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Ozempic users have been warned about one of the potential side effects they might have to suffer through during this week's heatwave in the UK.
While most of us will be worrying about whether or not to sleep with a fan on or how to stay cool in the high temperatures, it seems as if anyone who has been using GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro might have to contend with two extra struggles in the sunny weather.
Anyone who has been taking the drugs, which are primarily produced to treat Type 2 diabetes but have become popular ways of losing weight quickly, will be well aware of the many side effects that can pop up while on the medication, with some blokes even reporting cases of 'Ozempic penis' recently.
But that sounds far preferable than some of the health side effects that could be triggered by the hot weather in the UK this summer.
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Risk of GLP‑1 drugs like Ozempic in heat
According to verywellhealth, GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, which is likely to lead to severe dehydration in hot weather as we struggle to retain fluids in the body.
It is also suggested that Ozempic users can struggle with heat intolerance, which refers to a decreased ability to tolerate or regulate body temperature in hot environments.
While it's not completely confirmed why this is, researchers suggest it could be down to Ozempic affecting the body's thermoregulatory system.
What are the symptoms of heat intolerance?
If the potential for vomiting and diarrhoea wasn't bad enough, heat intolerance can lead to some far more serious problems if you don't keep yourself safe in the sun.
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Symptoms of heat intolerance include excessive sweating, dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and general discomfort when exposed to heat, which certainly won't be enjoyable if you commute on public transport or work in an office with terrible air con.
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How can you reduce symptoms of heat intolerance?
It's vital if you're struggling with these symptoms that you take lots of measures to keep yourself cool.
You can do this by staying hydrated, which is especially important if you're suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea.
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It is also recommended that you dress appropriately for the weather, seek shade or air-conditioned environments, use cooling aids, plan your outdoor activities wisely and avoid physical exertion.
How hot will it get in the UK this week?
For those of you who love the sun then there's good news here as it's likely to be well over 25 degrees for the foreseeable future, even soaring above 30 degrees on some occasions.
However, it's a stark reminder that things are only going to get hotter, with the Met Office warning about extreme weather which could reach 46 degrees in the future, causing most of us Brits to actually melt.
James Moorhouse