GLP-1 drugs, originally developed to treat diabetes, are now gaining traction as weight loss solutions, but their increased use is resulting in a surge of overdose-related emergency calls. The Georgia Poison Center has reported a troubling rise in incidents linked to these medications.
What Happened
In the past year, the Georgia Poison Center has seen a sharp increase in emergency calls related to GLP-1 drugs, also known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. These medications, initially approved for diabetes management, are now widely used for weight loss purposes. As access to these drugs has expanded, reports of overdoses have also spiked, with the center receiving 129 calls in 2023 and 246 calls in 2024. So far in 2025, the number has already reached 254.
The increase is largely driven by errors in dosing, especially among first-time users. Many individuals have mistakenly taken improper doses due to insufficient education, confusion, or unregulated online sources.
Who Are GLP-1 Drugs For?
GLP-1 drugs help regulate blood sugar and appetite, and synthetic versions of these drugs have been approved by the FDA for diabetes treatment. Some versions are also authorized for weight loss in patients with obesity. As the medications have gained popularity as weight loss solutions, an increasing number of people are seeking access to them, contributing to the rise in incidents related to their use.
Why Are There So Many Overdose Cases?
The surge in overdose-related calls is partly due to the fact that many patients are confused about the proper administration of the drugs. Lopez, executive director of the Georgia Poison Center, noted that nearly 75% of overdose calls are from individuals taking their first dose, often due to confusion about how to properly inject the medication. Many people have also resorted to purchasing the drugs from unregulated online pharmacies or compounding pharmacies, which has led to further complications.
Side Effects and Risks
Side effects of GLP-1 drugs include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, changes in heart rate, and fluctuations in blood sugar levels. While these side effects are generally mild for most users, overdoses can lead to more severe complications. More than 40% of the calls to the Georgia Poison Center required patients to be referred to the emergency room for treatment.
Lopez emphasized that with the growing popularity of GLP-1 drugs, the situation is unlikely to improve anytime soon. “I think it’s only going to get worse before it gets better,” he said.
Public Reactions and Social Media Concerns
As GLP-1 drugs continue to surge in popularity, many patients are turning to online forums and social media platforms for information on their use. However, experts caution against relying solely on internet sources for advice, as misinformation about dosing can contribute to dangerous mistakes. The public is becoming more aware of the risks associated with these drugs, and concerns about overdose and improper use are growing.
Official Statements and What Happens Next
The Georgia Poison Center and experts across the country are urging patients to be more cautious with GLP-1 drugs. They recommend double-checking prescriptions and dosages before leaving the pharmacy and using reminders to avoid taking multiple doses too close together. Patients are also advised to only purchase medications from licensed pharmacies to avoid the risks associated with unregulated online sellers.
Anyone who suspects they may have overdosed on GLP-1 drugs or has questions about proper dosing is encouraged to contact Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. Additionally, patients can save this number in their phone by texting POISON to 301-597-7137.
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This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
