Surge in bariatric surgery as Ozempic side effects leave patients seeking alternatives

Despite Ozempic's popularity, Cork surgeon Colm O'Boyle talks to Sarah Horgan of the side effects, treatment failures, and rising bariatric surgery demand.

The use of Ozempic, which was initially intended solely to treat diabetes, soared after numerous celebrities praised it for their dramatic weight loss.

At one point, it appeared that Ozempic might just spell the end for the need for bariatric surgery across the world.

However, the popularity of what is being hailed by many as a weight loss wonder drug has actually led to an increase in patient numbers for Cork-based obesity surgeon Colm O'Boyle.

Based at the Bons Secours Hospital, Mr O'Boyle said he is seeing an increase in patients who were unable to continue with the medication due to intolerable side effects - including abdominal cramps, vomiting, and gastrointestinal upset.

Mr O'Boyle expects the demand for surgery to increase as stronger weight loss drugs are licensed. The use of Ozempic, which was initially intended solely to treat diabetes, soared after numerous celebrities praised it for their dramatic weight loss.

However, Mr O'Boyle said the glamorisation of the drug may prove counterproductive in the long term.

Reference:
https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/spotlight/arid-41585917.html