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GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro can pose greater risks for people over 65 and older. vorDa/Getty Images GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic have become quite popular, especially as weight-loss aids. However, they do have certain drawbacks, like rebound weight gain and loose skin. Not much is known about their side effects in older people. However, people over 65 tend to be more prone to drug side effects in general. Experts say, with proper supervision, these drugs are Ӵruly remarkableԠin this population. GLP-1 drugs include the various brands of semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus,Wegovy) as well as dulaglutide (Trulicity), exenatide (Bydureon, Byetta), liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda), lixisenatide (Adlyxin), andtirzepatide (Mounjaro). These medications, which are generally given via injection, work by mimicking glucagon-like peptide 1, which triggers the pancreas to make more insulin after meals, lowering blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes. Ozempic and otherGLP-1 drugs have also become increasingly popular for weight loss, thanks to endorsements from celebrities likeDolores Catania andCharles Barkley. However, as more people use these drugs, we are learning that there can be certain drawbacks, including loose skin (Ӽa href="/health-news/ozempic-what-to-know-about-this-side-effect-you-may-experience-while-taking-weight-loss-drugs">Ozempic buttө andrebound weight gain. Additionally, there can be rare, but serious side effects likepancreatitis. One thing that isnҴ clearly understood, however, is how these medications might affect adults aged 65 and up who are using them long-term. Clinical trials for these medications have not included large numbers of older adults so the data is simply not available, according to reporting done byThe Washington Post. TheNational Institute on Aging notes, however, that older adults tend to be using multiple medications while also having multiple medical conditions, which puts them at greater risk for drug side effects. What are the risks of drugs like Ozempic in older adults? Dina Peralta-Reich, M.D., FAAP, FOMA, and Director ofNew York Weight Wellness Medicine, says a potential risk that is associated with these medications in people over the age of 65 isdehydration. Ӎonitoring water intake can be challenging, and it is crucial to avoid dehydration, which may result in dizziness, falls, fainting, and possibly fractures,Ԡshe said. Additionally, she said that the gastrointestinalside effects of these medications, like nausea and vomiting, may be worse in older people, which ӭay set them up for dehydration, weakness, or nutritional deficiencies.Լ/p> Peralta-Reich further advised that anyone using these medications should be supervised by a specialist. Ӂs an obesity medicine specialist, our primary objective is to ensure successful weight loss while also safeguarding against the loss of muscle mass,Ԡshe explained. Jill Barat, Pharm.D., a licensed pharmacist with Pharmedico Pharmacy, added, Ӽa href="/health-news/ozempic-muscle-mass-loss">Muscle loss isnҴ a good thing for anyone, but this can be especially dangerous for older people as it may put them at higher risk of falls which can lead to broken bones.Լ/p> Peralta-Reich suggests that close monitoring is important for older patients נespecially if they have other health conditions, such ashigh blood pressure, diabetes, and hormonal deficiencies נsince dosage may change over the course of treatment. As a personҳ weight drops, their dosage must also be adjusted accordingly so that it is not too much for their current body size. What the experts think about using GLP-1 drugs Peralta-Reich commented that she feels these drugs are Ӵruly remarkable,Ԡprovided the patient has oversight from a board-certified obesity medicine specialist. Ӓegardless of age, the risks associated with being overweight or obese remain significant,Ԡshe said. ӂy effectively reducing body fat percentage and visceral fat, people can substantially lower the chances of developing other comorbidities.Լ/p> Dr. Michael Russo, a Bariatric Surgeon at Smart Dimensions in Orange County, California, cautioned, however, that drugs like Ozempic are not a quick fix. Ӕhis medication needs to be coupled with lifestyle changes in order to not only get the best results but to minimize the chance of weight regain in the future,Ԡhe advised. As a word of encouragement, Peralta-Reich noted that the age of 65 is no longer considered to be old. ӛI]t presents an excellent opportunity to take charge of oneҳ health and weight in a safe and effective manner,Ԡshe said. Ӆmbracing a healthier lifestyle can lead to positive outcomes at any age!Լ/p> Other effective alternatives to GLP-1 drugs It should be noted, however, that drugs like Ozempic are not always available to patients due to their expense and the fact that many insurance companies are not opting to cover them, especially for weight loss. When it comes to the management of Type 2 diabetes,Dr. Kezia Joy, Medical Content Advisor for Welzo, said there are several alternatives to the GLP-1 drugs, including: Metformin DPP-4 inhibitors SGLT2 inhibitors Insulin therapy However, she said, ӌifestyle modifications, including a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and weight management, remain the cornerstone of diabetes management at any age.Լ/p> Russo added, that when it comes to weight loss, Ӱeople need to know that thereҳ an assortment of different medication options available, endoscopic procedures, and also extremely safe weight-loss surgery options that people can consider.Լ/p> Takeaway GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic have become quite popular, especially as weight-loss aids. However, they do have certain drawbacks, like rebound weight gain and loose skin. Not much is known about their side effects in older people. However, people over 65 tend to be more prone to drug side effects in general. Experts say, with proper supervision, these drugs are Ӵruly remarkableԠin this population.