Lawsuit Alleges Severe Health Consequences from Weight Loss Medication
Brad Roberts, a 44-year-old father of four, initially celebrated his significant weight loss achieved through the use of Ozempic, a medication known for its weight-reducing effects. Within one month of beginning treatment, he lost 24 pounds, and over the course of six months, his weight dropped from 300 pounds to 157 pounds.
Encouraged by his transformation, Roberts agreed to participate in a promotional campaign for his former employer, LifeMD, a telehealth company. In the advertisement, he shared how the loss of his father led him to turn to food for comfort. Expressing renewed confidence, he stated: “For the first time in five years, I feel confident, I feel the difference. Making a change is possible.”
However, Roberts now contends that his rapid weight loss caused serious health complications. In a lawsuit filed against the physician who prescribed the medication, Dr. Tony Puopolo, he claims to suffer from debilitating pain in his joints, muscles, and stomach, often confining him to bed for up to 18 hours per day. Additionally, he alleges that the loss of fatty tissue in his ears has led to severe balance issues, making it difficult to stand and walk, particularly on stairs.
Court documents indicate that Roberts has experienced cognitive impairments, memory loss, and quadruple vision—symptoms that have been linked in rare cases to weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy. The lawsuit further alleges that Dr. Puopolo, through LifeMD, prescribed excessive and sometimes unapproved medications between November 2022 and 2023 in an effort to accelerate weight loss. At one stage, Roberts was reportedly losing 3.5 pounds per week, surpassing the generally recommended rate of 1 to 2 pounds per week.
Dr. Brent Wilkerson, a physician treating Roberts for his hearing issues, stated in legal filings that the rapid reduction of fat around his ear canals has severely impacted his hearing, making sounds appear muffled and causing persistent tinnitus. He described how loud noises exacerbate the condition, leading to severe pain, pressure, and migraines, forcing Roberts to wear wool caps to minimize auditory discomfort.
Rapid weight loss can lead to the shrinking of fatty tissue surrounding the Eustachian tubes, which connect the ears to the throat. When these tubes fail to close properly, hearing complications may arise. While such effects remain rare, there have been increasing reports of similar cases among users of Ozempic.
Despite undergoing multiple surgeries in an attempt to restore his hearing, Roberts claims that the procedures have been unsuccessful. A psychologist, Dr. Yadira Lockard, who has treated him since 2015, also provided testimony in the lawsuit, stating that his mental capacity has significantly deteriorated.
According to Dr. Lockard, Roberts had previously exhibited no cognitive impairments beyond generalized anxiety. However, beginning in December 2023, she noted a drastic decline in his ability to function. She reported that he struggled with basic tasks such as reading and responding to emails, banking, and driving for more than a few minutes at a time. Additionally, he allegedly lost the ability to engage in personal and family matters effectively.
Medical experts have warned that excessive use of GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic, can result in severe side effects, including gastrointestinal disturbances, pancreatitis, bile duct complications, hypoglycemia, and in extreme cases, fatal outcomes.
Roberts also described experiencing persistent ear pain, dental discomfort, and oral sensitivity. He reported a constant burning sensation on the roof of his mouth, alternating with episodes of extreme cold, as well as swelling of the tongue that limited his ability to consume solid foods.
While research on the oral health effects of weight loss medications remains limited, some specialists have observed cases of enamel erosion, tooth decay, and increased oral sensitivity, which may stem from the acid reflux commonly associated with these drugs.
The lawsuit claims that Roberts’ medications were prescribed following a video consultation with Dr. Puopolo, with no subsequent follow-ups or warnings about potential risks.
Endocrinologist Dr. Robert Cooper, who has specialized in diabetes care for over 25 years, asserted in legal documents that overprescribing GLP-1 medications can have severe consequences. Based on his review of the case, he believes the prescribing physician demonstrated negligence.
No trial date has been set for the case. In response to the allegations, representatives for Dr. Puopolo and LifeMD have denied any wrongdoing, describing the claims as without merit and seeking their dismissal in court.
Ozempic was originally developed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, aiding in blood sugar regulation. However, due to its effectiveness as an appetite suppressant, it has been widely adopted as a weight loss treatment. While some researchers remain skeptical about the link between Ozempic and hearing loss, the number of reported incidents continues to rise.
