Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
The drug has been making headlines and gaining celebrity attention, with endorsements from notable figures like Elon Musk, Oprah, and Rebel Wilson. But amidst the Hollywood buzz, a critical question remains: Is Ozempic safe?
What is Ozempic?
The developers initially created Ozempic as a prescription medication for individuals with type-2 diabetes. Researchers found that this remarkable drug had an unforeseen benefit: weight loss.
The prescription medication has become so popular, primarily because of its hype on social media, that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find. While doctors initially developed it as a diabetes treatment, some now prescribe it for weight loss due to its tremendous success rate.
Formulated with a compound known as Semaglutide, Ozempic is a GLP-1 agonist. Extensive research has been conducted on Semaglutide, leading to its FDA approval for weight loss. The market introduction brought it with a new brand name: Wegovy.
Wegovy, developed for individuals diagnosed as clinically obese, is not intended for those seeking to lose just a few pounds. Its creation and approval specifically cater to individuals classified as clinically obese.
If Ozempic Isn’t Right For You
Most doctors will only prescribe Ozempic to people who are obese and need more help losing weight. If your doctor has refused to give you a prescription, there are many other healthy and safe ways to lose weight.
Choosing a healthier diet is step 1. We all know that eating plays a huge role in our weight. Watch what you eat and count calories if you have to.
You can also consider intermittent fasting or starting the keto diet. Both are powerful in helping lose weight and get healthier!
Tips on Losing Weight Without Ozempic
While I don’t want to make this post about losing weight, I can’t finish it without at least offering other options to help you. Not only that, if you are using Ozempic now but considering going off of it (safely, of course, and with a doctor’s consent), you should still look into ways to eat and live healthier.
Exercise, eating healthy, and fasting have been proven to work very well together in order to help people get healthy.
Intermittent Fasting
If you aren’t familiar with intermittent fasting or full-day fasting, there are a few really good experts on YouTube you can follow and get more information from. Dr. Berg and Thomas DeLauer are good resources.
Keto
The keto, or low-carb diet, is also a really good way to help not only lose weight but improve your overall health. It might not be for everyone, but it’s worth a try.
You can check out my new site, On and Off Keto. There are plenty of good articles and recipes to help
Exercise
It’s never too late to start an exercise program, and the best part is that you don’t have to join a gym. It’s really easy to work out at home, even with no equipment. Start small, go light, and plan to exercise at least 15 minutes a day, more if you can.
PinHow Does Ozempic Work?
Ozempic acts as a precursor to a hormone that jumpstarts your pancreas into releasing more insulin. That sounds like a lot, but basically, it’s your brain telling your pancreas to release insulin.
Insulin is vital for us, and its release serves a dual purpose:
1. Blood glucose management: Maintaining blood glucose levels within a healthy range.
2. Gastric emptying regulation: This medication slows down the process of food leaving your stomach.
And what happens when food leaves your stomach slowly? You feel fuller for longer! Consequently, this leads to a reduction in appetite, resulting in weight loss. It signals your brain, shouting, “I’m full!” Using the medication means fewer late-night cravings for snacks.
To use it is simple; the injection is self-administered, typically in the stomach area or the thighs, once a week.
| It takes your brain 20 minutes to receive your stomach’s message saying it’s full. |
What Happens When You Stop Taking Ozempic?
When you stop taking it, your brain will stop receiving the “I’m full” signal. Interestingly, some individuals have reported consuming even more food after discontinuing the medication than before starting it – a potentially costly weight gain consequence.
The medication typically takes 5 to 7 weeks to exit your system entirely. One effective strategy to minimize weight gain post-treatment risk is replicating the GLP-1 signal by adopting a slower eating pace. Slower eating triggers the release of specific hormones in your intestines that promote a prolonged feeling of fullness while also activating dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone.
Instead, it can serve as a bridge to support you. At the same time, implement lifestyle changes, adjust your hormone balance, and seek guidance from healthcare professionals, such as nutritionists or dieticians, to regain control of your health.
It’s also important to recognize that relying on such a medication long-term isn’t sustainable. You might have $900 a month now, but will you have $900 a month forever? Probably not. It would be best to devise a plan with your health professionals.
Results
Over a year, individuals are experiencing a remarkable transformation, shedding at least 15% of their body weight. While this journey is undeniably thrilling, and your dress size is shrinking before your eyes, it also comes with a certain level of trepidation.
Is Ozempic Safe to Take?
The fact is, it is too early to tell the long-term effects of Ozempic use. When evaluating the safety of any medication, it is crucial to rely on scientific research and medical sources. Ozempic, known as semaglutide, has undergone rigorous testing and analysis to assess its safety and efficacy, particularly in weight loss.
Early indications are positive, as shown by extensive clinical trials. One notable study, the STEP Trials (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity), published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2020, demonstrated significant weight loss results among participants. The study highlighted the drug’s efficacy and overall safety profile in promoting weight loss among individuals struggling with obesity.
- Source: The New England Journal of Medicine, “Cardiovascular and Renal Outcomes with Semaglutide in Type 2 Diabetes,” September 2021.
As with any new medication, it is essential to consult a trusted doctor and thoroughly assess the pros and cons of a new treatment.
Potential Ozempic Side Effects
There are potential side effects when using Ozempic. Here’s a list of the most commonly reported in 5% or more of patients during Ozempic clinic trials:
- Gas
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Cramps
- Feeling bloated
Some doctors opt for a gradual approach, starting with a small dosage and incrementally increasing it over time, as this has proven effective in mitigating these side effects.
Moving on to the more severe but fortunately less common side effects, there’s the risk of pancreatitis, gallstones, and gallbladder inflammation. There’s also emerging evidence suggesting a potential link to thyroid issues, including tumors and cancer. However, further studies are required to establish a conclusive connection.
It’s essential to ponder whether these potential side effects are a trade-off you’re willing to make. How might your quality of life be impacted if you were to experience even one of these side effects?
Insurance Considerations
It’s necessary to remember that insurers typically only approve coverage for Ozempic for individuals diagnosed as clinically obese. Even then, coverage is temporary. Given the monthly cost, ranging from $900 to $1300, it’s worth noting that most insurance companies hesitate to cover this medication, often categorizing excess weight as a behavioral concern rather than a medical condition. Consequently, coverage options remain limited.
Summary: Is Ozempic Safe?
The other problem is that the United States has a drug shortage. As more and more people are using Ozempic for weight loss, the scarcity of the drug puts the health of Type-2 diabetes patients at risk.
However, when employed off-label by individuals seeking weight loss, Ozempic presents specific considerations. While it can be effective in shedding excess pounds, it also comes with potential side effects.
In conclusion, the safety of Ozempic depends on the individual’s specific health needs and goals. For type-2 diabetics, it offers a potentially valuable tool for blood sugar management.
No one knows the long-term effects of this drug, but with tens of millions of people using it, the medical world believes they will see effective results in the next one to three years.
