Ozempic is popular for weight loss, but watch out for the side-effects
Ozempic, a drug initially intended for diabetes management, has garnered significant popularity (with a special nod from Elon Musk). Surprisingly, it has become a go-to option for weight loss among many, including influencers.
However, let's delve into the reasons behind its transformation from a less-hyped diabetes medication to a weight loss staple, and explore the persistence of its use despite the presence of multiple side effects.
Here's a breakdown of Ozempic and its impact:
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a GLP-1 medication primarily prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes.
Approved by the FDA in 2017 solely for diabetes treatment, it comes in the form of a weekly injectable shot to be administered under the skin.
How does it work?
For diabetes management, Ozempic aids in reducing blood sugar levels by promoting insulin production while decreasing the secretion of a hormone that elevates blood sugar.
How does it work for weight loss?
Dr Ankit Gupta, the Medical dDrector of Sumitra Hospital, Noida explains "The active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide, which works by inducing satiety[Satiety is a state or condition of fullness].
Another example is the brand 'Wegovy', which is also semaglutide, which was approved by FDA in 2021 to treat obesity.
This led non-diabetic individuals to explore Ozempic as an over-the-counter option for weight loss, fueled further by Elon Musk's endorsement on Twitter.
In the meantime, semaglutide (aka Ozempic/Rybelsus) appears to be effective in appetite control with minor side effects
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 24, 2022
It might be true that Ozempic can help you lose your body weight. According to a clinical trial of Ozempic, after 68 weeks on the medication, 86.4% of participants lost 5% or more of their body weight, and 69.1% lost 10% or more of their body weight
But the drug comes with a lot of side effects and the latest one might not be a good way to loosing your weight. Here are some, as described by Dr Ankit:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Upset stomach
Now, in some extreme cases, he also mentions that it can cause:
- Inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Changes in vision
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Kidney problems (kidney failure)
- Serious allergic reactions
- Gallbladder problems
Besides the side effects, the drug is expensive; for instance, in India, a single box costs around 15,000-20,000 INR.
Moreover, Ozempic may contribute to muscle loss during weight reduction. As it is common to lose one-quarter to one-third of weight as muscle, the problem lies in the duration over which this muscle loss occurs. Rapid weight loss and insufficient protein intake may exacerbate this issue.
Here's how Ozempic can cause muscle loss
So, any time people lose weight, one-quarter to one-third of that weight can be muscle, and the faster we lose weight, the more likely we are to lose muscle. This can get worse if your protein intake is really low.
While the one-third reduction in muscle mass seems normal for someone losing weight, the problem is the length of time in which this muscle loss occurs, according to experts.
In light of the fact that weight loss achieved through Ozempic and similar drugs is predominantly associated with muscle loss, its effectiveness may be questionable. Instead, opting for healthier alternatives such as balanced nutrition and regular physical activity is advisable.