Written By: N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe | Updated : August 13, 2025 8:27 PM IST
Been using a weight loss drug or thinking of starting one? A new study has found that popular diabetes and weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro can increase the risk of certain eye problems.
The finding, which is now published in the JAMA Network, titled "Semaglutide or Tirzepatide and Optic Nerve and Visual Pathway Disorders in Type 2 Diabetes," reveals that the active ingredients (semaglutide and tirzepatide) found in weight loss drugs can potentially increase the risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and other optic nerve disorders.
The study conducted by the Case Western Reserve University examined about 15,11,637 eligible participants with type 2 diabetes and compared individuals taking semaglutide or tirzepatide to those on other diabetes medications.
The analysis of patients, which was done on electronic health record data, suggests semaglutide or tirzepatide are found to be associated with "increased risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and other optic nerve disorders, but the overall risk was low."
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist that mimics the natural hormone GLP-1, which helps to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this hormone as 3 separate brand-name medications Ozempic , Wegovy , and Rybelsus .
Tirzepatide is similar to Semaglutide, but it's a dual agonist that mimics glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).
A one of it's kind, Tirzepatide is approved by the FDA for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) under the brand name Mounjaro. Due to its high efficacy in promoting weight loss, Tirzepatide saw significant off-label use for obesity treatment.
"The drug leads to significantly improved glycemic control and weight reduction in patients with T2DM, maximising benefits similar to GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide," the NIH explains.
Some of the common mild side effects of semaglutide and tirzepatide include constipation or diarrhoea, upset stomach, nausea and vomiting, headaches, abdominal pain, fatigue, and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Individuals with severe side effects of semaglutide and tirzepatide may experience vision changes, pancreatitis, kidney failure, gallbladder issues and allergic reactions.
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