In recent years, injectable medications like Ozempic® (semaglutide) and Wegovy® have become household names. These drugs belong to a class of therapies known as GLP‑1 receptor agonists, originally developed to help people with type 2 diabetes improve blood sugar control. Because they slow stomach emptying and reduce appetite, they were quickly adopted off‑label as weight‑loss aids, and demand exploded worldwide.
However, that popularity has been accompanied by a surge in legal action. More than 1,800 lawsuits have been consolidated in the United States against the manufacturers of Ozempic and related drugs. Plaintiffs allege that the medications caused serious complications—sometimes severe enough to require hospitalisation—while manufacturers failed to adequately warn users about these risks. For anyone considering weight‑loss medication or already taking semaglutide, understanding these concerns is essential.
Why are patients suing?
Court documents and media reports describe a spectrum of injuries among people who took Ozempic, Wegovy or other semaglutide‑based drugs:
- Gastrointestinal problems: Patients have reported gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), bowel obstruction and persistent vomiting. These conditions can cause severe nausea, abdominal bloating and difficulty eating.
- Gallbladder disease: Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) and gallstones have occurred in some users.
- Pancreatitis and kidney issues: Cases of acute pancreatitis and worsening kidney function have prompted warnings in the prescribing information.
- Vision problems: A rare eye disorder called non‑arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) has been observed, leading to sudden vision loss in a small number of patients.
- Other adverse events: Lawsuits also cite hair loss, mood changes and general malaise as possible side effects.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has received thousands of adverse‑event reports, and observational studies have linked semaglutide use to an increased risk of pancreatitis, bowel obstruction and gastroparesis compared with other weight‑loss treatments. Although these complications are uncommon, they underscore the importance of informed decision‑making and medical supervision when using weight‑loss drugs.
Legal proceedings and the bigger picture
The legal battle over Ozempic is still unfolding. As of May 2025, more than 1,800 cases were pending, and analysts expected hundreds more. The lawsuits have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation to streamline evidence and testimony. Plaintiffs claim that manufacturers downplayed risks while aggressively marketing the drugs for weight loss, a use for which long‑term safety data are limited. The companies, for their part, maintain that semaglutide is safe when used as prescribed and note that all medications carry some risk.
The mounting litigation highlights a broader issue in healthcare: the gap between how drugs are approved and how they are used in the real world. Many medications find new applications beyond their original purpose, and the demand for rapid weight‑loss solutions often outpaces long‑term safety evidence. While GLP‑1 injections can help some people, they are not a quick fix or a substitute for comprehensive weight‑management care.
What should patients consider?
If you are taking Ozempic or a similar medication, do not stop abruptly without consulting your doctor. Suddenly discontinuing treatment can lead to blood sugar spikes or rebound weight gain. Instead, work with your healthcare provider to weigh the benefits and risks. Pay attention to warning signs such as persistent abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, vision changes or signs of dehydration, and seek medical evaluation promptly.
It is also important to recognise the limitations of weight‑loss medications. Clinical trials show that weight loss often plateaus after a year and that many patients regain weight once they stop injections. Off‑label use for cosmetic weight loss can be expensive and is not always covered by insurance. For people with moderate to severe obesity or obesity‑related conditions, a more durable solution may be needed.
Why consider bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery offers a proven, long‑term approach to weight management. Unlike drugs that must be taken indefinitely, surgical procedures make physical changes to the digestive system that limit how much you can eat and alter hormones controlling hunger and metabolism. Most patients lose 60–80 % of their excess weight within two years and keep it off long term. Surgery can also lead to remission of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea and other obesity‑related conditions.
Modern techniques have made bariatric surgery safer and less invasive. Operations such as the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and single anastomosis duodenal–ileal bypass (SADI‑S) are performed laparoscopically through small incisions, leading to faster recovery and fewer complications. While all surgery carries risk, outcomes are highly favourable when procedures are performed by experienced specialists and accompanied by comprehensive follow‑up care.
Care at Dr Kevin Dolan’s practice
At WA Laparoscopic & Obesity Surgery in Perth, Dr Kevin Dolan provides personalised weight‑loss solutions for patients throughout Western Australia. His team includes surgeons, dietitians, psychologists and nursing staff who support you before and after surgery. Whether you opt for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass or another procedure, you will receive education on nutrition and lifestyle changes, regular follow‑ups and access to support groups. This holistic approach helps ensure that weight loss is not only achieved but also maintained.
Making an informed choice
The wave of Ozempic lawsuits is a cautionary tale: there is no “magic injection” for lasting weight loss. While medications may be appropriate for some individuals under medical supervision, they carry potential side effects and their long‑term safety for weight management is still being studied. If you have struggled with obesity and associated health problems, bariatric surgery may offer a more reliable path to improved health. To determine the best option for you, schedule a consultation with Dr Kevin Dolan. Together, you can discuss your goals, review the risks and benefits, and decide whether surgical weight loss is right for you.