Today’s obesity in America is a prevalent yet significant chronic disease that has a high financial and health cost. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as “abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health”. Being overweight is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) over 25, and obesity is defined as having a BMI over 30.
Worldwide, millions of people pass away from obesity each year; in the United States alone, the problem already affects more than one-third of the adult population. Obesity is directly linked to Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, strokes, certain types of cancer, and many other preventable, early death causes. It also significantly raises the risk of other weight-related diseases.
Prescription drugs are a supplement that can be helpful in the correct situations, but increased exercise and dietary changes are the main components of healthy weight loss. In reality, the FDA has approved a number of weight-loss medications throughout the years to support the effects of healthy lifestyle modifications. Ozempic (semaglutide), a drug for weight loss, might have come up in your research.
Ozempic has developed an “off-label” reputation as a weight loss medication despite being primarily intended as a treatment for Type 2 Diabetes and cardiovascular disease in persons with Type 2 Diabetes. It’s safe to say that the medication is being hailed as a miracle in the eyes of social media and popular culture given the 432.3 million TikTok views related to Ozempic.
Is it true, though? And is it genuinely safe to take Ozempic if you don’t have diabetes?
We’ll examine Ozempic for weight loss in detail below, including what it is, when it can be used without harm, and how much of an effect it might truly have on your waistline.
Although thoroughly studied, the material that follows is never intended to take the place of a visit to the doctor. As a supplement to your discussions with your main healthcare physician, use the information you’ve read here.
Ozempic: What Is It?
Semaglutide is the name of the active component of the brand-name medication Ozempic. Semaglutide mimics the hormone glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), secreted by the small intestine and aids in blood sugar control, heart disease prevention, and hunger suppression. Additionally, Ozempic reduces the rate at which food leaves the stomach (a process called gastric emptying) and heightens satiety or fullness sensations. It is FDA-approved to treat people with Type 2 Diabetes and is administered subcutaneously once a week.
For Whom Is Ozempic Intended?
Ozempic is, quite simply, intended for those with Type 2 Diabetes. The FDA has not formally authorized it as a medication for weight loss. It is an “off-label” prescription if your doctor gives you Ozempic even though you do not have Type 2 Diabetes.
How Ozempic Works to Help You Lose Weight
Semaglutide, the substance that makes up Ozempic, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. The small intestine secretes the hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) during digestion. It signals to your brain that digestion is happening in addition to encouraging the release of insulin and controlling blood sugar.
You feel full (satiated) and don’t get the usual hunger pains when your brain thinks that food is being digested. Additionally, Ozempic slows down gastric emptying, which prolongs your feeling of satiety. Gastric emptying is the rate at which food passes from your stomach into your small intestine.
Ozempic works best when combined with consistent exercise and a balanced diet.
Ozempic’s Average Weight Loss
In order to investigate a higher dose of semaglutide (2.4 mg/week) exclusively for weight loss, Novo Nordisk has funded a series of clinical trials known as the STEP trials. According to the data, this larger dose of semaglutide causes more weight loss when compared to smaller doses or placebo doses.
How successful is semaglutide in helping people lose weight?
Patients on semaglutide lost an average of 33.7 lbs (15.3 kg) over 68 weeks at a 2.4 mg weekly dose in Ozempic’s STEP 1 clinical trial.
After 68 weeks at the same dosage in the STEP 2 clinical trial, participants had dropped almost 10% of their body weight.
In a third experiment, semaglutide at 2.4 mg/week was reported to reduce body weight on average by 16% when used in conjunction with intensive behavioral treatment to encourage the adoption of a better lifestyle.
Even though these outcomes are quite positive—in some cases even outperforming more intrusive weight loss treatments like surgery—it’s crucial to keep in mind that, like any medication, Ozempic won’t work the same for everyone. Numerous variables, including your genetic background, medical history, nutrition, way of life, level of activity, and the particular biology and chemistry of your own body, may have an impact on how Ozempic affects your individual weight loss.
I don’t have diabetes; may I use ozempic to lose weight?
The FDA has not authorized Ozempic for any other uses, including for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. The unforeseen dangers and adverse effects of using drugs for problems they are not intended for can be harmful to your health. Except if your doctor has prescribed Ozempic expressly for Type 2 Diabetes, it is not advised to take Ozempic.
Having said that, you might inquire with your doctor about Wegovy if you’re considering Ozempic for weight loss but do not have Type 2 Diabetes. Wegovy is another semaglutide medication. It is extremely identical to Ozempic except for the dosage (2.4 mg), and it has FDA approval for weight loss.
Dosing for Loss of Weight
Ozempic is commonly administered at doses of 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg to treat Type 2 Diabetes, but research has shown that 2.4 mg is the ideal dosage for weight loss. This greater dose is often built up gradually over time, starting small and increasing it gradually over several weeks to increase tolerance and lessen negative effects, much like with smaller levels.
As long as Ozempic is effective, it can be used. According to clinical studies, the effects of weight loss last for at least 68 weeks.
The same drug is present in both Wegovy and Ozempic, albeit in different amounts. The FDA has only approved Wegovy (2.4 mg) for weight loss.
Ozempic: Is It Safe?
The FDA’s approval of Ozempic suggests that it is regarded as a secure and efficient treatment for individuals with Type 2 Diabetes and associated cardiovascular disease. This does not imply that there are no hazards connected to the medicine, either.
When beginning any new medicine, proceed with caution and carefully balance the risks and rewards. Ozempic is no different.
Typical Adverse Effects
Starting Ozempic may result in side effects, like with any medicine. Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort are typical adverse effects. To lessen the severity of adverse effects, Ozempic dosages are progressively increased over the course of several weeks. Consult your doctor if any negative effects continue.
Although serious side effects from Ozempic are uncommon, you should seek emergency medical attention right away if you have eye issues, decreased renal function, or severe allergic reactions. Be warned that patients with a personal or family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) or medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) should not use ozempic. Consult the medicine insert or get in touch with a healthcare provider for more details about side effects.
Avoid These Mistakes While on Ozempic
Remember that having an Ozempic prescription will have some restrictions if you decide to go ahead with it.
You must first restrict your alcohol intake while on Ozempic. When used with Ozempic, alcohol can have a negative effect on blood sugar levels, especially if you drink on an empty stomach. Additionally irritating your stomach, alcohol might exacerbate some of the gastrointestinal adverse effects of Ozempic.
Second, you should discuss any additional medications you may be taking with your doctor. Ozempic decreases stomach emptying, which could affect how much of an oral drug is absorbed by your body.
Last but not least, you must inform your doctor of any additional weight-loss meds you may be taking, including herbal supplements or over-the-counter medicines. It might be dangerous to take many medications for the same condition, so carefully consider your options before continuing.
Conclusion
Despite Ozempic’s reputation as a wonder medicine that helps accelerate weight loss in obese or overweight people, there is more to the tale. Semaglutide has been demonstrated in studies to support healthy weight loss when administered at a level of 2.4 mg per week, however, these effects don’t happen on their own. Ozempic must be accompanied by healthy lifestyle changes as well (increased exercise and a reduced-calorie diet).
Additionally, the FDA has not yet given Ozempic approval for weight loss. You would need an “off-label” prescription if you wanted it only for that reason. Since Ozempic is only regarded as a safe and effective medication for individuals with Type 2 Diabetes, this could come with its own hazards.
The FDA recently approved Wegovy, a semaglutide injectable drug with the same active component as Ozempic but a greater dosage (2.4 mg), for weight loss. Wegovy might be a terrific choice if you’re looking for an Ozempic-style weight-loss medication.
Remember that a good diet and consistent exercise are the keys to maintaining a healthy body weight, regardless of where you are in your weight loss journey. Although they can assist you in managing your weight reduction, medications should never be your main strategy.
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