Ozempic and weight loss?

Nowadays, many people look for the easiest and fastest way to lose weight. When they find themselves in front of an amazing and quick result, they keep on going for it without asking, is it right? Why is it giving me such quick results? Is it safe for me? Nobody knows the answer.

Let’s talk about a popular medication that people think it may lead them to lose weight, supposedly, without the extra effort, and quickly.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a medication created specifically to improve the management of type 2 diabetes. It was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017.

Ozempic, falls into a category called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 agonists. It activates GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas, leading to an increase in insulin release and reduced glucagon release, helping the body see lower blood glucose levels. Taken once a week.
When GLP-1 receptor agonists are administered, they send a suppressing signal to the hypothalamus of the brain that regulates appetite
Also, Ozempic causes reduced appetite and delayed glucose absorption due to slower gastric emptying. And because slower digestion keeps people fuller for a longer time, that effect is where the weight-loss buzz comes into play.
According to the Ozempic website, This medication is known for improving blood sugar and lowering the risk of strokes, heart attacks, or death in type 2 diabetes adults.
While the FDA has not approved Ozempic for weight loss, it has authorized in 2021 Wegovy, a medication made with a higher dose of the same chemical, for weight-loss support in people who are in the overweight BMI category and have at least one weight-related aliment (like high blood pressure) and people who are in the obese BMI category.
Both these drugs are also known to have potential side effects like nausea and diarrhea.
Both drugs are now in short supply, potentially affecting patients who have medical needs
The hashtag #OzempicWeightLoss now has over 84 million views on TikTok- And the weight loss drug has led to a supply shortage of Ozempic
Earlier this month, Elon Musk said on Twitter that his secret to weight loss is fasting and Wegovy

Weight loss? In what cases?

Ozempic can be prescribed by your medical specialist to treat obesity, so we can prevent the occurrence of diabetes (prediabetic patients).
But hey, Ozempic alone isn’t enough to make you lose weight, you have to take it and follow a healthy and active lifestyle. So you can lose your unwanted weight and reduce the risk of diabetes occurrence. (1)
It should also be noted that on April 2022(2): study showed that after stopping Ozempic, most people regained 2/3rd of the weight they had initially lost. Blood pressure, cholesterol levels and other measures of health also returned to what they were prior to starting the drug. This study suggests that in order to see the health benefits of this drug in the long-term, you need to stay on it indefinitely. As this medication was only approved by FDA in 2017, there isn’t enough long-term research showing if extended use of this drug is safe.

In what cases Ozempic is prescribed?

Anyone with a BMI > 30 is a candidate for pharmacotherapie (taking the Ozempic)
Anyone with a BMI > 27 accompanied with comorbidities (Hypertension, Dyslipidemia…) is a candidate for pharmacotherapie (taking the Ozempic)
You cannot take Ozempic on your own (intentional weight loss, or normal BMI patient), without prescription, just to lose weight! It can be more of a harm than a help
How? Attention!
This drug isn’t safe or suitable for everyone.
If you use it without prescription and without the need to take it, many mild side effects can occur, such as (3):
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Increased gassiness
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
BUT also Changes in your sense of taste

As Per the Ozempic website, using this medication may cause serious side effects, including possible thyroid tumors, including cancer.

More severe side effects may include (3,4):
• Hypoglycemia — Also known as low blood sugar, hypoglycemia is a common side effect of medications designed to treat diabetes. While mild hypoglycemia can be corrected by eating a source of fast-release carbohydrates, severe hypoglycemia can be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate emergency medical attention.
• Pancreatitis — defined as inflammation of the pancreas, pancreatitis can be incredibly painful. Additionally, because insulin is created and released from the pancreas, inflammation of this area can cause serious health problems for those living with type 2 diabetes.
• Kidney problems (Kidney Failure). In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration), causing kidney problems to get worse. It is important for you to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration.
• Diabetic retinopathy — Ozempic therapy can cause significant damage to the capillaries of the retina in the eye. When this occurs, permanent visual disturbances can appear, which can cause significant disability.
• Anaphylaxis — while it is not a common reaction, some people may develop a life-threatening allergic reaction to Ozempic. If this occurs, the person will require immediate emergency medical attention and life-saving medication as soon as possible.
• Gallbladder problems. Inform your healthcare provider right away if you get symptoms like: pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or clay-colored stools.

In the end, there is no wonder drug for weight loss.

To conclude, Ozempic can only be taken in cases of type 2 diabetes occurrence but also in case of Predisposition (treat obesity and reduce insulin resistance), this along with a healthy and active lifestyle. Other than that patients should refrain from taking it on their own without prescription.
Ozempic has many side effects that can harm you without knowing, always rely on good source that can help you chose right and get well, which is your health care specialist and or provider.
Here are a few healthy and effective weight loss tips you can follow along with your journey.

Prioritize your health, pay attention to your choices and actions it might help or worsen.
Always refer to a health care provider.
Reference:
1. https://nortonhealthcare.com/news/wegovy-vs-ozempic/
2. https://dom-pubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dom.14725
3. https://healthmatch.io/weight-management/is-ozempic-safe-for-weight-loss
4. https://www.ozempic.com/how-to-take/side-effects.html