I’m sure you’ve heard of Ozempic, the “trendy” weight loss pill that seems to be the new hack to shedding pounds at an incredible rate. This medication has caused uproar on social media, and just about everyone has shared their two cents on the topic. Some have advocated in favor of the pill, sharing their excitement and joy with their now slimmer body. Others shame those who have taken the drug for finding the “easy way out” for weight loss, pushing some celebrities to hide the fact that they have tried Ozempic themselves. On top of that, some sources are more concerned with dangerous side effects of the drug, warning people to stay away.
It’s no wonder you’re confused, probably questioning if this is the weight loss solution you’ve been waiting for. Let’s sort out the confusion to really understand the effects that the pill can have on our bodies.
Where did it come from?
Ozempic and other similar weight loss drugs were designed for patients with type 2 diabetes. It was originally prescribed for people with a BMI above 30 and was meant to help control blood glucose levels, a main concern of people with diabetes. After noticing that weight loss was a common side effect, the general public became intrigued. It was not intended to be taken by healthy individuals looking to shed a few pounds, although this population of people have now caused there to be a shortage of Ozempic for those who truly need it.
How does it result in weight loss?
Ultimately, people lose weight when taking Ozempic due to its ability to curb one’s appetite. In a healthy body, a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is released when a person eats, sending signals to the brain that result in feeling full. In addition, this hormone slows the release of food from our stomachs to our small intestines, leaving us feeling full for longer. Ozempic mimics this hormone in our bodies, so without eating more, people taking the drug will feel fuller for longer. They will then consume less food and less calories, leading to weight loss.
What would happen if I took Ozempic?
Everything sounds great, right? Unfortunately, this miracle weight loss drug doesn’t come without serious side effects. Remember, if this pill is powerful enough to alter our brain chemistry and change the speed of digestion in our bodies, it is also powerful enough to make other serious changes in our bodies – harmful changes we want to avoid.
Not everyone taking Ozempic has an easy experience with the drug. Many people experience stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, vomiting, low blood sugar and dizziness. If that isn’t unpleasant enough, others develop intestinal infections, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and other digestive disorders. Kidney failure and pancreatitis are also frequently reported.
It’s important to note that these side effects aren’t uncommon. They aren’t just smacked on the side of the pill bottle to be ignored. They are real, and they will have a significant impact on your health, well-being, and quality of life.
Keep in mind that the person who tried Ozempic desperately wanting to lose weight but ended up stopping their use due to serious gut problems and medical bills is probably going to feel somewhat embarrassed. That person isn’t going to be the one advertising their experience on social media.
Better solutions
Good news is, there are other ways to curb your appetite and take control of your health. Start your day with protein to feel more full and boost your metabolism. Eat complex carbs instead of processed foods to regulate your blood sugar levels. Instead of holding off until the next meal to “save calories”, add snacks into your day to stay fueled and honor your hunger cues.
It’s not easy to feel confident in your body, but dietitians are here to help you take control of your nutrition in a way that fits into your lifestyle so you can achieve your health goals.
Are you tired of endless diets and gimmicks that promise quick results but fail to deliver? If you’re ready to embrace a sustainable approach to weight loss, one that doesn’t involve restrictive eating or relying on magic weight loss pills, then look no further.
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This article was written by Ari Harkavy, nutrition intern. Fact checked by Allison Tallman RD.