Unless you’ve been living under a rock, your social media has likely been bombarded with the miracle weight loss drug Ozempic the past few months. There is a lot of information, rumors, and confusion out there. I figured I would do my best to break down exactly what the medicine is, how it works, and who would benefit from taking it.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a GLP-1 agonist drug. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) agonists are a class of medications utilized in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Examples of this drug that most of us are hearing about is semaglutide which is sold under the brand name Ozempic and Rybelsus that was approved for diabetes, and Wegovy that was approved for obesity in 2017.
How it works:
It increases the production of insulin which is the hormone responsible for lowering the blood sugar. Additionally, it’s shown much promise in obesity treatment because it reduces food intake by lowering appetite and slowing down digestion in the stomach. It reduces hunger, food cravings, and body fat.
How to get it. How it’s administered.
Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs are a prescription-only medication. You have to make an appointment with a licensed health care professional. I’ve heard stories of some doctors being very lenient with who they will write Rx for- even if they are not obese or a diabetic.
If you’re prescribed Ozempic for its intended use of managing diabetes, then your insurance will likely cover the cost in full, depending on your insurance plan. However, if a doctor prescribes Ozempic off-label for weight loss, insurance coverage is not a guarantee. I’ve read that it can cost $800-900/month without insurance.
Ozempic is a weekly injected drug.
Who this drug is intended for
Ozempic is intended for those with type-2 diabetes. Metformin is still the first-line prescribed medication, but for those who do not tolerate it this can be a great addition. Doctors may also prescribe for weight loss for obese patients.
Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss (just type 2 diabetes) it’s up to the healthcare professional to decide whether Ozempic is appropriate for supporting weight loss on an individual basis.
Side Effects:
Does this all sounds too good to be true?
The possible side effects list is lengthy: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, indigestion/heartburn, dizziness, bloating (abdominal distension), belching, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in patients with type 2 diabetes, gas (flatulence), gastroenteritis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Here is the full list of side effects from Ozepmpic’s site.
Rebound weight gain is also very likely when stopping the medication, especially if no other lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and disordered eating behaviors have been addressed.
I was also watching GMA the other morning and they were reporting on the FDA’s warning about off brand versions of Ozempic, so that is something to be aware of as well.
My thoughts:
By not changing any habits or working on underlining food issues you have and just taking the drug you’re not learning anything and this is not a realistic long term weight management tool. I don’t think this drug should be used for the average person trying to lose 15-20lbs.
I do think this could potentially be a helpful tool for someone who does need to lose a significant amount of weight, but is also WORKING WITH A DIETITIAN 😉 This medication does show great promise for the population it’s intended for, but sadly is being misused by many.
Sorry, but there is no magic pill or injection in this case. Invest in your health by working with someone like an RD to help you learn healthier habits that are sustainable. Eat whole food, drink water, move your body daily, get adequate sleep, and manage stress. Focus on the basics. Do the work and you’ll feel the results.
xx, A
