Ozempic has become a heated topic in recent years, both among healthcare professionals and the public. Also known as Semaglutide, it has been hailed as a miracle weight loss and diabetes medication by both doctors and the pharmaceutical industry. However, there are many concerns regarding the widespread prescription and use of Ozempic as an “easy” method of weight loss despite its original purpose as a diabetes medication. So, is Ozempic really worth the attention it has received?
“Ozempic can help reduce appetite, leading to decreased food intake which contributes to weight loss”
Ozempic belongs to the class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It works by imitating the action of GLP-1, a hormone that is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. Ozempic can help reduce appetite, leading to decreased food intake which contributes to weight loss. By slowing down stomach emptying, Ozempic can also create a sense of fullness, which helps to further support weight loss.
Ozempic initially sparked controversy around 2021, as its use became widespread among Hollywood celebrities, skyrocketing the demand for the medication and resulting in an international shortage. Those who require Ozempic as part of their diabetes treatment were then unable to find it. This triggered a huge response across several social media platforms, with many critiquing the celebrities’ use of an essential medication to lose weight despite their already slim figures.
Many celebrities faced backlash from fans, with accusations that they were further promoting diet culture through extreme weight loss. Images began to circulate of celebrities at events, having lost an extreme amount of weight. This fuelled rumours of the return of the “heroin chic” trend from the early 2000s to celebrity culture. Concerns around the misuse of Ozempic were extensively highlighted by doctors and dietitians online, especially considering many were not aware of the potential side effects or how the medication works.
“This rapid shedding of weight results in a loss of muscle that can bring more harm than good in the long term and is not advised by nutrition professionals”
While usually well-tolerated, Ozempic is not without side effects. Nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal issues are common symptoms. Some patients may find the side effects too difficult to deal with and are unable to continue on the medication. Some healthcare professionals argue that the potential side effects and the limited data on long term effects, warrant a more careful approach when prescribing Ozempic, particularly for patients with a history of gastrointestinal issues. Some also experience a complete loss of appetite resulting in extremely rapid weight loss. This rapid shedding of weight results in a loss of muscle that can bring more harm than good in the long term and is not advised by nutrition professionals. Therefore, more monitoring of those who have been prescribed Ozempic may be required to prevent such side effects and ensure some education is provided to patients on nutrition beforehand to avoid over-restriction.
Many fitness and wellness influencers have also been critical of the use of Ozempic as an easy way out from the difficult weight loss process, claiming there is less need for self control due to Ozempic’s appetite suppression effect. Rather, some influencers claim that lack of self discipline is the cause of obesity. This is a problematic viewpoint as weight loss is a challenging and complicated process, regardless of whether or not Ozempic is used. Moreover, these influencers often have not undergone any type of nutrition education and do not provide advice based on nutrition research. Considering the increasing rates of obesity and the struggles people face to lose weight, the use of Ozempic may be beneficial to help regulate appetite, eventually leading to weight loss.
“Some doubt the true efficacy of the drug: some research studies have shown that once patients have lost weight and stopped the medication they end up regaining their weight”
There is a growing divide among healthcare professionals about whether Ozempic is truly worthy of the publicity it has received for weight loss. Some doubt the true efficacy of the drug: some research studies have shown that once patients have lost weight and stopped the medication they end up regaining their weight. The true effectiveness of Ozempic is a highly debated topic, especially since the use of Ozempic has become so widespread and many individuals have shared their experience with using the medication.
Overall, Ozempic represents a significant advancement in the treatment of diabetes and obesity. The wide range of benefits it provides, including blood sugar control and weight loss, make it valuable as an option for diabetes and weight loss treatments. As research continues on Ozempic’s long-term effects, it remains a promising development for weight management medications. However, Ozempic is clearly far from a miracle weight loss drug. Its use has become widespread due to social media but its potential side effects should not be ignored. Those considering Ozempic or any other weight loss medication should consult their doctor for advice.
