"Odds are if you've been on TikTok or Twitter as of late, you've seen this new drug, Ozempic, be mentioned."
The recent online frenzy surrounding Ozempic, a diabetes drug increasingly repurposed for weight loss, has sparked numerous conversations and resulted in misinformation about its true effects. As with all medication, understanding the science behind it is essential for safe and effective use.
Ozempic is a medication that's been FDA approved for patients with diabetes. It's designed to help control blood sugar and, as an added bonus, it decreases the likelihood of major cardiovascular events and boosts weight loss. Its effectiveness for weight loss has led to off-label use, creating a surge in demand, especially on popular platforms like TikTok.
The active ingredient in Ozempic, Semaglutide, has been repackaged under a different brand name, Wegovy, and given FDA approval as a weight loss medication to be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes for individuals who are obese or overweight with one weight-related diagnosis.
"There is a huge rise of misinformation happening at this very moment that we have to fact check."
How Does Ozempic Work?
The primary active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide, a medication that mimics the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 is a hormone that is naturally released in our bodies after we eat. It signals to our brains that we are full and need to stop eating, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and slows the speed at which the stomach empties.
In this way, Ozempic effectively works as an appetite suppressant. By imitating GLP-1, it slows down gastric emptying, making you feel full and satiated for a longer period. This means you are likely to consume fewer calories, and therefore, lose weight. However, it's important to note that this does not mean you can eat excessively while on this medication. Overeating can lead to adverse side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. The drug is meant to aid in moderating your appetite, not to serve as an antidote to overindulgence.
The sudden surge in popularity of Ozempic and its misrepresentation online has led to a serious rise in misinformation. It's time to clarify some misconceptions:
Misconception: Ozempic Burns Calories You Consume
The drug isn't a free pass to overeat. On the contrary, it slows down gastric emptying, making you feel full and suppressing your appetite. Overeating while taking this medication can lead to an increase in side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
The pharmaceutical company, seeing the opportunity in the market, decided to repackage the generic medication found within Ozempic, Semaglutide, under a different brand name: Wegovy. This version is approved for use alongside lifestyle changes for overweight or obese individuals with at least one weight-related condition like hypertension or high cholesterol.
However, people have begun to misuse these medications, leading to a dangerous shortage, impacting those with a genuine need due to their diabetes diagnosis.
"It operates as an appetite suppressant, slowing gastric emptying and creating a feeling of fullness. Its role is to modulate appetite, leading to reduced calorie intake and subsequent weight loss."
Misconceptions: Ozempic is Ideal for Quick Weight Loss and Only Reduces Body Fat
The narrative of rapid weight loss with Ozempic misuse, especially by those at a healthy weight, is risky. Weight regain is likely after stopping the medication. Worse, the rapid loss could lead to a "hollowed-out" appearance or "Ozempic face" due to losing the subcutaneous fat in the skin.
Another misunderstanding is that Ozempic exclusively reduces body fat. In truth, patients on the drug tend to lose both body fat and lean muscle mass. However, with proper nutritional advice and resistance and weight training, some of the muscle mass can be retained.
Misconception: Ozempic Should be a First-line Treatment for Weight Loss
Finally, despite showing promise for weight loss in overweight or obese individuals, the risks and side effects associated with these drugs should not be overlooked. Along with gastrointestinal issues, potential increases in thyroid cancer risk with long-term use have been suggested.
It's critical to note that weight is not the sole determinant of one's health. Lifestyle improvement should be the focus, which involves nutrition, fitness, sleep, and mental health considerations. While medications like Ozempic can be tools in the arsenal for weight loss, they should not be viewed as a silver bullet solution.
"When I think about my patient's health, I don't just think about their weight. Weight is not the sole determinant of one's health."
Key Points:
- Ozempic is a diabetes medication that's been FDA approved, it has found off-label use for weight loss.
- The medication works as an appetite suppressant, not a calorie burner.
- Along with fat loss, muscle mass may also decrease.
- Rapid weight loss through misuse can lead to undesirable side effects.
- Risks and potential side effects should be evaluated before considering Ozempic for weight loss.
- A focus on overall lifestyle improvement is essential for better health, rather than just weight loss.
Conclusion
In the pursuit of wellness, it is crucial to approach weight loss thoughtfully and responsibly. The Ozempic phenomenon shines a light on the potential pitfalls of taking shortcuts to weight loss. Although the drug can aid in weight management, it should be used responsibly and as part of a holistic health plan, under medical supervision. The surge in popularity and off-label use of Ozempic underscores the importance of factual information and dispelling misconceptions. It is not a miracle pill, but a tool to be used within the broader context of a balanced lifestyle. And remember, one size does not fit all. Personalized health plans, tailored to individual needs and circumstances, remain at the heart of sustainable weight loss and overall health.
Katerina
Ari Horesh
Katerina