Recently, Ozempic medication for weight loss has gained popularity because of its effectiveness in weight loss when you have diabetes. But is it really that effective? Does it have any side effects? Learn everything you need to know about Ozempic for weight loss in this article. Log on to https://doralhw.org/specialties/bariatric/ know more about weight loss.
FAQs on Ozempic
These FAQs on Ozempic will help you understand how it works, its benefits, and risks for weight loss.
- What is Ozempic, and when is it prescribed?
Ans. It is an injectable weekly medication used to manage blood sugar levels for people who live with type 2 diabetes. It’s commonly known as semaglutide, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to use as a diabetes medication in 2017. It is a prescription drug that is injected under your skin. It is prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes to:
- Lower the risks in people who also have a heart disease (including heart attack and stroke).
- Help managing blood sugar levels, along with lifestyle changes.
- Prevent worsening kidney function and heart-related death risk in people who have chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Besides these indications, sometimes doctors prescribe Ozempic for weight loss as an “off-label” medicine, meaning it is used other than what is prescribed. This is common across the medical field to do so. For instance, you may be prescribed certain heart medications, such as a beta-blocker, for situational anxiety, or may be prescribed anti-seizure medication to treat migraines. So, Ozempic can be considered to treat obesity, while it has an approved alternative medication, Wegovy, that can be used for weight loss.
- How does Ozempic work on weight loss?
Ans. Ozempic comes from a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists or GLP-1 medications. These medications can induce the release of glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), which can lower blood sugar levels and make you feel fuller. You need to take Ozempic once a week on your thigh, abdomen, or upper arm.
When you take Ozempic or other GLP-1 medications, your body produces more GLP-1 naturally, which lowers your appetite and makes you feel fuller. This way you will eat less and lose weight. However, this is not the only thing. Like other anti-obesity medications, it not only changes how the body responds to weight loss but also has effects beyond the weight loss benefits. Obesity is a complex metabolic disease that is caused by the dysfunction in the normal pathways that regulate your body weight, or more specifically, your body fat. When you take anti-obesity medications or other GLP-1s, like Ozempic, it changes your body’s reaction to food intake and weight loss. These changes make your body respond to food in a way that allows you to lose weight. At the same time, it also lowers your risk of other obesity-related diseases like heart disease, chronic kidney disease, fatty liver disease, and sleep apnea.
- Why do doctors prescribe Ozempic for weight loss?
Ans. Your doctor may prescribe Ozempic for weight loss when you already have diabetes or prediabetes due to obesity, or vice versa. It is also recommended to prevent diabetes related health conditions like heart disease or chronic kidney disease. Losing weight as a side effect while treating diabetes is a plus, which makes Ozempic recommended for weight loss in some cases.
- What are the benefits of Ozempic for weight loss?
Ans. When you take Ozempic, you may experience weight loss within the first week or two. Research reveals that higher doses of Ozempic, around 2.4 milligrams, are very effective for weight loss in people with obesity. In one landmark study, researchers found that combining this medication with lifestyle interventions helps people lose about 15% of their body weight in 68 weeks, which means 34 pounds on average for obese people. Research participants who received a placebo only lost 6 pounds on average. But weight loss isn’t only a benefit, it also offers other benefits when combined with a healthy nutritional plan and regular exercise. It includes:
- Improved blood sugar control
- Improved good cholesterol levels
- Improved blood pressure
- Lowered risk of major cardiovascular problems like strokes and heart attacks.
- What are the risks involved with Ozempic for weight loss?
Ans. You may experience some side effects and gastrointestinal issues with Ozempic, including:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Increased gas
- Heartburn
These side effects usually go away on their own after a few days or weeks. Make sure your diet has less fat and fiber intake for the first few days after the injection, and you eat smaller portions to improve these symptoms. Sometimes, other more serious side effects may occur, including:
- Pancreatitis ( inflammation of your pancreas)
- Vision changes, like blurred vision or diabetes-related retinopathy.
- Allergic reactions
- Fatigue or dizziness
- Gallstones
- Kidney issues
- Thyroid tumors or cancer
- Who should avoid Ozempic for weight loss?
Ans. Ozempic is not for everyone. If you have any of the following issues, then avoid taking Ozempic for weight loss:
- Pancreatitis or other pancreatic-related issues
- Kidney disease or other kidney-related issues
- Type 1 diabetes
- Diabetes-related retinopathy
- When you’re pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are under the age of 18
- Personal or family history of Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) or other thyroid issues
- Personal or family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) or other endocrine issues
Make sure you talk to your doctor before taking Ozempic for weight loss.
Ozempic for weight loss can be a good option for you if your doctor prescribes it based on your diabetes or diabetes-related conditions. However, keep in mind, it is not approved by the FDA and can cause some serious side effects. Make sure you discuss with your doctor about the benefits and risks of Ozempic for weight loss before considering it.
Need help with weight loss? Visit our bariatric specialist in Brooklyn clinic to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now!!!! If you are looking for a weight loss surgery center near you, contact us on 1 718 367 2555 for a consultation with our bariatric doctors. Want to learn more about types of bariatric surgery like Gastric sleeve surgery, Laparoscopic surgery, Gastric bypass surgery, Sleeve gastrectomy, or LAP band surgery? Doral Health and Wellness has one of the best bariatric doctors and surgeons to treat obesity and weight problems. Book your appointment and walk in at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212.
