Cutting Through the Fuzz: Unveiling the Cons of Ozempic for Weight Loss
Understanding Ozempic: A Look at Its Essentials
All eyes are on Ozempic, a diabetes medication that's causing a stir in the wellness world. Celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Kathy Bates, and Elon Musk are jumping on the bandwagon, touting it as the ultimate "weight loss injection." But is this hyped-up sensation all it's cracked up to be? Two diabetologists weigh in on the Ozempic craze, shedding some light on the flipside for ntv.de.
Oprah, Kathy, and Elon, you name it—they're all Ozempic fans! As a "weight loss injection," it's transformed the wellness industry, even causing the market leader in diet products, Weight Watchers, to go bankrupt. Research also suggests it could have positive effects on other diseases like fatty liver, kidney damage, or Alzheimer's. However, whispers of drawbacks and side effects are swirling. The diabetologists set the record straight.
When Ozempic, when Wegovy? In Germany and throughout the European Union, Ozempic is only approved for diabetes treatment. For weight loss in obesity, Wegovy—with the same active ingredient—is used instead.
Despite millions of people using Ozempic and related medications, the number of reported side effects is typically low. Jürgen Wagner, chief physician of internal medicine at the Stauffenburg Clinic, agrees: "Ozempic is not a weight loss injection. Ozempic is a diabetes medication, and the desired side effect is weight loss." Jochen Seufert, head of endocrinology and diabetology at the University Hospital Freiburg, supports this statement, adding that the positive effects outweigh the negatives.
Curbing the appetite
Active ingredient semaglutide in Ozempic mimics the effects of hormones that promote feelings of fullness. This, in turn, slows down digestion and delays stomach emptying. As a result, hunger is significantly reduced, leading to reduced food consumption and weight loss.
Did You Know? Exercise reduces the risk of cancer recurrence better than medication, according to a long-term study.
But what are the potential pitfalls of Ozempic? Seufert states that nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or heartburn may occur due to the semaglutide affecting the mobility of the gastrointestinal tract. However, these side effects usually fade once the dosage is adequately adjusted. Seufert also dismisses the notion that semaglutide increases the risk of thyroid and pancreatic cancer. According to him, the risk is either minimal or nonexistent altogether. However, rare cases of pancreatitis may occur.
Time to get moving?
The question remains: Are semaglutides, like Ozempic, underused when it comes to treating obesity? Jürgen Wagner, for one, thinks so. With approximately 25% of Germans considered obese, Wagner believes the actual figure is substantially higher. The health risks associated with obesity include diabetes, sleep apnea, arthritis, high blood pressure, and increased stroke risk. "It's a blessing that we now have medications that make a difference in this fight against weight," Wagner states.
X Marks the Spot So-called Ozempic babies are relatively uncommon in clinical practice. The supposed "Ozempic face" (characterized by sunken cheeks, hollow eyes, and wrinkles) is usually a sign of abuse rather than regular use. In overweight individuals, Ozempic is an effective tool in shedding pounds. But beware using it to achieve an ideal beach body, as this can lead to harmful underweight conditions.
Celebrities like Kathy Bates attest to the positive impact of Ozempic on their weight loss journey, a claim that Jochen Seufert wholeheartedly supports. However, it's crucial to consider the risks and potential side effects in light of Ozempic's rapid rise to fame. Proper management, regular monitoring, and open communication with healthcare providers will help minimize these risks for a healthier, more balanced approach to weight loss.
By the way: The body's own hormone GLP-1 was first discovered in the 1980s. Surprisingly, there's a similar hormone in the saliva of the Gila monster, a North American desert lizard. This inspired the development of exenatid, a medication similar to semaglutide.
Caution Required:- Lowered Appetite: Sustained reduction in appetite can lead to nutritional deficiencies over time. Monitor your nutrition closely while using Ozempic.- Pancreatitis: There's a risk of developing pancreatitis, with inflammation of the pancreas potentially leading to severe health complications.- Vision Problems: Some users may experience vision changes or issues while using Ozempic, emphasizing the need for regular eye health screenings.- Kidney Issues: Acute kidney injury is a potential risk, so it's essential to monitor kidney health closely while taking Ozempic.- Gallbladder Disease: There's also a risk of developing gallbladder problems, so regular health check-ups are recommended.
It's crucial to discuss these risks with a healthcare provider before starting Ozempic for weight loss and to maintain regular health monitoring during and after use.
Sources:- ntv.de- Medical News Today- Mayo Clinic- WebMD
- Diabetes
- Weight Loss
- Medications
• Science suggests that the use of medicines like Ozempic, with its active ingredient semaglutide, could have positive effects not only on weight loss but also on other health conditions such as fatty liver, kidney damage, and Alzheimer's.• The fitness-and-exercise community should consider the role of nutrition and the use of medicines like Ozempic in health-and-wellness plans, balancing exercise with appropriate dietary modifications and regular health check-ups to minimize potential side effects.
