Cardiologist With 20 Years Of Experience Warns About Ozempic Not All Weight Loss On Glp1 Medications Is Healthy

People confuse eating less with getting healthier," he added.

While drugs like semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) and the experimental tri-agonist retatrutide are highly effective at suppressing appetite, Dr Bhojraj shared that a lack of caloric intake can backfire if not managed precisely: "GLP-1s can reduce appetite. We all know that. But if you’re losing weight while barely eating protein, not strength training, ignoring digestion, losing muscle, and never building the habits that keep the weight off later… that’s not a long-term plan."

When patients drop weight rapidly, a significant percentage of that loss can come from lean muscle tissue rather than adipose (fat) tissue,he added. This muscle wasting, medically known as sarcopenia, can severely damage a patient's resting metabolic rate.

The cardiologist's warnings come amidst mounting legal battles and updated regulatory labels for the drug class. Dr Bhojraj highlighted that as patients use these medications long-term, more severe, hidden side-effects are surfacing: "And we’re already seeing the messy side of this conversation. There are active lawsuits around GLP-1 medications alleging serious gastrointestinal injuries, including gastroparesis and intestinal obstruction."

Beyond pending litigation, federal regulators have continually updated the safety profiles for these prescriptions to reflect real-world data, he added: "The FDA label for Ozempic also includes warnings around gallbladder disease, acute kidney injury, ileus, intestinal obstruction, severe constipation, and pulmonary aspiration during anaesthesia or deep sedation."

Dr Bhojraj stressed that he is not entirely anti-GLP-1, but rather an advocate for their responsible, structured use. For medications to deliver true health benefits, they must be viewed as tools within a broader metabolic framework rather than standalone cures. "You need a game plan when it comes to these medications," Dr Bhojraj concluded.

Medical guidelines increasingly echo this sentiment, suggesting that any patient on a GLP-1 protocol must aggressively prioritise dietary protein to preserve lean mass, engage in heavy resistance training to signal muscle retention, and work closely with clinical teams to establish a viable 'exit strategy' or maintenance plan to avoid metabolic relapse.

Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.

With a keen eye for detail and a heart for storytelling, Sanya is a seasoned lifestyle journalist who has spent over a decade documenting the intersection of aesthetics and substance. Since stepping into the media world in 2012, she has cultivated a career defined by versatility, curiosity, and an unwavering passion for what makes life both beautiful and meaningful. Over the last many years, she has navigated the fast-paced realms of health, wellness, fitness and fashion while pivoting seamlessly into the nuances of decor and travel. Her work often explores the deeper layers of modern living, delving into art and decor trends that transform spaces, insightful perspectives on gender, parenting, and mental health, immersive travel narratives that capture the essence of a destination. A self-proclaimed aesthetics enthusiast, Sanya doesn't just report on trends — she analyses them. Whether she’s identifying the next shift in fitness or discovering a breakthrough in design, she uses her platform to spark meaningful conversations that resonate with a contemporary audience. Sanya is an alumna of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, and the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, where she honed the investigative rigour she brings to her lifestyle reporting today. When she isn't chasing deadlines or conducting interviews, Sanya practices what she preaches. You’ll likely find her sipping matcha, practicing yoga, or scouting the newest cafes. Above all, she finds her balance in nature — whether it's a quiet hike or a moment of reflection in the outdoors, she remains constantly inspired by the tranquillity of the natural world.Read More