Unraveling the Fuss over "Weight Loss Shot": Exposing Ozempic's Downsides
A query regarding Ozempic, a diabetes medication that works by lowering blood sugar levels in the body.
The weight loss industry's gone for a wild spin with the diabetes medication, Ozempic, making waves. Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Kathy Bates, and Elon Musk swear by it. But there's a catch: the side effects associated with this miracle drug are numerous. Let's dive in to separate fact from fiction, as two diabetes specialists weigh in on the Ozempic craze.
Ozempic or Wegovy? In the EU, including Germany, Ozempic is only approved for diabetes treatment. For weight loss in obesity, Wegovy, with the same active ingredient, is used instead.
First things first: "Ozempic is not a weight loss injection," stresses Jochen Seufert, the head of endocrinology and diabetes at the University Hospital Freiburg. "Ozempic is a diabetes medication, and one of the desired side effects is weight loss." Despite millions utilizing Ozempic and related medications for two decades, unwanted side effects are infrequent. "These are extremely beneficial medications, and the positive effects outweigh the negative ones," asserts Jürgen Wagner, the chief physician for internal medicine at the Stauffenburg Clinic.
Got Hunger Pangs? Not With Ozempic!
Ozempic, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, helps manage type 2 diabetes by imitating hormones that promote feelings of fullness. This, in turn, slows down the intestinal and gastric emptying process, leading to reduced hunger and food consumption.
Trivia Did you know? the hormone mimicked by semaglutide, GLP-1, was discovered in the 1980s in the saliva of the Gila monster, a desert lizard native to North America. Exenatid, a similar medication to semaglutide, was developed from this discovery.
Sure, here's a bit more on Ozempic's common side effects:
- Stomach Problems: Nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, and constipation are common side effects but often improve as the body adjusts to the medication.
- Reduced Appetite: The reduced appetite that aids weight loss can lead to nutritional deficiencies if not managed carefully.
Danger Zones: Serious Side Effects
Misconceptions abound about the risks of Ozempic. It's crucial to dispel these myths for the sake of our health.
- Pancreatitis: Rare cases of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) may occur.
- ** thyroid Issues**: There are concerns regarding thyroid tumors, including cancer.
- Kidney Problems: Acute kidney injury could be a potential complication.
Overuse and Misuse
While the majority of feedback points to Ozempic's benefits, there are negatives to consider. Overuse and misuse of the medication can lead to side effects such as:
- Ozempic Baes: While uncommon, excessive use can cause a sunken cheek, hollow eyes, and wrinkled appearance, often incorrectly referred to as the "Ozempic face."
- Fertility Concerns: Overweight individuals who manage to lose weight through Ozempic might experience an increase in fertility. In some cases, semaglutid may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills.
On the Fence: Opinions Divide
While Kathy Bates stands firm in her decision to lose weight through Ozempic, a combination of lifestyle changes, and exercise, medical professionals remain divided. Jochen Seufert views Ozempic as a blessing, potentially earning a Nobel Prize. However, others caution against its off-label use for weight loss, which can lead to risks like dental and oral health issues and nutritional deficiencies.
As always, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any medication. The pursuit of a healthier body should always be balanced with caution and informed decisions.
- Diabetes
- Medications
- Weight Loss
Enrichment Data:- Potential Risks: While rare, there are potential risks associated with the use of Ozempic. These may include pancreatitis, thyroid tumors, kidney problems, and possible interference with birth control pills.- Misuse: Misusing Ozempic, such as taking it for weight loss without a prescription or not following dosage instructions, can lead to unwanted side effects and the "Ozempic face."- Oral and Dental Health: Excessive vomiting due to the use of Ozempic may lead to dental and oral health issues.- Long-term Effects: The long-term effects of using Ozempic for off-label weight loss are not yet fully understood.
- The science behind Ozempic, a diabetes medication used for weight loss, mimics certain hormones that play a role in health-and-wellness, such as slowing down the digestive process to promote feelings of fullness and reduce hunger, which also aids in nutrition and weight-management.
- Despite the potential benefits of Ozempic’s use in managing diabetes and aiding in weight loss, overuse or misuse of the medication can lead to a variety of side effects, such as pancreatitis, thyroid issues, kidney problems, dental and oral health issues, and nutritional deficiencies, underscoring the importance of careful consultation with a healthcare provider for proper guidance in its use.
