Most people are aware of the recently publicized weight loss injections and there has been much buzz in the media about celebrities using them to suddenly drop 25 pounds.
Some celebrities freely admit to using Ozempic for weight loss while others continue to deny use. Everyone is still asking the question, “Did the Kardashians take Ozempic for weight loss?” Public opinion says, “For Sure” while Khloe Kardashian vehemently denies the rumor and credits her weight loss to her workout routine.
Today we are going to talk about the Ozempic and weight loss. We will go over the basics of Ozempic injections, how they work, the benefits and drawbacks, and the reason that many celebrities have something to say about this new form of weight loss.
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Why Are Some Celebrities Denying Using Ozempic Injections?
Aside from vanity, more than likely most celebrities are keeping their Ozempic use under wraps because of social stigmas.
First, society has always looked down on those who needed help to lose weight. Even though obesity has been deemed a disease, there is still a great amount of bias in our society insinuating that obesity is a condition caused by laziness and poor willpower.
Many obese individuals fail to seek help to manage their condition due to the embarrassment and pressure created by this misguided bias. A celebrity who is in the public eye and whose life is displayed in living color for all to see and comment on may not wish to be thought of in this light. There was also some backlash amongst some celebrities regarding the use of Ozempic off-label and contributing to the shortage of the medication.
What Is Ozempic Used For?
Ozempic is a medication called Semaglutide that is prescribed to individuals who suffer from diabetes (type II) to help manage their blood sugar levels. It was approved for use to treat this illness in 2017 and patients that began using it realized the benefit of a reduced appetite and subsequent weight loss.
After some clinical trials specifically geared toward Ozempic and weight loss, the FDA approved Semaglutide for the treatment of obese and overweight adults but under the brand name Wegovy. The FDA chose a different name for the drug to delineate one from the other because Wegovy is administered in higher doses than Ozempic. Even though these are the same prescription medication, only Wegovy is approved for weight loss.
Both drugs are self-injected once weekly using a pre-filled injector pen. Both the Wegovy and Ozempic pens have an easy dispensing system that allows the patient to choose the correct dose which makes administering the injection quick and simple.
How Does Ozempic For Weight Loss In A Non-Diabetic Work?
The human body manufactures a hormone that is known as glucagon-like peptide-1 or GLP-1. This hormone is responsible for helping in the digestion process and controlling the appetite (the signals that are sent to the brain to prompt us to eat) Prescription medications like Semiglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) are simulations of this natural hormone so they can, in short, do a pretty good job of impersonating our natural GLP-1 only on demand.
The overall result is that it suppresses the appetite while speeding up the metabolism and slowing down the digestion process. The combination of this tri-feca promotes weight loss because patients do not experience hunger pains or cravings and they feel full for a longer period of time.
When a non-diabetic person uses Ozempic for weight loss, they typically lose about 15% of their overall weight while those who are using the drug for the treatment of diabetes notice about a 7% to 8% reduction in their overall weight.
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What Are The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Using Ozempic For Weight Loss?
The benefits of using Ozempic for weight loss have been clearly demonstrated all over social media. The prescription drug is effective in helping people lose weight. It addresses a few of the toughest elements that hinder the weight loss efforts of most individuals
- Helps control the appetite;
- Stops cravings;
- Slows down the rate of stomach digestion so you feel satisfied longer;
- Boosts the rate at which your body metabolizes food.
There is nothing worse than trying to cut calories when your stomach is screaming all day and your brain keeps making you think you really need to eat the cookies in the pantry or you just might perish. Having all that “food chatter” turned off in your brain makes it easier to avoid snacking and helps the weight come off.
There are also some drawbacks to using Ozempic injections to lose weight that you should know about before choosing to try it for yourself. Some of the drawbacks of using Ozempic are
The Side Effects
Many individuals experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation while using Ozempic. These symptoms are mild to moderate for most users and eventually subside but for some, they are chronic and severe and they must discontinue use.
The Cost
Ozempic is expensive and costs in the neighborhood $1,000 per month. It is not covered under insurance unless it is prescribed for diabetes.
Ineligibility For Use
Some individuals with a family history of certain medical conditions can not use the medication due to the high risk of adverse side effects. Conditions such as:
- A family history of thyroid cancer;
- A history of kidney, liver, or pancreas problems;
- A family history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2);
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Weight Regain And Recurrence Of Comorbidities
Studies have shown that once patients stopped using Ozempic, they regained at least two-thirds of their weight back, and health issues related to their weight resurfaced. Many patients experienced remission of illnesses such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension just to see them reemerge as soon as they gained weight.
Remi Bader is a hilarious TikTok creator who made her mark trying on clothing from popular brands with her plus-size figure. Her fans love her humor and relatable approach to fashion while promoting body positivity. Remi was diagnosed as pre-diabetic and was prescribed Ozempic injections which she tried for a season. When she chose to stop using it, she gained twice as much weight as she had lost and doctors confirmed to her it was because she had discontinued the use of the Ozempic. She said her cravings and subsequent binging became much worse.
Ozempic must be taken long-term for the results to be maintained.
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What Is The Best Way To Use Ozempic Or A Weight Loss Drug?
Dr. Steven Batash from Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Solutions in NYC believes that the best way to use weight loss medications such as Ozempic is as a tool for temporary use.
Ozempic can be a wonderful tool and helpful for the right patient if used under the right circumstances. These medications are very expensive and if used alone must be taken indefinitely to prevent the patient from regaining weight. Medications such as Ozempic, are best used when taken temporarily while simultaneously instituting other changes that promote a healthy lifestyle.
A non-surgical weight loss procedure called Suture Sculpt endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) used in conjunction with a weight loss medication can help patients lose weight and keep it off long-term.
ESG, which is performed as an outpatient procedure makes the patient's stomach significantly smaller so it stays full for longer periods of time. The signals that are sent from the brain regarding hunger and satiety become permanently altered which will help to control appetite and mitigate the potential for significant weight gain.
The other major component in achieving sustainable weight loss is making lifestyle modifications that support a healthy weight. One mistake that most patients who try Ozempic alone experience is that they rely on the medication to do all of the work. Once the medication leaves their system they revert to old unhealthy eating habits. Making lifestyle choices while having the benefits of the medication will help set a foundation for sustainable weight loss. Eating a healthy diet, getting exercise every day, and including an adequate amount of sleep and hydration are good steps in the right direction.
Losing weight is a balancing act of many factors and most people do not know what those factors are or how to create a safe and effective balance. The professionals at Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center understand these complexities and can develop a program for weight loss that is safe and works for you. Contact us today to discuss your options for weight loss, we would love to help guide you on your journey to reaching your goals for weight loss.
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