Rare but serious adverse effects include pancreatitis (though causality remains uncertain), gallbladder disease, and potential thyroid C-cell tumors (observed in rodent studies but not conclusively demonstrated in humans)
However, despite low intra-portal insulin levels, low IGF-I and increased fat mass and decreased lean body mass, their glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity remains unaffected and in fact, is comparable to normal controls (151, 152)
Because the current prevalence is low, I haven't seen this side effect yet in my patients
Those who are lower on the obese BMI range - a BMI between 30 and 34.9kg/m2 - could also be offered the drug if they have a weight-related health condition
Chen YM, Chiang WC, Lin SL, Tsai TJ