Ozempic and other GLP-1 weight loss drugs have become a sensation in recent years, which helps millions to throw pounds while managing blood sugar. But new research shows that these popular medicines can have unexpected consequences in addition to the well -known side effects such as nausea, sulfurburps, fatigue or gastrointestinal changes. A new study presented at the 38th annual Congress of the European Association of Nuclear Medicine emphasizes that GLP-1 drugs can interfere with PET-CT-Scans, a crucial tool for detecting cancer and inflammatory diseases. This disorder can mask serious conditions or cause healthy tissue to seem abnormal, which potentially delay life -saving diagnoses or lead to unnecessary tests and treatments.
How Ozempic works to lose weight
Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medicines such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro mimic a natural hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite. They increase insulin production, slow digestion and promote a sense of fullness and help users lose weight effectively. In addition to helping weight loss, these drugs have metabolic benefits, such as improving glycemic control, reducing insulin resistance and lowering the risk of diabetes -related complications. However, the same mechanisms that make GLP-1 drugs effective also change cellular metabolism and absorption of glucose-like trackers used in medical imaging. This unexpected interaction can create unusual “hot places” on PET-CAT scans, confusing radiologists and potential masking or imitating disease.
PET-CT scan connection
PET-CT scanning combines two powerful imaging tools: PET scan shows metabolic activity in cells, while the CT scan provides detailed anatomical images of organs and tissues. PET scans use a radioactive tracker called FDG, which is more absorbed by cells with higher metabolism speeds, such as cancer or inflamed cells. CT scans map the body’s physical structure, which allows doctors to find deviations exactly. When these images are combined, PET-CT gives a comprehensive image that helps to detect cancer at an early stage and track treatment response. However, GLP-1 medicines such as Ozempic can change FDG absorption patterns, which causes unusual trace distribution that may look like false positive or mask real deviations. This makes the interpretation more challenging and can delay or complicate diagnoses.
Risks of misunderstood scanning
Doctors have observed that patients on GLP-1 medication often show changed PET-CT scan results. These changes can resemble abnormal growth or inflammation even if no one exists, which potentially gets unnecessary biopsies, repeated scans or invasive procedures. MIS Interpretation of Scanning can also lead to incorrect staging of cancer, affecting treatment plans and prognosis. With about 12% of us adults using these drugs, the problem is becoming more common. Experts warn that the lack of formal guidelines for interpreting scans for GLP-1 users can lead to increased patient’s anxiety, avoidable healthcare costs and dangerous delays to detect serious illnesses.At the moment, researchers do not recommend stopping GLP-1 medication before PET-CT-Department. Instead, they emphasize careful documentation of medication history for all patients undergoing scans. Radiologists and clinics are recommended to report GLP-1 use when interpreting results to avoid false positive and incorrect diagnoses. Strouhal and his colleagues expand their data collection across several imaging centers and cooperate internationally to establish evidence -based protocols. Their goal is to create standardized guidelines to safely and accurately interpret PET-CT scanning in patients who take these widely used drugs, which ensures that imaging remains a reliable tool for early disease detection.
What patients should know
Patients who use GLP-1 drugs should proactively inform their doctors and imaging centers about their medication. Although these drugs remain safe and effective for weight loss and diabetes management, it is crucial to understand their impact on PET-CT scanning. Being aware of these interactions helps doctors to plan tests appropriately, interpret the results correctly and reduce unnecessary stress or procedures. Patients should continue to comply with prescribed treatments while maintaining open communication with health care providers.
