Unraveling the Fuzz about "Weight Loss Injections" - Peeling back the Curtain on Ozempic's Downsides
Ozempic: A Prescription Drug Used for Type 2 Diabetes Management
The weight loss miracles showered upon us by celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Kathy Bates, and Elon Musk - all glowing fans of the diabetes medication Ozempic - have sparked a whirlwind of fascination. A seemingly magical elixir, Ozempic, has not only dashed the dreams of the diet product giants, Weight Watchers, but is also acclaimed for its potential health benefits like beating fatty liver, kidney damage, and Alzheimer's. However, an alarming list of potential side effects comes along with this "weight loss injection," making us question if the hype is matched by reality. Let's dive into the pros and cons of Ozempic as two seasoned diabetologists reveal the truth.
When Ozempic, when Wegovy? The local norm gives Ozempic the green light solely for diabetes treatment. In more severe obesity cases, the twin of Ozempic, Wegovy with the same active ingredient, is employed for weight loss purposes.
Despite the hoopla concerning Ozempic, Jochen Seufert, the head of endocrinology and diabetology at the University Hospital Freiburg, clarifies, "Ozempic is NOT a weight loss injection." Ozempic is a diabetes medication, whose beneficial side effect is weight loss. Although it's been a staple for millions of patients for over 20 years, alarming side effects are still few and far between, asserts Seufert. On a similar note, Jürgen Wagner, the chief physician of internal medicine at the Stauffenburg Clinic, echoes, "Ozempic is one of the best medications we have, and the positive effects outweigh the negative ones."
Starving the Hunger Gremlins
Ozempic derives its power from semaglutide, an active ingredient that mimics hormones causing a feeling of fullness. Consequently, it also slows down the digestive system and the rate at which the stomach empties. As a result, you eat less and, therefore, lose weight perfects Wagner.
So, what's the catch? Seufert alerts, "The semaglutide, which inhibits the mobility of the gastrointestinal tract, can sometimes lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or heartburn." Wagner asserts that precise dosing minimizes these side effects. Moreover, experts differ on whether the use of Ozempic increases the risk of thyroid cancer, or pancreatitis occurs in extremely rare cases.
The Lesser Known Ozempic Curse
Jürgen Wagner attributes the failure of these medications to tackle obesity properly. Officially, 25% of Germans are obese; however, he opines that the real figure is significantly higher. The escalating weight leads to a myriad of conditions like diabetes, sleep apnea, arthritis, high blood pressure, and increased stroke risk. In his words, "We are blessed to have medications that can make a difference in this battle."
With a true Ozempic baby, improved fertility is a positive outcome. "Women's fertility is linked to body weight, and if significantly overweight people lose weight, their fertility increases regardless of semaglutide," says Wagner. However, there are concerns that the effects of semaglutide may reduce the efficacy of the contraceptive pill.
The Ozempic Babes and the Oxymoronics of a Bikini Body
A sunken face, hallowed eyes, and wrinkles, the much-discussed 'Ozempic face,' is rarely seen in clinical practice, clarifies Seufert, "The Ozempic face is the expression of misuse." If people of normal weight, who don't need Ozempic but still strive for the perfect body, can lead to underweight and unfavorable side effects.
A Word for the Women Kathy Bates, the actress, stands proud behind her decision to tame her progressing obesity with Ozempic, dietary changes, and exercise, and Seufert heartily supports her.
• The use of medicinal products like Ozempic, which mimics hormones to promote a feeling of fullness and slow down digestion, is rooted in science for managing diabetes and weight-management.• Despite concerns about potential side effects such as nausea and thyroid cancer, experts agree that Ozempic, when used correctly, can offer significant health benefits, including improved fertility for women struggling with obesity.
