Weight loss medication potential risks, drug interactions

ATLANTA — As more weight loss medications gain popularity, health experts are warning individuals about potential risks. An Atlanta man says his story serves as a testimony.

“I knew spring was coming up and I was like ‘you know what, I got to get this weight loss – I mean this weight off of me,” Brady Henderson, a public relations professional said.

Henderson was driving in metro Atlanta when he saw a sign for a weight loss clinic. He said he had been thinking about getting back on weight loss medication and signed up for a consultation.

“And pretty much told them that I wanted to lose some weight, and they asked me what all did I need,” he said. 

He asked for Adipex, an appetite suppressant. As doctors evaluated him, they noticed his blood pressure was high. In the past, his blood pressure has been a factor when prescribing medication, he explained, and figured he wouldn’t be a good candidate for the pill.

Yet, Henderson walked out of the clinic with the pills, he said. He had taken them for a few days when he faced an adverse reaction.

“I was at an event one night, and I had had a few drinks,” he explained. “Then I noticed that I started feeling dizzy and lightheaded and just really crazy and paranoid.”

He said he feels like red flags may have been missed at the clinic, including warnings on Adipex’s label about using alcohol while taking the medication and the risk for the medication to cause high blood pressure for some.

As he reflects , he feels he should have done more research and followed his instinct.

“I take some of the blame because I should have known better,” he said.

Medical bariatrics specialist Dr. Jada Moore-Ruffin, who did not treat Henderson, was shown his pill bottle, noting that an expiration date and the name of the pill weren’t on the label. She adds that these details are crucial when getting medication from a reputable source.

Unfortunately, she believes that as more people turn to these highly sought-after medications, more people could be putting their bodies at risk.

“In the last three years, I will tell you I’m doing more education than ever, she said. “I definitely get a lot of people who are calling or interested in the shot, the ‘skinny shot’, the ‘magic shot,’ and I’m having to let people know that you should really be a good candidate for that.”

According to a 2024 report from the Association of American Medical Colleges, a survey of 346 medical professionals revealed that 89% of them have seen a recent increase in patients requesting weight-loss medications in the fall of 2023, as a new class of weight loss drugs is on the rise. These GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic and Wegovy, contain semiglutides, which mimic a hormone that responds to eating. 

Moore-Ruffin said a rising concern is how people are accessing these medications. 

“Here’s the problem is that some people are sourcing these online they’re getting them from friends they’re getting them from people who are not in the medical field,” she said. 

She also warned patients of the following: 

• Monitor patients with high blood pressure, glaucoma, heart rate issues, cardiac concerns, or a stroke-prone history, as these conditions may complicate the use of weight loss medications.
• It’s important to assess the patient’s medical history, including medications, health conditions, hospitalizations, and psychological patterns, to determine if they are a suitable candidate.
• Be aware that weight-loss medications can affect the GI tract, potentially leading to significant constipation, small bowel obstructions, and muscle loss.
• Watch for dehydration, small bowel obstructions, and nutrient deficiencies, as these can lead to heart conditions or long-term GI upset.
• While many in the weight-loss business are driven by profit, doctors should always prioritize patient safety and long-term health over quick fixes.

Moore-Ruffin says that before taking any medication, one’s doctor should do blood work and verify there is no pre-existing condition or hormone levels that eliminate one as a candidate. 

“Don’t just trust your body to anybody,” she said. “Don’t give yourself over to someone that can’t really support you for the long game.”

As for Henderson, he has changed his approach to losing weight.

“I’m doing it the natural way this time – you know, going to the gym, watching what I eat,” he said.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved several weight loss drugs to be considered safe if following doctors’ guidelines, but they still carry a risk. The FDA has also warned against compounded weight-loss medications that were not approved and could carry higher risks.

Click here for more information about the unapproved versions of the weight loss drugs and the risks they carry.