Trish Webster, a 56-year-old Australian woman, tragically lost her life after taking a weight loss drug in preparation for her daughter’s wedding. The medication she was prescribed, Ozempic, is commonly used to treat Type 2 diabetes and aid in weight loss. However, her story took a devastating turn when she developed gastrointestinal complications that ultimately led to her death. Now, her husband is issuing a warning, stating that the popular weight loss drug is not worth the risk.
Ozempic has gained popularity as a weight loss drug worldwide. According to the New York Post, the drug works by mimicking a natural hormone called GLP-1, which slows down the digestion process, making individuals feel fuller for longer periods. However, if the drug slows down the stomach too much or obstructs the intestines, it can lead to serious problems. Mrs. Webster took Ozempic alongside another prescription injection called Saxenda and managed to lose around 15 kg in just five months. Initially, the medication seemed promising, but it soon caused her health to deteriorate.
On January 16, a few months before her daughter’s wedding, Mrs. Webster’s husband found her unconscious, with brown liquid coming out of her mouth. He immediately performed CPR, but sadly, she passed away that night. The cause of death was listed as acute gastrointestinal illness. Although medical professionals have not directly linked her death to the usage of Ozempic and Saxenda, her husband firmly believes that these drugs were responsible for her tragic fate.
In response to the incident, the manufacturer of Ozempic, Novo Nordisk, released a statement claiming that the stomach complication ileus was only reported after the drug had already been released and gained significant popularity. This suggests that they became aware of the problem in a post-marketing setting, once the drug had become a pharmaceutical success.
The heartbreaking loss of Trish Webster serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with weight loss medications. Her husband’s warning echoes the sentiment that the pursuit of weight loss should not come at the expense of one’s health and well-being.
