HT Health Talk: Is there minimum and maximum age for Ozempic? Bengaluru doctor answers 10 FAQs about weight loss drugs

Key Points:

• HT Lifestyle has initiated a weekly reader-driven health Q&A series, consulting top medical experts to address pressing health concerns, with the current focus on GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy used for weight loss.
• Dr. Narendra BS highlights that while GLP-1 drugs are effective, they carry risks such as gastrointestinal issues, gallstones, potential pancreatitis, muscle loss, and micronutrient deficiencies, especially in the Indian population with typical low-protein diets.
• These medications are approved for specific age groups and conditions, with careful assessment needed for elderly patients due to frailty risks; they are not addictive but can lead to physiological dependence due to appetite suppression.
• Strength training and adequate protein intake are crucial to mitigate muscle and bone loss during treatment, as rapid weight loss can reduce bone density and increase fracture risk, particularly in Indians with prevalent vitamin D deficiency and low calcium intake.
• Long-term use of GLP-1 drugs is often necessary to maintain weight loss, but sustained lifestyle changes are essential for lasting results; the risk of pancreatitis is minor but requires monitoring, especially in patients with gallstones or elevated triglycerides.