Ozempic- this word has been in the limelight lately. If you are a social media enthusiast and keep a close watch on Bollywood and Hollywood news, then you have probably heard this word. It was a hot topic among celebrities and health experts. The word has become synonymous with rapid weight loss, apparently an effortless way to a slimmer you. But what exactly is Ozempic? And is the hype real or just a marketing gimmick?
Let’s cut through the noise and delve deeper to unravel the reality behind this blockbuster drug which is considered a ‘magical pill’ for weight loss.
What is Ozempic and How Does It Work?
Ozempic, semaglutide’s brand name, is a medication that helps type-2 diabetes management. Ozempic is categorized under GLP -1 receptor agonists, which are medications that mimic the action of a particular hormone responsible for blood sugar, insulin, and hunger regulation.
To treat type 2 diabetes, here’s how it functions:
- It helps with the production of insulin: Insulin is key in converting your food into energy and controlling the blood sugar levels in the body. In the event there is low production of insulin, Ozempic facilitates the pancreas to secrete more insulin.
- It diminishes glucagon emissions: Glucagon is a hormone that instructs the liver to put out stored glucose into the blood. Ozempic dampens glucagon secretion which helps to control sugar levels in blood.
- It slows down stomach emptying: This is one of the reasons for weight loss. Ozempic makes it harder for food to leave your stomach, allowing you to stay full longer. That leads to lower appetite and less food and calories consumed.
So, while Ozempic wasn’t initially designed as a weight loss drug, its effect on appetite and gastric emptying made it a potential tool for managing obesity.
Is Ozempic Effective in Weight Loss?
Though Ozempic was initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes in adults, many studies and research have shown its effectiveness in weight loss. Studies further highlighted that people with obesity can lose 10-15% of their body weight with Ozempic (semaglutide).
How Does Ozempic Help in Weight Loss?
Ozempic is not a magical solution for weight loss. It is backed by solid science. As discussed earlier, Ozempic(semaglutide) is used to treat type 2 diabetes to control blood sugar levels. However, some patients who had taken Ozempic noticed a surprising side effect of it – a significant reduction in their weight. Those patients who had taken Ozempic injections witnessed weight loss around 10-15% in just a few months. And this is when it became popular for weight loss.
But how does it work in weight loss? Let’s understand.
- Appetite Suppression
Ozempic works by mimicking the action of a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This hormone regulates appetite and food intake. By activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain, Ozempic reduces hunger and increases feelings of fullness, leading to lower calorie intake.
- Slows Gastric Emptying
This drug delays the emptying of the stomach into the intestinal tract, making you feel full longer, subsequently reducing food and the calorie intake.
- Helps in Controlling Blood Sugar Levels
Since Ozempic is primarily used for diabetes management, it helps control blood sugar spikes by enhancing secretion of insulin and reducing release of glucose from the liver. Relatively stable level of blood sugar diminishes cravings and reduces tendencies of overeating.
- Influences Fat Storage and Energy Use
Ozempic influences the way the body metabolizes and stores fat and leads to increased fat metabolism instead of fat storage. When combined with diet and exercise, it helps in long term weight reduction.
- Reduces Emotional Cravings and Eating
By acting on the brain’s reward centers, Ozempic can help reduce emotional eating and cravings, making it easier to stick to a healthy diet.
Due to these factors, Ozempic has gained significant attention for weight loss, especially when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
Is There Any Side Effect of Ozempic?
Like any medication, Ozempic also has some common side effects like:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Fatigue
However, these side effects are usually mild and may improve over time. In rare cases, there might be some serious side effects such as:
- Pancreatitis
- Change in vision
- Gallbladder Issues
- Kidney Problems
- Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
- Thyroid Tumors
Who Should Avoid This?
- Individuals with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer, particularly medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
- Those who have experienced acute or chronic pancreatitis should avoid Ozempic, as it may increase the risk of recurrence.
- Conditions like gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying) or severe irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can worsen with Ozempic.
- Patients with kidney disease or severe dehydration issues
- It is not recommended for women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
- Have a history of diabetic retinopathy
So, it is better to consult a healthcare professional and brief him/her about your medical condition before starting Ozempic to ensure it’s safe for you.
Conclusion
Ozempic has become a ray of hope for those who have struggled with weight loss and obesity. However, it is not a quick solution or a replacement for a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, you should keep realistic expectations from it. Also, this is not a ‘one size fits all’ solution, hence, you should always take this under the supervision of a medical professional. Consult your healthcare provider and discuss all your needs and medical conditions so that a comprehensive plan can be developed. Though Ozempic could be a significant addition to your weight loss journey, you should not completely rely on it. You must combine it with a healthy diet and exercise to get the most out of it.
If you want to try Ozempic, you can contact Dr. Haror’s Wellness. We are India’s first authorized clinic to administer Ozempic shots for weight loss.
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