In 2023, the buzz of a new weight loss solution that seemed to work wonders made waves. From celebrity circles to social influencers, Ozempic quickly became a hot topic, gaining the attention of the masses in the process. However, there are things you should know before trying Ozempic.
Ozempic was initially designed to treat diabetes, first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2017. In 2021, the FDA approved a drug with a higher dose of semaglutide to treat obesity called Wegovy. As word spread about Wegovy’s satisfying results, some turned to Ozempic, as its counterpart became increasingly hard to find.
It’s important to note that the FDA has not approved the Ozempic for weight loss, according to The New York Times. As a result, Ozempic’s consumption as a weight loss remedy is considered off-label use, although not an uncommon practice with some medications.
What you should know before trying Ozempic for weight loss
The idea of a fast-working weight-loss drug sounds like a dream. Here’s what you should know before trying Ozempic, from the drug’s complicated availability to its benefits and side effects.
The Ozempic drug works by tricking your body into feeling full faster.
Ozempic is an injectable prescription medication, self-administered once weekly in the stomach, arm, or thigh. Its active ingredient–semaglutide–lowers blood sugar levels and regulates insulin, an essential part of managing type 2 diabetes. One of its effects includes helping patients feel full faster by mimicking a hormone that our bodies already naturally produce, GLP-1, per The New York Times. Patients experience a curbed appetite, changes in food preferences, and decreased cravings for certain foods they once loved.
The drug essentially “works by making people not hungry,” Dr. Leigh Perreault, an endocrinologist at UCHealth in Denver, Colorado, previously told TODAY.com.
A reduced appetite and slower digestion ultimately lead to weight loss for many patients. One study discovered that patients taking weekly semaglutide injections lost an average of 5.9% at three months and 10.9% at six months.
The demand for the drug is outpacing the supply.
Ozempic is a critical drug for diabetic patient care; understand that the use of the drugs for other reasons impacts its availability for those who need it most. With limited access, some patients are seeking alternative medical care in the hopes of securing the drug.
“I will say this: it’s creating a shortage for those of us who need the medicine that we need and not for weight loss issues, but for our health,” Anthony Anderson shared with People magazine, who is currently living with type 2 diabetes.
Prepare for a pricey journey with Ozempic.
Unless prescribed through insurance, the out-of-pocket cost of taking Ozempic can be expensive. A monthly supply can average nearly $900 without insurance. Meeting the FDA’s criteria for use is typically required to have insurance cover the cost, which many seeking out the drug don’t qualify for.
For the best results on Ozempic, plan for a lifestyle change.
Unlike those seeking out the drug for normal weight loss, patients with obesity may find themselves on the medication for an extended period, similar to high blood pressure. As a result, those taking the drug for vanity purposes may regain weight after stopping Ozempic. Plan to change your eating and exercise habits for the long haul to maintain your new, snatched figure.
Is taking the weight loss drug safe?
Whether or not Ozempic is safe for weight loss is truly between you and your chosen licensed medical professional. The FDA recommends a “reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity” in addition to the use of semaglutide injections. Some people report symptoms of nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and severe constipation. Dehydration and an increased appetite may also be concerns after discontinuing use.
Before trying Ozempic, understand the drug’s impacts on your health. While many patients are experiencing life-changing results for the better, others recall tales of regret and adverse side effects. Consult with your doctor and do your research before making an informed decision.
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