new<\/span>You can now listen to Fox News articles.\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Researchers uncovered a little-known side effect of GLP-1 after a thorough analysis of more than 400,000 Reddit posts.<\/p>\n GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound), are most commonly associated with gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.<\/p>\n But a new study published in Nature Health reveals some overlooked effects.<\/p>\n Should you microdose Ozempic? Experts disagree on risks and benefits<\/strong><\/p>\n Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania used artificial intelligence to analyze more than five years of Reddit posts from more than 67,000 people who take popular drugs for diabetes and weight loss.<\/p>\n Although clinical trials remain the “gold standard,” the researchers noted that the Reddit community’s feedback reflects a different population.<\/p>\n GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound), are most commonly associated with gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.<\/span> (St. Petersburg)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n “It’s also important to look at real-world usage, which may differ from use in clinical trials, because people often use drugs differently than they are prescribed,” lead researcher Neil Sehgal, a doctoral student at the University of Pennsylvania, told FOX News Digital. “So there are many possible reasons why we’re seeing signs that the courts may have missed.”<\/p>\n Almost half of users reported one or more side effects. Sehgal said the most common symptoms were nausea, vomiting and constipation, which were consistent with symptoms found in clinical trials.<\/p>\n “We’re almost certainly seeing a skewed slice of the picture.”<\/p>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n “We’ve noticed some side effects that haven’t been previously reported with these drugs,” he told FOX News Digital. <\/p>\n “For example, about 4% of users who described side effects reported irregular menstrual periods. Other Redditors described unusual temperature-related symptoms, such as chills and hot flashes.”<\/p>\n Obesity experts reveal the best way to decide if GLP-1S is right for you<\/strong><\/p>\n Additionally, nearly 13% of users experienced psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. More than 5% also complained of abdominal pain, acid reflux, headache, and dizziness.<\/p>\n “Fatigue is also the second most commonly reported symptom overall, yet it meets the reporting threshold in relatively few existing trials,” Sehgal noted. \u201cThe gap between what patients self-report online and what we find in clinical trials is what motivated this whole line of research.\u201d<\/p>\n Dr. Sue Decotis, a New York City-based board-certified weight loss physician, noted that many of the reported symptoms, such as disorientation and fatigue, are likely due to dehydration and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).<\/p>\n “It is also important to look at real-world usage, which may differ from use in clinical trials, as people often use drugs differently than prescribed,” said the lead researcher.<\/span> (St. Petersburg)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n “Patients should be closely monitored using a structured protocol that ensures proper nutrition and adequate hydration, ideally under the direct supervision of a physician experienced in metabolism and weight loss,” Decotis, who was not involved in the study, told FOX News Digital. <\/p>\n “Additionally, body composition analysis can help identify issues such as muscle loss, excess water loss, and insufficient fat loss.”<\/p>\n Click here to sign up for our health newsletter<\/strong><\/p>\n The doctor said a major concern is that many people are accessing these drugs through online platforms or without proper medical care. <\/p>\n “In my experience treating thousands of patients with various GLP-1 drugs, complications are rare and usually only occur when patients are non-compliant,” she added.<\/p>\n The researchers noted that this data may not be representative of everyone taking these drugs, as it comes from Reddit users, who are primarily based in the United States and tend to be younger, primarily male.<\/p>\n “In my experience treating thousands of patients with various GLP-1 drugs, complications are rare and usually only occur when patients are non-compliant,” said one weight loss doctor.<\/span> (St. Petersburg)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n “Even on Reddit, the people posting about side effects are probably not representative of everyone taking the drug,” Sehgal says. “If you had a good experience, you’re less likely to write about it online, so we’re almost certainly capturing a skewed slice of the picture.”<\/p>\n The researchers also noted that the study could not prove that the drug was the cause of the reported symptoms.<\/p>\n For more health stories, click here<\/strong><\/p>\n “To be clear, we cannot say for sure whether these drugs cause menstrual irregularities,” Sehgal says. “Patients on Reddit don’t self-report all the symptoms they have, and they may also report things that aren’t actually related to the drug. So it’s important to treat this as a hypothesis-generating signal and do further research.”<\/p>\n The researchers noted that the study could not prove that the drug caused the reported symptoms.<\/span> (St. Petersburg)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The study also did not include GLP-1 dosage, duration of medication, symptoms, or other health conditions experienced by users. The AI \u200b\u200btools may have misunderstood the meaning or context, the researchers said.<\/p>\n Test yourself with our latest lifestyle quiz<\/strong><\/p>\n The results need to be confirmed by more rigorous studies, Sehgal said. \u201cThat way, we can get real answers about prevalence and causation that social media data alone can’t provide.\u201d <\/p>\n Click here to download the FOX News app<\/strong><\/p>\n “These are signals, not conclusions. But I think it’s always worth talking to your doctor about any unexpected events you experience while taking a new drug, even if you’re not sure if it’s related,” he advised. “So if something doesn’t feel right, say something.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/chuvla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Popular-weight-loss-drug-may-have-hidden-side-effects-study.jpg\")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\nThe overlooked impact<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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clinical background<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\nResearch limitations<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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