Are you curious about Ozempic, but need more information? This article goes over what Ozempic is and what it does to your body as well as the benefits and potential risks.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is the brand name for the peptide semaglutide. Peptides are strings of amino acids found in all living things, and semaglutide specifically is a GLP-1 agonist, designed to mimic the naturally occurring GLP-1 in human bodies. GLP-1 is released in the gut after eating, signaling the pancreas to release insulin to help control blood sugar levels. Conversely, GLP-1 also curbs appetite by signaling a feeling of fullness.
Understanding GLP-1 Agonists and Their Role
Using a GLP-1 agonist creates higher levels of GLP-1 in the body. These agonists have been shown to decrease appetite, lower blood pressure, and reduce glycemic variability. Originally, GLP-1 agonists were developed as a medication for type II diabetes.
How Ozempic Works: Regulating Blood Sugar and Appetite
Ozempic is one of many GLP-1 agonists approved by the FDA specifically for weight loss in individuals with a certain BMI and above. Like all GLP-1 agonists, it helps regulate blood sugar and appetite.
Benefits of Ozempic: Weight Loss and Beyond
People who are obese or overweight tend to be more sensitive to hunger signals and less sensitive to satiety signals. GLP-1 agonists work to regulate appetite for those that tend to have weekend sensitivity to these full signals. Although we don’t know much about the long-term side effects of GLP-1 agonists, we do know the risks associated with chronic disease, obesity, and diabetes: a shortened lifespan.
GLP-1 agonists essentially slow gastric emptying, creating a prolonged feeling of fullness. They also help stabilize blood sugar by facilitating insulin secretion and assisting glucose to enter cells rather than being stored as body fat.
Studies show that GLP-1 agonists are effective for weight loss—those who take them for a year lose an average of 16% of their body weight. However, a significant caveat is that a large portion of this weight loss, 25-30%, is muscle, which can be harmful if not managed. With adequate protein intake and strength training, much of this muscle loss can be mitigated. Compared to other weight loss aids, Ozempic is highly effective with no proven long-term health effects (so far) for most people.
Research is also beginning to show additional benefits of GLP-1 agonists, including improved cardiovascular health and reduced cravings for ultra-processed foods and alcohol—findings with groundbreaking implications.
How is Ozempic Administered?
If you are considering Ozempic, plan your treatment with your doctor. It is recommended to start with the lowest dose to see how your body responds, usually beginning at 0.1 mg per week. Some people who are obese or have diabetes may start with a higher dose. Ozempic is administered as a subcutaneous injection (either by shot or pen), which can be done easily at home.
Potential Side Effects of Ozempic
Like any medication, GLP-1 agonists come with known and unknown risks, but also benefits. Medical professionals should weigh these on an individual basis. Long-term risks need further study; however, GLP-1’s natural mimicking action suggests minimal risks compared to other medications.
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea—more than 50% of Ozempic users experience gastrointestinal issues. These symptoms may be reduced by starting with a smaller dose.
The primary contraindication for Ozempic is a family history of thyroid carcinoma or risk factors for thyroid or pancreatic cancer. Some users may also experience rare allergic reactions. Always consult a doctor, and disclose relevant medical history before beginning treatment.
Muscle Loss and the Importance of Strength Training on Ozempic
If you and your doctor decide that Ozempic is right for you, the biggest concern is potential muscle loss. Without strength training, you will lose muscle and bone density, which is a serious health risk. Scientific evidence shows that sarcopenia (muscle loss) is a major driver of mortality. It is essential to maintain muscle through strength training, especially during calorie restriction or weight loss on Ozempic.
Another key point: you’re not likely to be on Ozempic indefinitely. When you stop, having healthy habits in place, such as a balanced diet and strength training, is crucial. Otherwise, you could regain the lost weight, with decreased muscle mass and bone density—not an ideal outcome.
Is Ozempic Right for You? Key Considerations
While Ozempic suppresses appetite, it’s still vital to get enough protein. Maintaining a disciplined eating routine to meet your protein and nutrient needs is essential.
The Cost Debate: Is Ozempic Worth the Price?
The personal financial impact is a key consideration when taking Ozempic. Even though your doctor might approve Ozempic for you, insurance companies are unlikely to pick up the cost in most situations.
There’s also an ethical argument here. If food companies were actually held accountable for what they put into their foods, and we were actually taught how to live a healthy and balanced life, there would arguably be no need for Ozempic.
Whether you take Ozempic or not, you do need to incorporate healthy habits around food and exercise into your life, or else the medication could actually be hazardous to your health. Given the high cost of Ozempic, would it be better to invest that money—or even less—into a personal trainer and a nutritionist to help build a sustainable, healthy lifestyle rather than opting for a quick fix? Ozempic’s positive benefits are majorly eclipsed by what a healthy lifestyle can do for you.
Balancing Benefits and Risks of Ozempic
Bottom line: whether or not Ozempic is right for you, the pillars of health remain—eating well, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and strength training. Ozempic holds promise for those struggling with obesity. For those who are already lean but want to lose a few pounds, it can be effective as well. However, maintaining muscle and eating enough protein is crucial.
In the end, a healthy lifestyle offers countless benefits, positively impacting every area of life in ways a single medication cannot.
Want to learn more about Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonists? Listen to episode 197 of the Stronger Than Your Boyfriend Podcast: The Truth Behind Ozempic
Want to learn more about how to increase GLP-1 naturally? CLICK HERE
