New ‘unusual’ side effect of weight-loss drugs becoming more common, research suggests
A new “unusual” side effect of weight loss medications is becoming more common, research suggests.
Weight loss medications such as ozempik And wegovy rose in popularity. About one in eight U.S. people say they take a GLP-1 drug used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation study. questionnaire It was released in May 2024.
But like all other medications, there are side effects, including a newly discovered one that may interfere with medical imaging.
Researchers from European imaging provider Alliance Medical reviewed oncological FDG PET-CT scans in patients taking GLP-1 drugs.
One in eight US adults said they take a GLP-1 drug such as Ozempic to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity (Sebastien Bozon/AFP via Getty)
With an FDG PET scan, a patient receives an IV injection of Radiotracer called fluorodeoxyglucose. Diseased cells in the patient’s body absorb Radiotracer more than healthy ones, and the PET scanner detects these “hot spots.” Cleveland Clinic. Healthcare providers may perform a PET scan and CT scan, which also use x-rays to produce more accurate 3D images.
Alliance medical researchers found several abnormal FDG uptake patterns in patients taking GLP-1 drugs, according to a September presentation at the Annual Congress of the European Society of Nuclear Medicine. If a patient’s medication history is not taken into account, these abnormal patterns may be misinterpreted by doctors.
Alliance Medical’s medical director, Dr. “We noticed unusual uptake in one of our patients on a GLP-1 agonist,” said Peter Strouhal, MD. American Association for the Advancement of Science.
“We have found that these altered patterns are increasingly common, but there is currently no national or international guidance in the UK addressing this emerging problem.”
GLP-1 drugs may interfere with medical imaging, leading to unnecessary testing, researchers find (Scott Olson/Getty)
If patients’ scans are misinterpreted, it can lead to unnecessary testing, incorrect cancer staging, and delays in treatment.
Dr. “Recognizing the characteristic uptake associated with GLP-1 agonists helps avoid unnecessary anxiety and interventions, ensuring patients receive the right care at the right time, without interference or doubt,” added Dr. Strouhal. Strouhal.
Researchers recommend that imaging professionals carefully document patients’ medication history to help avoid these misinterpretations.
