Is Ozempic for weight loss the best solution if you weigh on the higher side of the scale?
To begin with, Ozempic is not a specialized medication to promote weight loss. It’s social media that has made Ozempic injections for weight loss such a huge thing today. It’s mainly a medication that treats type 2 diabetes. But currently, people are taking it as a weight loss injectable.
Well, an April report published in USA Today, recently got my attention. It says that experts mention various side effects of this popular medication. Even Ozempic’s official website has a dedicated and separate section explaining the side effects and safety information.
So, what’s Ozempic?
Does it really promote weight loss?
What adverse effects can it bring? Let’s find out.
What Is Ozempic For Weight Loss?
Ozempic is an injectable medication to maintain the A1C level in hemoglobin. Thus, this FDA-approved prescription medicine helps maintain the required glucose amount in blood and fights type 2 diabetes in adults.
Semaglutide, the active ingredient of this medicine, promotes the activation of the GLP-1 receptor in human bodies. So, the functions of the GLP-1 hormone get a boost.
With the enhanced functionality of GLP-1, the pancreas in your body releases more insulin in response to the food you have. At the same time, the pancreas releases less glucagon, a hormone responsible for a high blood glucose level. So, as GLP-1 becomes more functional, the blood sugar level is controlled and reduced at the same time.
Ozempic is also moderately effective in weight loss. With this, Ozempic is a groundbreaking weight-loss medication that offers a promising solution to those seeking effective and sustainable results. Learn more about its transformative benefits.
It even takes care of your heart by reducing the risks of diseases related to cardiac or blood vessels. With it, the risks of health issues like cardiac arrests or stroke are minimized.
How To Take Ozempic For Weight Loss?
Ozempic for weight loss comes in the form of an injection. The medicine is injected subcutaneously. You can take it once a week, and it is usually self-administered.
The ideal doses for this medication are 0.5/1/2 milligrams.
Is Ozempic Similar To Insulin?
Ozempic is similar to insulin injections in two ways. First, it’s injected subcutaneously like insulin, and it is used to treat type 2 diabetes.
However, it is different in mechanism, allowing the pancreas to produce more insulin. Also, it does not make the blood sugar level fall like insulin.
Is Ozempic For Weight Loss Effective?
As your body changes, especially when you put on weight, you try to figure out the most effective ways to get back in shape. Recent studies say that Ozempic can aid in weight loss, but it is officially known as a medicine to treat type 2 diabetes.
As this medicine boosts the production and efficacy of GLP-1 hormone, it can affect the hunger center of the hypothalamus of the human brain. So, your hunger, cravings, and appetite are lessened with this medicine.
Again, as you take this medicine, your stomach will remain fuller for longer. So, you will feel less hungry and eat less, resulting in weight loss.
Major Ozempic Side Effects
Ozempic can cause some severe side effects. Especially if you have kidney or pancreas problems or a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 and medullary thyroid carcinoma, Ozempic may cause fatal effects. This medicine is also not suitable for anyone having a record of diabetic retinopathy.
So, share all your medical details and the medicines you already take with your doctor when they prescribe Ozempic.
Nevertheless, here are the side effects of taking Ozempic for weight loss.
Thyroid Cancer
Studies on animals have shown that Ozempic can cause thyroid cancer. Testing on humans is not done yet. However, FDA has issued a boxed warning against this medication for the chances of thyroid cancer.
So, as mentioned, if you or anyone in your family has a history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 or medullary thyroid cancer, this medicine is a big No-No.
Pancreatitis
Taking Ozempic can make your pancreas swell up or cause pancreatitis. Pancreas is responsible for the secretion of hormones and enzymes that cause food digestion and absorption. So, with pancreatitis, the entire process can be a mess.
The major discomforts or symptoms related to pancreatitis are abdominal pain, vomiting, bloating, fast heart rate, etc.
Hypoglycemia
If you feel dizzy after taking Ozempic, chances are that your blood sugar level has gone very down. This serious medical condition is known as hypoglycemia.
Along with dizziness, hypoglycemia can cause severe problems like seizures and blurred vision.
Kidney Problems
Ozempic for weight loss can also have a negative impact on your kidney functions. It has semaglutide, which goes out of the body through the kidneys.
Also, common side effects like diarrhea and vomiting are associated with this medication. Vomiting and diarrhea can further make your body dehydrated, bringing harmful effects on your kidneys.
Gallbladder Problems
Ozempic is also reported to cause gallbladder problems as one of the major side effects. So, if you feel pain in your upper abdomen, your skin becomes yellow, or your stool turns clay-colored, consult your doctor immediately.
Serious Allergic Problems
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, can cause major allergic reactions. So, if you feel itchiness or swelling in your throat, tongue, lips, tongue, or face, get in touch with your physician.
Severe allergy problems can cause nausea, dizziness, fainting, or a rapid increase in the heartbeat.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Studies have shown that Semaglutide in Ozempic can cause and worsen diabetic retinopathy conditions.
Along with blurry sight and night blindness, it can lead to complete loss of vision.
Final Words:
Taking Ozempic for weight loss can help you to get rid of extra flab and fight type 2 diabetes. It’s also effective against cardiovascular problems.
However, this FDA-approved medication can cause thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, hypoglycemia, gallbladder stones, and other serious health problems.
So, be clear about your medical history and the medicines you already take if your doctor prescribes Ozempic.
Are you on Ozempic, and have faced any of the side effects? Share your experience with me.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Ans: Yes, Ozempic, despite not being primarily a weight loss medicine, can help burn belly fat. Researches suggest that Semaglutide in this medicine can burn visceral fat accumulated all over the body, including the abdomen.
This medicine is also effective in reducing fat mass
Ans: Ozempic boosts the effectiveness of GLP-1 medicines in our bodies. Under this circumstance, your resting metabolic rate can be reduced. Thus, you may suffer from sarcopenia.
If you have sarcopenia, there will be a gradual decrease in your muscle mass.
Ans: Ozempic is not a medicine for weight loss though it aids in losing weight. So, many people have experienced significant weight loss when taking this as a medicine to fight diabetes or as prescribed by a physician.
However, you cannot expect a permanent weight loss impact from Ozempic.
Ans: Ozempic, a medicine to fight diabetes, can be harmful to many organs. It can affect the thyroid gland, pancreas, and kidneys.
As severe side effects, Ozempic can cause thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, and kidney failure.
Ans: Yes, as type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease and Ozempic is primarily used to treat that, you will have to take it forever. With improvement or deterioration in your diabetic condition, your physician will change the doses. However, if you are taking it solely for weight loss, you can reduce your dependency on it or stop its consumption with certain lifestyle changes.
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