This is the first large population-based study to look at the risk of serious stomach disease in non-diabetic patients that specifically use GLP-1 for weight loss.

Previous studies have highlighted the risk of these side effects in diabetic patients receiving GLP-1, according to the researchers. People with diabetes are also at increased risk of developing stomach paralysis and pancreatitis, even without taking the drugs.

“So we kind of wanted to take diabetes out of the equation.”stated Mohit Sodhione of the study’s authors.

A spokesperson for pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk noted that some of the gastrointestinal side effects in the study are already included in the prophylactic guidelines for GLP-1 of, adding that the company “endorses the safety and efficacy of all GLP-1 drugs when used consistently, with product labeling and approved indications.”

“We recommend that patients take these medications for their approved indications and under a physician’s supervision, the spokesman said. “Treatment decisions should be made jointly with the doctor who can assess our suitability