The Deets on Ozempic
This post was written by Lauren Yowell, a dietetic intern with UCSD Health and recent master’s graduate from Point Loma Nazarene University. Upon becoming a registered dietitian, her goal is to apply her acquired knowledge and work in treatment centers or in a private practice setting, offering personalized nutrition counseling. Her commitment lies in assisting clients in achieving their health and nutrition goals, all while advocating for a weight-inclusive and non-diet approach to nutrition. This post was reviewed and edited by Jessica Steinbach, MPH, RDN, CSSD.
In a world where Instagram filters redefine our reality and TikTok videos dictate beauty standards, the reflection in the mirror can sometimes feel like a ticket for self-acceptance. The quest for positive body image can feel like a marathon through a minefield of influencers who appear to have it all.
But what is their secret? It’s not the juice cleanse or the diet they claim to work miracles, but it may be… Ozempic.
You may have heard about Ozempic in the news, as it has gained traction with high profile celebrities such as Elon Musk and Khloe Kardashian. But what is Ozempic and is it truly worth it?
How does it Work?
Ozempic was originally created to help individuals with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. This medication was first created in 2005 but wasn’t officially approved by the FDA until 2017. You may have heard of other medications of this category such as Wegovy or Mounjaro. Regardless of the name, all these medications are grouped by the same class of GLP-1 (Glucagon Like Peptides) receptors. A common GLP-1 receptor in these medications is semaglutide. What is semaglutide and how does it work in our body?
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic that directly impacts the part of your brain that regulates appetite. After you consume a meal, semaglutide is released into the gut and triggers your body to produce more insulin which helps lower blood sugar levels. In addition, semaglutide also slows down the digestion of foods and of course, with delayed digestion, comes the feeling early satiety and suppressed appetite.
Impacts on weight loss
Contrary to the media, studies have shown that Ozempic commonly reduces an individual’s body weight by a max of 15-20%. Additional studies show that those who were on Ozempic for a year and stopped, gained two-thirds of their original weight back (the outcomes will vary by individual use).
In fact, most semaglutide-based medications are meant to be prescribed for people who suffer from symptoms related to metabolic syndrome; such as, high blood pressure, high triglyceride levels, low HDL cholesterol, and diabetes. According to Dr. Rebecca Beren from Weight Inclusive Nutrition and Dietetics (WIND), Ozempic is the last resort after other medications have failed. She also mentions that semaglutide medications like Ozempic or Wegovy are meant to be taken indefinitely. So, taking Ozempic may not be the best short-term option for weight loss.
Do the benefits outweigh the risks?
Like all medications, Ozempic and Wegovy come with side effects. Here are some of the reported side effects of semaglutide medications:
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal Pain
Diarrhea
Constipation
Gastroparesis
In some cases, individuals reported fatigue, consistent nausea, and bloating. It is best advised to consult with your doctor and registered dietitian before going on Ozempic or any medications.
Is Ozempic the Right Choice for Me?
Although Ozempic may result in might weight reduction, there is not sufficient data on the long-term effects this medication has on our bodies. Remember, Ozempic is primarily made for individuals diagnosed with diabetes or who have one of the symptoms of metabolic syndrome and was not intended to be used as a commercial weight loss medication. If you are currently taking or decide to take Ozempic, consider working with a registered dietitian to ensure dietary needs are being met in spite of the associated symptoms. Check out our contact page here to connect with one of our providers. We’d love to help you navigate the effects of this medication!
References:
Garvey WT, Batterham RL, Bhatta M, Buscemi S, Christensen LN, Frias JP, Jódar E, Kandler K, Rigas G, Wadden TA, Wharton S; STEP 5 Study Group. (2022). Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 5 trial. Nat Med,28(10):2083-2091.
https://doi.org/10.1038%2Fs41591-022-02026-4
Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Davies M, Van Gaal LF, Kandler K, Konakli K, Lingvay I, McGowan BM, Oral TK, Rosenstock J, Wadden TA, Wharton S, Yokote K, Kushner RF; STEP 1 Study Group. (2022). Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: The STEP 1 trial extension. Diabetes Obes Metab, 24(8):1553-1564.
https://doi.org/10.1111%2Fdom.14725
Tan HC, Dampil OA, Marquez MM. (2022). Efficacy and Safety of Semaglutide for Weight Loss in Obesity Without Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J ASEAN Fed Endocr Soc, 37(2):65-72.