The Lowdown on Ozempic: Separating the Hype from the Reality
Ozempic explained: An FDA-approved medication used for managing type 2 diabetes, sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss. It belongs to the class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists.
Ozempic, a popular diabetes drug, has been making waves due to its weight loss benefits, with celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Kathy Bates, and Elon Musk endorsing it. However, it's essential to examine the flip side: the potential drawbacks of Ozempic as a weight loss solution. We've got two diabetes specialists sharing their insights on this buzzing medication.
Ozempic or Wegovy? In our corner of the world, Ozempic is used for diabetes management, while Wegovy, containing the same active ingredient, is prescribed for weight loss.
First things first: Ozempic is not an explicit weight loss solution, says Jochen Seufert, head of endocrinology and diabetes at the University Hospital Freiburg. It's a diabetes medication that sometimes induces weight loss as one of its side effects. While millions of individuals in Germany take Ozempic and similar meds, with predecessors on the market for two decades, unwanted side effects are relatively uncommon. "These are highly beneficial drugs, and the positive effects outweigh the negatives," asserts Jürgen Wagner, chief physician for internal medicine at the Stauffenburg Clinic.
Appetite suppression
When you take Ozempic, you're ingesting semaglutide, which mimics hormones promoting feelings of fullness. Its function also slows down the digestive system and stomach emptying, ultimately resulting in less food intake and weight loss.
Factoid: A long-term study reveals that regular exercise plays a more significant role in reducing cancer recurrence risks compared to medication alone.
Side effects and risks
Despite its efficacy, Ozempic isn't always smooth sailing. The semaglutide that slows down the digestive tract may lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or heartburn, though these side effects are manageable with precise dosing. Contrary to rumors, semaglutide is believed to minimally, if at all, increase the risk of thyroid and pancreatic cancer, following large-scale studies. Only isolated instances of pancreatitis may occur.
Underutilization and off-label use
Despite the benefits, Jürgen Wagner believes that semaglutides are not used enough to tackle obesity. Obesity-related ailments such as diabetes, sleep apnea, arthritis, high blood pressure, and stroke are significant concerns for 25 percent (officially) of Germans. Ignoring this problem can have severe consequences.
Peculiar side effects
In some cases, the so-called "Ozempic babies" may occur due to increased fertility stemming from weight loss, independent of Semaglutid. Additionally, the Ozempic face—characterized by sunken cheeks, hollow eyes, and wrinkles—while often discussed, is rarely witnessed in clinical settings, as it primarily reflects misuse.
In essence, while Ozempic can significantly contribute to weight loss for those with diabetes, it's crucial to address the drug's potential side effects and risks, especially when used off-label. Consistent medical monitoring is always advisable.
- Diabetes
- Medicines
- Diet
- Fertility
- Pregnancy
• The use of medicines like Ozempic, which is often prescribed for diabetes management, can induce weight loss as a side effect, thanks to its active ingredient, semaglutide, that mimics hormones promoting feelings of fullness and slows down the digestive system.
• Addressing the potential side effects and risks of weight-management medications such as Ozempic is crucial, especially when used off-label, as misuse can lead to peculiar side effects like the Ozempic face or increased fertility, potentially impacting health-and-wellness and nutrition during pregnancy.
