Busting the Ozempic Hype: Examining Its Potential Drawbacks
Ozempic Explained: A Detailed Look at the Diabetes Drug
In recent times, the diabetes drug Ozempic has been gracing the lips of celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Kathy Bates, and Elon Musk. Marketed as a "weight loss injection," Ozempic has generated a storm in the wellness industry, propelling the once-dominant Weight Watchers into bankruptcy. Though its potential benefits for diseases like fatty liver, kidney damage, and Alzheimer's are being extensively researched, concerns regarding its disadvantages and side effects are surfacing. Two diabetologists weigh in on the buzz surrounding Ozempic, as reported by ntv.de.
Is Ozempic truly a "weight loss injection"?
Before diving into the hype, it's essential to set the record straight: "Ozempic is not a weight loss injection," clarifies Jochen Seufert, head of endocrinology and diabetology at the University Hospital Freiburg. The primary function of Ozempic is managing diabetes, and the weight loss effect is often a secondary, welcomed side-effect.
Despite millions using Ozempic and its predecessors for over 20 years, serious, unwanted side effects are infrequent, according to Seufert. The active ingredient, semaglutide, which mimics appetite-regulating hormones, sometimes causes minor gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or heartburn. However, these side effects can be effectively managed with proper dosage adjustments.
The real catch: Underuse in Obesity Treatment
For Jürgen Wagner, the issue isn't the side effects; it's the underuse of semaglutides for the treatment of obesity. In Germany, 25% of the population is officially classified as obese, but Wagner suspects the actual figure to be much higher. Complications such as diabetes, sleep apnea, arthritis, high blood pressure, and increased stroke risk are associated with obesity. "It's a boon that we now have effective medications to combat obesity-related issues," says Wagner.
Suppressed Hunger, Reduced Food Intake: The Promised Weight Loss Effect
Ozempic essentially acts as a medication that suppresses the user's hunger and slows down digestion. "As the hunger is significantly suppressed, food consumption decreases, leading to weight loss," explains Wagner.
Fertility Changes and "Ozempic Face"
One side effect often associated with Ozempic is what's colloquially referred to as the "Ozempic face." Characterized by sunken cheeks, hollow eyes, and wrinkles, the so-called "Ozempic face" is rarely seen in clinical practice. Diabetologists warn that such effects are typically the result of improper use or misuse of the drug by individuals who do not require Ozempic for weight loss but are pursuing it for aesthetic purposes. There have been instances of supply shortages due to the weight loss hype, making it challenging for diabetes patients to acquire their medication.
Individuals who experience dramatic weight loss, including those using Ozempic, may notice improvements in fertility due to the normalization of hormones. It's important to note that semaglutide may affect the absorption of the contraceptive pill, potentially reducing its effectiveness.
The Push for Responsible Use and Balanced Approach
Kathy Bates, an actress battling weight issues, defends her decision to use Ozempic in conjunction with diet and exercise modifications. Diabetologist Jochen Seufert supports her stance, calling it "a blessing, and there may be a Nobel Prize for it." The key, the experts agree, is to use Ozempic responsibly, within the scope of medical guidelines, and to maintain a holistic, balanced approach to wellness.
Enrichment Data
- Potential Side Effects: Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal upset, pancreatitis, thyroid tumors, vision changes, low blood sugar, kidney failure, gallbladder problems, severe allergic reactions.
- Disadvantages Beyond Side Effects: Weight regain, loss of muscle mass, cost, cosmetic concerns like "Ozempic face" and "Ozempic teeth," legal and regulatory issues.
The use of medicines like Ozempic, which mimics appetite-regulating hormones, is rooted in science, contributing to health-and-wellness by managing diabetes and offering a secondary weight loss effect. However, the misuse and overemphasis on its use for weight loss purposes alone have drawn concerns, leading to supply shortages that impact diabetes patients.
