Popular GLP-1 drugs may trigger a rare, life-threatening brain disorder: study
Two common GLP-1 weight loss drugs have been linked to a brain condition that can cause permanent brain damage and become deadly.More than one in 10 American adults are now on GLP-1s for weight loss.And while the jabs work to shed pounds and provide a host of other unexpected benefits, they can come at a cost.GLP-1s work by slowing down digestion, making us feel full for longer.
The resulting decrease in appetite and food intake can lead to inadequate nutrition, including a deficiency in vitamin B1, also known as thiamine.This essential vitamin helps the brain produce energy.Without enough of it, brain cells can’t function properly, potentially leading to Wernicke encephalopathy (WE), a rare but serious neurological disorder that can cause permanent brain damage or death if left untreated.Researchers in Israel suspected that many people using GLP-1s could be more likely to develop a vitamin B1 deficiency — and, in turn, WE.Their findings identified two GLP-1 meds in particular that could increase the risk of this condition.Researchers examined 195,979 cases and identified 15 cases of Wernicke’s encephalopathy.They found that WE disproportionately associated with GLP-1s compared with other drugs.
Most of the cases involved two medications in particular: semaglutide, sold as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, and tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro and Zepbound.The researchers highlighted that most of the patients with WE experienced gastrointestinal issues, including weight loss, vomiting, loss of appetite or malnutrition, all of which can contribute to inadequate nutrition and vitamin B1 deficiency.Only two of the patients exhibited that signature triad of WE symptoms — altered mental state, trouble walking, and lack of control over eye movements — highlighting how difficult the condition can be to recognize.While the findings underscore that WE is a “potentially rare” adverse event, the researchers urged clinicians to look out for the condition, particularly ...