Although there are many weight-loss injections available in the fitness sector, many strategies may have drawbacks. Concerns are raised by a recent study that was published in JAMA Ophthalmology and connected an elevated risk of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) to some commonly used drugs for diabetes and weight loss.

One eye may experience abrupt, painless blindness due to a form of stroke called NAION. The study looked into semaglutide medications, such as Wegovy and Ozempic, which are used to treat diabetes and lose weight.

weight-loss injections Image Source: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual

Patients on semaglutide had a noticeably increased risk of NAION, according to the research. When compared to individuals receiving alternative therapies, those with diabetes on these drugs had a four-fold increased risk of developing NAION. The risk increased to seven times higher for patients who were overweight or obese when semaglutide was used.

It is significant to remember that 10 out of every 100,000 individuals, making it a rare condition. The study, which included over 1,700 people on semaglutide for obesity or type 2 diabetes, does point to a possible connection. Semaglutide-using diabetic patients had an 8.9% incidence, compared to 1.8% for those on other drugs. Similarly, semaglutide users had a 6.7% incidence for treating obesity, compared to a considerably lower 0.8% incidence with alternative medicines.

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The study authors state that there may be a connection between semaglutide and NAION based on their findings. As an observational study, causality assessment will need to wait for other research.

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