Source: The Guardian / British Journal of Ophthalmology (March 2026)

A major study published in March 2026 has drawn attention to rarer, more serious side effects that extend beyond standard stomach upset.

• Vision Concerns (NAION): New research found that patients using semaglutide injections (Wegovy) for weight loss had a significantly higher risk of developing Non-arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy. 
• Neuropathy (NAION)—essentially an "eye stroke" that causes sudden vision loss. Interestingly, this risk was not significantly detected in users of the oral tablet (Rybelsus) or lower-dose diabetes versions, suggesting that the "spike" in blood concentration from high-dose injections may be a factor.
• Organ Health: Physicians are being urged to monitor for pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain) and kidney strain, the latter of which is often a secondary effect of dehydration caused by the drug's primary side effects (nausea/diarrhea).