Ozempic users may face a deadly risk as the US experiences its ‘heat dome,’ with temperatures expected to exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit this week. The medication suppresses hunger, but also causes the body to process fluids more slowly, leading to dehydration.
According to doctors, heat stroke can strike in under 15 minutes without proper air conditioning, hydration, and shade at such high temperatures. Dehydration from weight-loss drugs like Ozempic can lead to cramping, fainting, dizziness, slow pulse, low blood pressure, vomiting, delusional thoughts and behaviors, hallucinations, and coma.
Around 1,200 Americans die from heat-related causes every year, though officials note the actual number could be 10-fold higher due to underreporting. As one in eight Americans takes a GLP-1 agonist, which slows digestion and increases feelings of fullness, dehydration can occur quickly when combined with environmental factors like heat waves.
To mitigate this risk, doctors recommend staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, even if not thirsty, and avoiding dehydrating drinks like caffeine and alcohol. People taking Ozempic or similar drugs for obesity are also more likely to have conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney disease, which raise the risk of dehydration.
Drinking enough fluids is crucial, especially during hot weather. Foods with high water content like watermelon can help boost fluid intake. Healthcare providers advise patients not to stop taking their medication but to work together to develop a comprehensive hydration plan.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14833315/ozempic-effect-deadly-america-heat-dome-temperatures.html