Ozempic is a brand name for the injectable medication Semaglutide. Ozempic has been approved by the FDA to be prescribed for people with Type 2 diabetes, to help manage their blood sugar levels. Recently, doctors have been prescribing Ozempic off-label to help people with obesity achieve weight loss.
The term ‘off-label’ refers to when a medication is prescribed for a use that is different from that which it was approved for. Although Ozempic has been approved by the FDA, it only received approval as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes, and not as a weight loss aid. However, Wegovy, another brand-name drug very similar to Ozempic (other than a difference in dose) has been approved by the FDA as a weight loss drug.
There is a doubtlessly clear link between Ozempic and weight loss. Almost every person who has tried Ozempic for weight loss has seen a marked improvement in their ability to lose weight.
This article will explore how Ozempic works, the benefits and risks of Ozempic, and who should (or should not) be taking Ozempic.
How Does Ozempic Work?
Ozempic is a ‘GLP-1 receptor agonist’ or ‘GLP-1 medication,’ which means that it mimics a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide) which is released from the digestive tract. This hormone helps to lower blood sugar levels in the body, making Ozempic effective in treating high blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes.
The GLP-1 hormone stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin, which slows the pace of glucose absorption in the body and minimizes the production of glucagon. Additionally, GLP-1 gives the user the sensation of being full even when they may not be, causing them to eat less. The movement of food in the gut is slowed, causing users to feel fuller for longer. Finally, Ozempic users report a reduced appetite, helping them refrain from eating their usual amount.
Obesity and Weight Loss: Why Ozempic Is So Popular
Studies show that at minimum, 50% of Americans are obese. There are a number of reasons for this staggering statistic, including the production and excess consumption of highly processed food, limited mobility and exercise, and poverty. This issue is compounded by the alarmingly increasing number of health issues that have been discovered to be linked to obesity (defined by a BMI higher than 30).
Obese individuals may be at risk for many diseases, such as heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, and sleep apnea. An effective weight-loss drug can help them shed excess pounds, significantly improve their health, and lower their risk of experiencing various medical issues.
Additionally, as modern society promotes a specific size and body image as admirable and attractive, many people are doing everything they can to achieve that ideal standard. A simple injection that helps you lose weight quickly is the stuff of everyone’s dreams. Ozempic has been widely utilized by singers and movie stars worldwide, who face strong pressure to maintain a flawless external appearance and perfect figure at all times.
All of these factors have contributed to Ozempic’s wild success, causing celebrities across the globe to quietly sing the praises of this “miracle drug”.
How Does Ozempic Work for Weight Loss?
Recent studies have explored the possibility that obese individuals have a different metabolism than other people, which makes it almost impossible for dieting and exercise to affect their bodies. In addition, obese people often suffer from dysfunctional pathways between the gut and the brain. This means that the brain is unable to comprehend that the gut has absorbed fat, and that the body should therefore feel satiated.
These studies suggest that only medication (such as Ozempic) can have a meaningful effect on obese people, as they actually alter metabolism and adjust the pathways between the gut and brain which regulate food intake and the sensations of satiation. This can be a game-changer for people who have tried every known diet and exercise rigorously, with little or no results.
Another facet to the challenge of obesity is the health issues such as heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, and sleep apnea that it causes. Losing weight can drastically reduce these risks for people with obesity, and Ozempic places that seemingly impossible goal within reach.
Benefits of Ozempic for Weight Loss
The first, obvious benefit of using Ozempic is that it allows people to lose weight rapidly without having to make any lifestyle changes. People who have been struggling with obesity and its associated medical conditions can make great headway in losing weight in a short amount of time.
It has been proven that medical issues such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases can be averted or greatly improved by taking Ozempic regularly.
Risks of Ozempic for Weight Loss
People using Ozempic for weight loss are at risk of neglecting their health, eating an unbalanced or innutritious diet, forgetting to exercise regularly, and having unhealthy sleep patterns. When losing weight effortlessly and at a steady, consistent rate, it’s easy to neglect the many basic elements that contribute to a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Moreover, since Ozempic for weight loss is a relatively new concept, it’s difficult to predict the long-term effects the drug can have on the body.
There are also different side effects- mostly gastrointestinal- that can occur when you take Ozempic. Here are some common gastrointestinal side effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Gas
- Heartburn
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Redness or soreness in the area of injection
There are also risks of Ozempic causing dangerously low blood sugar levels (known as hypoglycemia) due to its manipulation of the glucose levels in the body. There are also concerns of gallstones, kidney issues, pancreatitis, thyroid tumors or cancers, and allergic reactions.
Is Ozempic Addictive?
No, Ozempic does not seem to be addictive. Although Ozempic addiction has been a concern for health care providers and Ozempic consumers, right now it appears as though it does not cause users to develop an addiction, nor does it cause withdrawal symptoms when one stops taking the drug.
With time, as Ozempic and its long-term effects are studied further, it may be revealed that there are people who are addicted to Ozempic. Because the drug is relatively new, we have only limited information and cannot predict whether or not it will be addictive to a percentage of people.
Additionally, it’s worthwhile to note that people can become psychologically dependent on Ozempic, pinning their weight loss on the drug alone, instead of making lifestyle changes to support the weight loss Ozempic affords.
Other Downsides of Ozempic
Other than the significant health concerns and addictive component, there are other negative aspects of taking Ozempic:
- Cost- Ozempic must be taken once a week for the long term to be successful. While some insurance plans do cover some or all of the cost, others don’t. The steep price tag of Ozempic may make it unaffordable to many people.
- Injection- Ozempic cannot be taken orally in pill form, nor can it be dissolved in water. The only method of delivery is through injection, which may scare people who are wary of needles. Additionally, the area of injection can become red, sore, and painful over time.
- Availability- Ozempic is being prescribed at a rapid rate, making it more and more difficult to produce the prescribed amount consistently. Many diabetic people rely on Ozempic for their health, but have trouble procuring their vital medication because people looking to shed a few pounds easily are depleting the stock faster than it can be produced.
- Emotional eating- Although Ozempic can help with weight loss, it cannot cure the emotional issues behind overeating or emotional eating. Food can serve as an addiction like any other behavioral addiction, and taking Ozempic will not cure that.
Who Should Take Ozempic?
Right now, there is no set criteria for people who may or may not use Ozempic for weight loss. However, it is recommended for people who have a BMI of 30 or more, or people who have a BMI of around 27 and have medical issues like diabetes, gut issues, high blood pressure, and other medical conditions that can be resolved or better taken care of with a healthier weight.
Who Should Not Take Ozempic?
Some studies suggest that people with a history of thyroid cancer and pancreatitis should avoid taking Ozempic. Anyone who has struggled or is presently struggling with an eating disorder should similarly be careful about taking Ozempic. People who are pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding should also be cautioned that Ozempic may not be a good fit for them.
It’s important to note that studies on the effectiveness of Ozempic have only taken place on people dealing with obesity. People who are slightly overweight or not as slim as they would like should be aware that studies have little to no data on its effectiveness or risks.
Safety Guidelines for Taking Ozempic
To decrease the chances of becoming addicted to Ozempic and avoid any physical issues as a result, here are some guidelines all users should follow:
- Monitoring- Ensure you report regularly to a doctor to check your progress, discuss the side effects you’re experiencing, and regulate the dosage and frequency of Ozempic use.
- Awareness- Educate yourself on the physical risks that are most pertinent to you, and understand which side effects are normal and expected, and which are not.
- Dosage- Take the dose that was recommended to you regardless of the side effects. Do not decrease or increase the dose on your own to hasten weight loss or lessen the side effects. Ask a doctor to adjust your dosage for you, if necessary.
- Education- Know the signs of addiction and be honest with yourself so you can identify if you are at risk of becoming dependent on or addicted to Ozempic.
If you or your loved one are struggling with dependence on Ozempic, reach out to us at Avenues Recovery to receive the professional help you deserve. Our expert staff have helped over 30,000 individuals revamp their lives, and can help you too. Contact us today to join our vibrant recovery community.