Health Advisory Committee – Health Information

Problems with Weight Loss Drugs CAlled GLP-1RAs

What are these drugs?
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) were first made to help people with Type II diabetes. Now, they’re also used to help people lose weight. You might see ads on TV or online telling you to ask your doctor about these drugs. But those ads don’t always talk about the problems or side effects.

How do they work?
These drugs act like hormones in your body that control hunger and blood sugar. In studies, they helped people lose a lot of weight. But in real life, they don’t always work as well. Some people don’t take the drugs the right way, and many stop using them because of side effects or because they cost too much.

What happens when you stop?
If you stop taking these drugs, you’ll likely gain back the weight you lost. This means you might need to take them for a long time, maybe even forever.

Side effects
As more people use these drugs, we’re learning about more side effects. The most common ones are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These happened to about 80% of people in big studies. Other possible problems include stomach issues, gallbladder problems, pancreas issues, eye problems, and even a rare condition that can cause blindness.

Risks vs. benefits
More drugs like these are being made, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about whether they’re safe for you. We still need more research to understand how well they work, how people use them, and what side effects they might cause over time.

Be careful of counterfeit drugs
Some people are selling counterfeit versions of these drugs without a doctor’s guidance. This is dangerous and can cause serious problems. You should only take these drugs if a doctor prescribes them and explains the risks clearly.

Talk to your doctor
Before starting these drugs, make sure your doctor explains everything so you understand the good and bad parts. Don’t take these medications unless prescribed by a physician!

References
Thomas R. W., Mailhac A., Lohde J. B., & Pottegard A. (2025). Real-world evidence on the utilization, clinical and comparative effectiveness, and adverse effects of newer GLP-1RA-based weight-loss therapies. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 27(Suppl. 2), 66–88.

Zhang J., Wei J., & et al. (2025). Focus on glucagon-like peptide-1 target: Drugs approved or designed to treat obesity. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(9), 1651–1681.

Facts About Michigan’s Non-Opioid Directive Legislation

About the Non-Opioid Directive
The Non-Opioid Directive law gives Michigan patients the right to deny treatment with opioids. It requires health professionals and insurers to inform patients of their right to refuse opioids and to provide accessible documentation for this directive. The law aims to address the opioid epidemic, which took thousands of lives in Michigan, including 2,591 deaths in 2018.

Key Legislative Components of the Non-Opioid Directive

1. HB 5261
   • Mandates procedures for recording a non-opioid directive form in a patient’s medical record, including electronic medical records, to ensure healthcare professionals are informed of a patient’s refusal of opioids.
2. HB 5262
   • Requires insurers operating in Michigan to provide a non-opioid directive form to insured individuals during enrollment. This ensures all insured patients have the opportunity to access and complete this directive.
3. HB 5263
   • Obligates insurers to make the non-opioid directive form available on their websites, enhancing accessibility for patients and making the process more transparent and user-friendly.
4. HB 5264
   • Compels hospitals to publicly post the non-opioid directive form on their websites. This enables patients to easily find, sign, and submit the directive as part of their medical care preferences.

Implementation and Supporting Legislation

• The laws were signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on March 23, 2022.
• The legislation was part of a broader set of healthcare bills addressing the opioid crisis.
• Prominent leaders, including state officials, union representatives, and healthcare professionals, have voiced support for these measures.