Horrifying Side Effects from Ozempic, Wegovy, and Other So-Called Weight Loss Drugs

Meg ORourke, RD-LDN
Jul 2
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

I was put on this earth to change the way you think about food—and today, we need to talk about something serious: the terrifying side effects that are starting to emerge from GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.

If you're already on these drugs, or if your doctor has mentioned them to you, I’m not here to fearmonger. I’m here to empower you. There are natural alternatives to support the GLP-1 pathway that don’t come with vision loss, muscle wasting, or being a guinea pig for Big Pharma.

Let’s dig in.

The Broken Medical System & Why It's Failing You

Let’s be honest: most doctors aren’t trained in nutrition, food sensitivities, or the microbiome. If you’ve hit a wall with conventional medicine, you’re not alone. I’ve worked with countless clients who were scoped every which way by a GI doctor, only to be told they have “IBS” and sent on their way.

Meanwhile, the microbiome—a.k.a. your second brain—is crying for help.

The truth is diet shapes the microbiome and your microbiome impacts your brain, metabolism, immune system, and even your weight. Fix the gut, fix the brain. Fix the brain, fix the gut.

Diet-Related Diseases Are the #1 Cause of Death in the U.S.

It’s terrifying that while food-related conditions like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes are killing people daily, most medical schools barely teach nutrition.

If your doctor’s solution is to hand you a prescription for a GLP-1 weight loss drug—without helping you address root causes—it’s time for a new plan. And no, counting calories and eating like a bird won’t cut it. We need to work smarter, not harder.

Test, Don’t Guess

After a personal health scare that led to five unnecessary surgeries, I took my health into my own hands. That’s when I created the BioUnique Boutique—my signature six-step program that uses functional nutrition testing to guide healing. We're talking:

Nutrigenomics: Eating according to your genes
Food sensitivity testing
Micronutrient and toxicity testing
Healing leaky gut
Reducing inflammation
Restoring balance in your microbiome

The Truth About GLP-1 Medications: New Risks Emerging

Here’s what the studies are starting to show:

Vision changes and blindness
Muscle loss (and with it, a sluggish metabolism)
Bone density loss
Increased use among children (yes, pediatric patients are now being prescribed Ozempic)

And guess what? These drugs haven’t been studied for long-term use in people without diabetes. You are the experiment.

Natural Ways to Increase the GLP-1 Pathway

You don’t need a shot to make your body work better. Here's what really helps support that GLP-1 pathway:

Probiotics (including specific strains like Akkermansia)
High-fiber foods: Think lentils, chickpeas, beans, berries, and pomegranate
Green tea and plant polyphenols
Hydration—simple but effective
Adequate protein (to preserve muscle and keep you full)
Complex carbs like quinoa and sweet potatoes
Proper sleep and magnesium intake

If you're thinking, “This sounds like a lot,” don't worry. When we work together, I’ll guide you with personalized supplement and food protocols based on YOUR test results.

Let’s Talk About Akkermansia (Yes, Big Word Alert!)

Akkermansia is a keystone strain in your gut that supports the intestinal lining and healthy weight. Low levels are often linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and—you guessed it—weight loss resistance.

On the microbiome tests I run, we see this strain missing far too often. The good news? There are probiotics that contain it. But buyer beware: not all supplements are created equal, especially from big box stores. I only use vetted sources—no Amazon roulette here.

My Own Healing Journey

I’m not just a practitioner—I’m also a patient. I was injured in the hospital, dismissed by doctors, and told my symptoms were “just anxiety.” Sound familiar? That’s when I stopped guessing and started testing. It changed my life, and now I help others do the same.

Free Tools to Get Started

At harmonywithfood.com, you can:

Book a free call with me (no strings attached)
Get 40+ healthy snack suggestions
Search 370+ podcast episodes
Read up on food sensitivities, GLP-1 support, and more on the blog

Click the white button that says “Free Call with Meg” and let’s talk about how we can get you back to feeling like YOU again.

It’s Time to Be Your Own Healthcare Advocate

Remember: if Big Pharma wins, you lose. I’m not anti-medicine—I’m anti-BS. So use your skills, not the pills. Be curious, ask questions, and stop settling for generic diagnoses and prescription pads.