Ozempic for Weight Loss

In recent months, quick weight loss has been more readily available thanks to Ozempic and other brands.

So what is the craze about?

The first GLP-1 receptor agonist (class of medications that help manage blood sugar) was approved in 2005. Primarily, it is used for diabetes and used alongside a healthier diet and exercise. Assisting your pancreas in producing more insulin, your liver is unable to create excessive sugar. This has the effect of slowing down your digestion, leaving the feeling of satiety.

While there have not been extensive tests to gauge the effect on weight after discontinuation, one test saw subjects regaining 11% of the lost weight in the following year. It is not FDA-approved for weight loss.

This drug is not dangerous in general; however, we do not know the long-term effects. Shorter term side effects can include cancer/tumors, pancreatitis, changes in vision, low blood sugar, kidney problems, gallbladder problems, bowel obstruction, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation and allergic reactions. Most commonly this can cause gastrointestinal upset.

Ozempic does not claim to be a weight loss drug. For health purposes, it does exactly what it claims to do. Here’s my issue. Yes, it can help you get weight off faster than lifestyle changes. However, many people are using it alone, without adjusting their diet and exercise. And in order to sustain weight loss, it needs to be taken long-term. And long term is currently an unknown.

Gambling can pay off. Gambling can also leave you worse off than how it found you.

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The opinions in this article are my own and should not be taken as medical advice. Please reach out for sources used.