A new medical study has raised concerns about the popular weight loss drug, Vegovi. Research claims that this medicine may increase the risk of a rare but serious eye disease, which can lead to sudden loss of vision. Let’s take a closer look at what the research results reveal.
**Why is it a danger to the eyes?**
The study, published in a medical journal, found that among semaglutide-based drugs, Vegovi was most associated with an eye disease called ischemic optic neuropathy. This disease occurs when the blood supply to the optic nerve reduces or stops completely. This causes sudden blurring of vision and, in some cases, permanent loss of vision.
**Actually it was made for diabetes**
In fact, GLP-1 drugs were initially designed to treat type 2 diabetes; But, now they are also being used for rapid weight loss. Wegovi and Ozempic both contain an active ingredient called semaglutide. The only difference between the two is that Vegovy is specifically approved for weight loss, while Ozempic is primarily prescribed to diabetic patients. The researchers analyzed reports of side effects reported to the US drug surveillance system between 2017 and 2024. Scientists examined nearly 30 million reports, of which more than 31,000 cases were linked to semaglutide-based drugs. In this study, drugs like Vegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus, Monjaro and Zepbound were compared.
**Why is the risk higher despite fewer cases?**
Although the total number of cases reported for Ozempic was higher — perhaps because the drug has been in use for a longer period of time — the data suggests that the risk from Wegovi is greatest. The study found 28 cases associated with Vegov and 47 cases associated with Ozempic. However, the risk of this eye disease was found to be about 75 times higher in Wegovi users, while in the case of Ozempic it was about 19 times higher. Scientists believe that there could be many reasons behind this. Vegovi is usually given in higher doses. Additionally, injectable medications work more quickly in the body. Researchers believe that rapid weight loss, dehydration, changes in blood pressure, or changes in the regulation of blood vessels may reduce the blood supply to the blood vessels of the eyes.
Is this medicine responsible?
However, experts have made it clear that this study does not directly prove that Vegovi is the specific cause of this problem. The data system used in this study also has some inherent shortcomings. In many cases, complete medical histories of patients were not available, and due to increased media coverage, certain types of reports may have been reported more often than necessary. Nevertheless, experts stress that this research cannot be ignored as the use of these drugs to treat obesity and diabetes is increasing rapidly around the world. Scientists are now preparing to do even more deep and detailed research on these medicines.
