AI scans 400,000 Reddit posts, flags unexpected GLP-1 drug side effects

Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science employed AI tools, including GPT-type models, to process over 400,000 Reddit posts discussing semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound). The analysis, published in Nature Health, identified that 44% of users reported at least one adverse effect, with gastrointestinal problems matching known trial data.

Notably, nearly 4% described menstrual irregularities and another group reported chills, hot flashes, or unusual temperature sensations, as well as fatigue, which are less emphasized in official labels. Researchers caution that these findings are associative, not causal, but suggest that patient-generated online content can highlight overlooked symptoms. They propose expanding the approach to other platforms and languages to verify whether these signals appear globally. The study underscores how rapid AI processing of social media could complement traditional clinical trials by providing early warnings for emerging drug safety concerns.