New research has raised concerns that popular slimming injections, including those containing semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), may increase the risk of certain sight-threatening eye diseases in individuals with type 2 diabetes. These medications, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, are widely prescribed for appetite suppression, weight loss, and blood sugar control.

A team from Massachusetts analyzed health records of over 185,000 patients using these drugs, finding a 'modestly increased risk' of diabetic retinopathy, a condition stemming from damage to retinal blood vessels that can lead to permanent sight loss. Despite this, the study noted fewer instances of the most severe complications, such as blindness, even among patients who had the condition prior to treatment. The Massachusetts study did not find a statistically significant difference in the risk of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy(NAION), a rare disorder causing sudden vision loss. The researchers from this study, who disclosed conflicts of interest with drug manufacturers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, recommended regular eye checks for type 2 diabetes patients taking these medications to facilitate early detection of any issues.

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Concurrently, another US research team, whose findings were also published, investigated data from 159,398 individuals. This second study, focusing on type 2 diabetes patients with no prior eye problems, did identify an increased risk of sudden sight loss linked to the injections. Their findings indicated an elevated risk of NAION and other optic nerve disorders in the medicated group compared to a matched control group. After two years of follow-up, 35 patients (0.04 percent) in the semaglutide or tirzepatide group developed NAION, compared to 19 patients (0.02 percent) in the control group. Additionally, 93 patients (0.12 percent) in the medicated group developed other optic nerve disorders, versus 54 patients (0.07 percent) in the control group. While stressing that the 'overall risk was low,' these researchers did not disclose any conflicts of interest with weight loss jab manufacturers.

Beyond ocular concerns, these weight-loss jabs have been associated with other reported side effects, including hair loss, constipation, extreme bloating, and muscle wasting. In the UK, over 100 deaths have been logged with theMedicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) linked to these jabs, though none have been directly proven as the cause. The UK regulator has also launched a probe into the safety of fat jabs following hundreds of pancreatitis cases, some fatal.

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Despite these warnings and potential risks, demand for the weight loss jabs remains high. TheNational Pharmacy Association (NPA),representing over 6,000 community pharmacies, recently cautioned that the booming demand for private and NHS-backed weight loss services might become 'unsustainable,' with a fifth of poll participants having attempted to access these treatments in the last year.