Tread Carefully With Ozempic Or It’ll Be Your Undoing

Ozempic, a powerful diabetes medication with incredible weight loss side effects, has been making headlines and raising questions. In this all-in-one guide, we will answer your common questions about Ozempic and delve into the good, the bad, and the skinny of this wonder drug.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a prescription medication initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes. It contains semaglutide, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels and aids in weight loss by suppressing appetite and making you feel fuller for longer.

How does it work for weight loss?

Ozempic works by messing with your brain's hunger signals and making your stomach feel fuller for longer. It changes people's cravings, making it easier for them to choose healthier options. However, people lose weight on this drug because they're eating fewer calories, not because the medication is burning fat directly.

How effective is Ozempic for weight loss?

Ozempic has been shown to be effective for weight loss in clinical trials. Patients on the medication have lost an average of 5-10% of their body weight, with some losing even more. However, results may vary depending on the individual and their adherence to a healthy diet and exercise regimen.

How is Ozempic taken?

Ozempic is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) once a week. Your healthcare provider will show you how to administer the injection and determine the appropriate dosage for you.

What are the side effects of Ozempic?

Some common side effects of Ozempic include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Most side effects are mild to moderate and usually go away on their own. 

However, Ozempic may also cause a rare but extreme side effect: malnutrition due to an intense lack of appetite.

Can anyone take Ozempic for weight loss?

Ozempic is primarily prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes. However, it has been used off-label for weight loss. It is essential to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if Ozempic is the right choice for you.

How much weight can I expect to lose with Ozempic?

Weight loss results vary among individuals, but on average, people lose about 5-10% of their body weight while taking Ozempic. Some may lose more, and others may lose less, depending on their starting weight, metabolism, and commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

Can I take Ozempic with other medications?

It's crucial to discuss your current medications with your healthcare provider before starting Ozempic. They will assess any potential drug interactions and determine if Ozempic is safe for you to take alongside your other medications.

Can I stop taking Ozempic once I reach my weight loss goal?

It is not recommended to stop taking Ozempic suddenly without consulting your healthcare provider. They will advise you on the best course of action and may suggest tapering off the medication gradually.

Now that we've answered your common questions, let's dive deeper into the potential dangers of Ozempic: 

Malnutrition

Extreme cases like Renata Lavach-Savy's (as reported in the New York Times), who experienced a complete lack of appetite, are rare. But the truth is, Ozempic can make some people's appetite disappear, leaving them at risk of malnutrition. 

Doctors recommend keeping a close eye on your diet and getting clear guidance if you're on this medication. And if you're really struggling, it might be time to stop the magic show altogether.

Unfortunately, there are no standard nutritional guidelines for people taking Ozempic or similar medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro. So, doctors usually give the same dietary advice to people on these drugs they would to those trying to lose weight or manage diabetes. 

This includes following a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, such as the Mediterranean diet, as recommended by Dr. Janice Jin Hwang, the division chief of endocrinology and metabolism at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine.

Avoiding high-fat foods is crucial, as they can make people on Ozempic feel uncomfortably full, sometimes even causing pain. Dr. Robert Gabbay, the chief scientific and medical officer of the American Diabetes Association, urges people to eat slowly and assess their fullness halfway through a meal. 

Consuming fewer calories while on Ozempic is essential, but it's vital not to neglect proper nutrition in the process.

Regular check-ins with healthcare providers are necessary while taking Ozempic. Doctors like Dr. Andrew Kraftson, a clinical associate professor in the division of metabolism, endocrinology, and diabetes at Michigan Medicine, recommend a daily caloric intake of between 1,000 and 1,500 calories, individualized based on a person's starting weight and estimated metabolism. They also counsel patients on their diets to ensure they're getting enough nutrients.

If patients don't meet regularly with their doctors to make sure they're getting adequate nutrition, medications like Ozempic could lead to or worsen disordered eating. In such cases, healthcare providers may decrease the dosage or advise patients to stop taking the medication altogether.

In conclusion, Ozempic can be a game-changer for those struggling with weight loss, but it's essential to be aware of the potential risks and complications. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication, and remember to prioritize proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle while taking Ozempic or similar medications.