New Study Reveals Rare but Troubling Side Effects of GLP-1 Drugs Like Ozempic

Study Finds ‘Hidden’ Side Effects of GLP-1 Drugs Through Reddit Data

A new study published in Nature Health has uncovered several previously overlooked side effects of GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, by analyzing self-reported data from Reddit users.

Researchers examined 410,198 Reddit posts mentioning either semaglutide or tirzepatide, identifying 67,008 users who self-reported using these medications. Of those users, 43.5% posted about at least one side effect.

The study highlighted reproductive issues, such as menstrual irregularities, and temperature-related complaints, including chills and hot flashes, as notable unrecognized side effects of GLP-1 drugs.

Expert Insights on ‘Hidden’ Side Effects of GLP-1 Medications

Jeffrey Lee, MD, a double board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of JL Plastic Surgery in Boston, MA, who was not involved in the study, shared his perspective with Healthline on these lesser-known side effects, their possible causes, and common misconceptions about GLP-1 drugs derived from social media.

How Common Are the ‘Hidden’ Side Effects of GLP-1s Like Ozempic?

Lee: The most common side effects I see in practice are gastrointestinal, things like nausea, bloating, or constipation. These are typically temporary and often dose-dependent, meaning they can improve over time or with a dosage adjustment. Of the lesser-known side effects mentioned in the study, I have occasionally had patients report fatigue, but it’s not something I see frequently. I have not personally seen most of the other symptoms highlighted in the study in a consistent or clinically significant way.

What Causes Side Effects Like Ozempic Chills and Hot Flashes?

Lee: GLP-1 agonists primarily affect the gastrointestinal system, but they also act on the brain, particularly the hypothalamus, which regulates many core functions, including hormones, temperature, and appetite. Because of this, it’s plausible that some patients could experience broader systemic effects, including hormonal or temperature-related symptoms. That said, these effects are not yet well established clinically, and more research is needed to determine whether they are directly caused by the medication or influenced by factors such as weight loss, metabolic changes, or individual physiology.

How Do GLP-1 Drugs Affect Mood and Libido?

Lee: There is growing interest in how GLP-1 medications may influence the brain’s reward system, particularly dopamine signaling. Clinically, we are seeing that some patients report a reduced sense of reward from certain behaviors. For example, there have been reports of individuals with alcohol use issues experiencing a decreased urge to drink. This suggests that GLP-1s may blunt the reward response, which could be beneficial in some contexts. However, that same mechanism may also translate into a dampening of emotional highs and lows.

Known Side Effects of GLP-1 Medications

While the study highlights lesser-known side effects, GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are also associated with more commonly reported side effects, including:

• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

These side effects are typically temporary and may improve over time or with dosage adjustments.

What Patients Should Know About GLP-1 Side Effects

Experts emphasize that while social media and anecdotal reports can provide insights, more clinical research is needed to fully understand the scope and causes of these ‘hidden’ side effects. Patients experiencing unusual symptoms while taking GLP-1 medications should consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice.