People using Ozempic in the U.S. might face a heightened risk of severe heat stroke due to extreme temperatures.
The country is currently under a ‘heat dome,’ where hot air is trapped over specific regions—kind of like a lid on a pot.
Areas in the Midwest and Northeast are feeling the brunt, with temperatures projected to soar past 100 degrees Fahrenheit this week.
In such conditions, heat stroke can occur in less than 15 minutes if there’s inadequate air conditioning, hydration, or shade.
And, while most know that high temps lead to sweating and dehydration, those taking weight-loss drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy might become dehydrated even more quickly.
Doctors have noted that the ingredients in these medications, semaglutide and tirzepatide, could dull thirst just as they suppress hunger. This happens because they slow down the body’s fluid processing, resulting in a decreased desire to drink.
Eating less also means less water intake, particularly from juicy summer favorites like watermelon.
Without adequate water, dehydration and heat-related illnesses can develop rapidly, leading to symptoms such as cramps, fainting, dizziness, low blood pressure, nausea, and even severe cases like hallucinations or coma.
Dr. Britta Reierson, a family physician specializing in obesity medicine, mentioned to a media source that if someone is dealing with side effects that boost dehydration risk, being in a heat wave can accelerate this issue.
Heat waves cause increased sweating as the body works to cool itself, and this loss of fluids, combined with vomiting or reduced intake, can lead to serious dehydration if not managed appropriately.
Each year, approximately 1,200 Americans succumb to heat-related causes, though the true number could be much higher due to underreporting.
On another note, around one in eight Americans—about 40 million—have reported using a GLP-1 agonist at some point.
These drugs mimic the hormone GLP-1, which is released after meals, slowing digestion and increasing feelings of fullness, and in turn, this leads to reduced eating and drinking.
According to Dr. Sandip Sachar, a dentist, while the impact is more noticeable with solid foods, it can also delay the emptying of liquids.
GLP-1 receptors are located in a part of the brain that detects thirst and controls water balance.
These weight-loss drugs may influence those areas to lessen thirst sensations, although research into this is still in the preliminary stages.
Dr. Sachar added that slowed digestion could make it tougher to drink lots of water when feeling full.
Additionally, those taking Ozempic or similar medications may be more prone to conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease, which can further increase dehydration risk, as noted by Dr. Reierson.
Such conditions can limit thirst and trigger fluid imbalances.
Ashley Koff, a registered dietitian, expressed similar concerns, pointing out that medications that slow gastric emptying increase dehydration risks since stomach acid and digestive processes rely on proper hydration.
Dr. Kavin Mistry, a neuroradiologist, also cited common GLP-1 side effects like nausea or vomiting as contributing factors to dehydration risks.
When hydration isn’t restored efficiently, particularly in hotter weather, the likelihood of dehydration rises.
Also, a reduced food intake naturally means less fluid consumption.
Dr. Reierson reminded that food plays a crucial role in daily water intake, and eating less can lower hydration levels.
Water-rich options like watermelon, cucumbers, and tomatoes can significantly contribute to fluid intake.
Dr. Sachar suggested chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production as a way to help prevent dehydration, recommending to avoid acidic or sugary beverages.
Dr. Reierson also mentioned that while she doesn’t advise patients at higher dehydration risk to discontinue their GLP-1 medications, it’s crucial to proceed with caution and work closely with healthcare providers for a comprehensive plan.
Dr. Mistry suggests setting reminders to drink water regularly—especially for those on weight-loss drugs—even when not feeling thirsty, and to avoid dehydrating drinks like caffeine or alcohol.
