Now experts are warning of ANOTHER unusual Ozempic side effect! Dentists say slimming jab can cause bad breath – after men claimed powerful drug was killing their erections
Fat Brits were warned today that slimming shots can cause bad breath.
Semaglutide, available as Ozempic and Wegovy, is being hailed as a monumental breakthrough in the war on obesity.
But according to one expert, the injections can cause an imbalance of bacteria in the intestines, adding to the ever-growing list of unwanted side effects.
Dr. Ferakh Hamid, a dentist at Leeds-based Aesthetique Dental Care, warned that ‘not drinking enough water’ could also be behind the problem.
Semaglutide, available as Ozempic and Wegovy, is being hailed as a monumental breakthrough in the war on obesity. But according to one expert, the injections can cause an imbalance of bacteria in the intestines, adding to the ever-growing list of unwanted side effects.
Weight loss medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy mimic the production of the hormone GLP-1, which keeps the body full
A clinical trial by drug manufacturer Novo Nordisk found that nine percent of participants experienced belching, medically known as “belching.”
This dropped to just one percent among the placebo group.
However, researchers don’t know exactly why the drugs can cause bad breath or halitosis.
Dr. Hamid said: ‘Although Ozempic is great at controlling type 2 diabetes and can help shed some pounds, it is important to remember that it can also lead to side effects.
‘One of those side effects is bad breath, which may be related to stomach problems and not drinking enough water.
‘Research is being conducted into how Ozempic can cause bad breath by affecting the bacteria in your intestines.’
She added: ‘Ozempic works by changing the way your body handles insulin and sugar, which can disrupt the balance of your gut bacteria, leading to a bad odor. However, more research is needed to fully understand this.
‘Those taking Ozempic should be aware of possible dental side effects caused by semaglutide, the main ingredient.
‘You may experience dry mouth, changes in taste and an increased risk of dental problems.’
It has long been known that the shots, which work by mimicking GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone that tells the brain it is full, cause gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea and vomiting.
Experts have suggested that because they slow down digestion, this could give the stomach more time to break down food and produce gas.
In this case, putrid air can escape through the mouth.
Others believe that certain foods, such as dairy, can also lead to increased odor emissions.
However, those who suspect the shots are the cause of their bad breath can make lifestyle changes, Dr. Hamid noted.
Despite being hailed as one of the most powerful pharmaceutical tools to date, experts have warned that it is not a ‘magic pill’ or a miracle cure. Trials have shown that users can quickly regain pounds if they stop taking the drug, and that this can cause a variety of unpleasant side effects. Users often complain of nausea, constipation and diarrhea
Eating a wide variety of plants and consuming plenty of whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats are also important.
Extreme dieting or drastically cutting carbs can lead to ketosis — when the body burns fat for energy instead of glucose — “which can make your breath smell worse,” she added.
Remembering to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing and using a tongue scraper may also prove to be ‘crucial’.
She said: ‘If you’ve tried everything and the bad breath persists, contact your doctor.
They may suggest adjusting your Ozempic dose or exploring other diabetes management options that are friendlier to your oral health.”
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, was nicknamed Hollywood’s worst-kept secret when it burst onto the scene because the number of A-listers who would use it remained small.
It has been shown to help users lose an average of up to 30 pounds (15.3 kg) in about a year.
Ministers plan to distribute the drug to millions of overweight Britons in a bid to cut the country’s bulging benefits bill.
Children could also eventually receive the shots.
The latest NHS data shows that 26 percent of adults in England are obese and a further 38 percent are overweight but not obese.
Ozempic is currently only available on the NHS as a treatment for controlling blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
The dramatic weight-loss effects caused doctors and pharmacists to distribute it ‘off-label’ to people who wanted to lose weight.
However, officials urged against this due to supply issues, warning it would endanger the lives of diabetics.
The news comes after MailOnline revealed men on Ozempic flooded Reddit forums with reports of performance issues in the bedroom.
Safety brochures that come with the medications include a warning that sexual dysfunction could be a side effect, but the link has not been extensively studied.
A study earlier this year found the problem was a side effect in about one in 75 men who took the drugs to lose weight. Many of them described frustration and humiliation in the bedroom.
The problem is believed to stem from low testosterone levels caused by the blockbuster drugs.