Research has shown that Ozempic and similar medications help people lose weight. However, they are most effective when used in combination with diet and exercise.
Susanne Brown was prescribed Ozempic, which is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, to treat her type 2 diabetes and manage obesity. She’s now climbing mountains and training for a 10-kilometre run.
How Ozempic Changes Lives Through Weight Loss
Ozempic first came into the spotlight as a Type 2 diabetes medication, but it’s become famous for its impressive weight loss side effects. The injectable drug, which is also available under the name Wegovy, belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists, and it works by mimicking a hormone in your body that regulates appetite and food intake.
The drugs have helped millions of people lose weight and improve their health by curbing hunger, slowing digestion, promoting fullness, and boosting metabolism. The popularity of the drugs has shifted the way many see obesity, from stigma to medical treatment. They have also inspired many to make major lifestyle changes to maintain their weight loss.
In some cases, patients who take Ozempic to lose weight have even been able to cut out unhealthy foods from their diets altogether and exercise more regularly. They have also found that the medications help control cravings for a wide range of substances, from alcohol and nicotine to sugary treats and skin picking.
But like any medication, Ozempic Weight Loss has side effects that should be taken into account by anyone considering it to manage their weight loss goals. Some of these include nausea, dizziness, and jitteriness. If you experience these symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately. It’s also important to tell your doctor if you are thinking about getting pregnant or breastfeeding, as this medicine may harm an unborn baby in some cases.
Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which stimulates the stomach to produce less acid and delay emptying of food. It also causes a small decrease in hunger. The drug is used to treat diabetes and obesity. It may also improve cardiovascular risk factors. It was recently approved for weight loss and heart health in people with type 2 diabetes.
It is available in several forms, including a pen that delivers injections. Your doctor will determine which dosage is best for you. The FDA hasn’t found any increased toxicity with higher doses. However, some patients experience nausea. They also might develop acid reflux from the medication. In a clinical trial, about 2% of patients stopped taking Ozempic due to side effects.
A shortage of the medication has been reported in the United States. It may take time for a pharmacy to receive the needed supplies and get approval from the FDA to begin compounding.
The shortage has caused some patients to turn to alternative medications with similar benefits. This practice is known as off-label use of a medication. It’s very common across the medical industry.
Injections are available in various strengths. Typically, a physician will start you on a lower dosage and slowly increase it until you reach the optimal dosage for your needs. You should inform your doctor of any allergy or other health issue you have to make sure the treatment is safe for you. You should also tell them if you’ve had a gallbladder problem, such as cholecystitis or cholelithiasis.
Side Effects
Ozempic is a medication that reduces blood sugar and curbs appetite in people with diabetes. It does this by mimicking a hormone that your gut produces when you eat. This hormone, called GLP-1, slows the speed at which food leaves your stomach and enters your intestines. It also prompts your body to produce more insulin, which lowers blood sugar levels.
Ozempic also prevents your liver from releasing a hormone that causes your blood sugar to go up. It can be injected under the skin, usually in your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. It’s important to use it on the same day each week. If you miss a dose, wait until the next scheduled injection. You can use this medicine with or without food.
Side effects of Ozempic can include a dull or severe headache, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or tenderness, and weight loss. These gastrointestinal symptoms are more common in women than men. This may be due to differences in the way women’s bodies metabolize drugs.
Despite her positive experience with Ozempic, Brown believes the drug won’t solve her long-term health problems. She says that she’s working on a broader program to change her negative beliefs about her body and relationship with food. She’s now running long-distance races, and men who knew her at a heavier weight are dating her.
Taking Ozempic
As much as people like Kimberly Tabor and ShantaQuilette Develle Carter-Williams appreciate the benefits of Ozempic, they all agree that it’s not a quick pass to good health. They still need to watch what they eat and exercise. For the most part, they agreed that the medication has reduced their cravings for fatty or sugary foods and all but eliminated mindless eating.
In addition to helping them lose weight, the medication has also helped them lower their blood sugar levels. This reduction in sugar can help protect against heart disease. It can also prevent serious diabetic complications such as vision problems, kidney problems, and nerve damage.
Ozempic is given as a shot under the skin twice a week, usually in the abdomen. It’s delivered in prefilled pens that are easy to use. People need to follow their doctor’s instructions for how to use the pens. They should talk to their doctor about what foods they should avoid and how to exercise while taking the drug.
Lyon agrees that Ozempic shouldn’t be used to treat obesity without a comprehensive program to address a patient’s mental health. He supports the “health at any size” movement, which acknowledges that being thin doesn’t necessarily mean being healthy. However, he says, drugs like Ozempic can be helpful for some people who are living with obesity and facing severe health risks.
