Ozympic – weight loss: benefits and disadvantages

Ozympic – weight loss: benefits and disadvantages

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Do you know that obesity has become a global health concern? It is affecting millions of people around the world. Many think obesity is just being overweight. No, it is more than that; it can cause severe health problems like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain types of cancer, etc. 

Therefore, the need for effective weight loss solutions has become more essential than ever before. Over time, many treatment options have been developed, including both surgical and non-surgical solutions. Experts say that bariatric surgery has proven to be more effective not only in shedding weight but also in improving obesity-related conditions.

However, some non-surgical treatments have gained attention to aid in weight loss. Ozempic is one such medication that was actually developed to manage type 2 diabetes. Researchers say that semaglutide, the active ingredient in the Ozempic drug, is promoting weight loss. 

It might help lose weight, but the real question is, do doctors recommend it for weight loss? Is it approved for weight loss? What are the benefits and potential disadvantages of Ozempic weight loss?

What is Ozempic and how does it work?

Ozempic drug, generically known as semaglutide. It was approved by the FDA to manage type 2 diabetes in adults. This drug is given weekly as an injection to lower blood sugar by triggering the pancreas for more insulin production. It was not approved for weight loss, but using this drug can shed considerable weight loss over time. However, some doctors prescribe it off-label to aid weight loss. 

If you are taking Ozempic for weight loss, it might take over a year to get the desired outcomes. It is recommended not to use it for more than two years for this purpose, but it is better to stop using it sooner. Like any other drug, Ozempic affects everyone differently, so consult an expert doctor before considering this drug for weight loss.  

How long does it take to see the results?

Generally, it takes a few weeks to observe evident results. Initially, the medicine is given in lower doses, which is 0.25 mg, and gradually the dose is increased every four weeks. The effect of the medicine becomes stronger as the dose increases. On average, people lose around 5% of body weight between 6 to 12 weeks after taking Ozempic. According to research, to get maximum benefits out of Ozempic (semaglutide), it needs to be taken for at least a year. 

Remember, most of the studies are based on higher doses of semaglutide, which is prescribed for weight loss. So the effects and outcomes might vary from one person to another because the dosage is not the same for every person and it depends on many factors like excess weight, age, and overall health.

Once you start taking it under the supervision of an expert doctor, he might start with lower doses and increase gradually. If you’re responding well and experiencing no or manageable side effects at a certain level, your doctor might generally recommend continuing the current dosage.  

When is it recommended to stop taking Ozempic for weight loss?

You may stop taking the drug when you experience bothering side effects. Side effects are common in people taking the drug and mostly clear up on their own. Some people might have severe side effects which require doctors’ attention. If you are not losing weight, lose less than 5% of your body weight even after taking Ozempic for six months. 

Benefits of taking Ozempic for weight loss

It helps to lose weight in people with obesity. Reduces the risk of obesity-related complications.

It manages blood sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes patients.

Ozempic reduces the risk of heart disease, especially in people with type 2 diabetes.

Disadvantages

Possible side effects of taking Ozempic drugs include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. These symptoms tend to appear mild to moderate and might go away over time.

The risk of developing hypoglycemia increases, especially when combined with other diabetes medications like insulin or sulfonylureas.

The cost might be high and may not be covered by insurance. Additionally, access to this medicine is limited in certain areas. 

The long-term safety and effectiveness of the Ozempic drug are still under research.

In general, Ozempic may be beneficial for people with a BMI of 30 or above and having at least one obesity-related complication. Ozempic is not suggested for everyone, especially people with type 1 diabetes, pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you have a history of health problems related to the pancreas, kidneys, and thyroid, you should discuss them with your doctor before taking the drug.  

Taking the drug alone is not enough, you have to make changes to your diet and introduce regular exercise habits to support weight loss. For more detailed information about non-surgical weight loss solutions, consult Dr Venugopal Pareek, one of the best weight loss surgeons in Hyderabad. He has nearly two decades of experience as a bariatric surgeon and helped thousands of people with obesity.