Is Ozempic safe for weight loss?
What are slimming injections? Semaglutide – a weight loss injection – first came into the limelight last year and we’ve been inundated with news about it ever since. It’s better...
What are slimming injections?
Semaglutide – a weight loss injection – first came into the limelight last year and we’ve been inundated with news about it ever since. It’s better known by the brand names it’s sold under: Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus. But as with most quick fixes, there’s a lot of controversy surrounding it.
Semaglutide was previously used as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, but its use is becoming more widespread. Thanks to Hollywood, the drug is gradually becoming less popular and is being used as a weight-loss drug instead.
But what is it, what does it do and should you use it? We've answered all of these questions below.
What is it?
It is a GLP-1 analogue, which means it can be prescribed to lower blood sugar levels. It works by increasing incretins – gut hormones that are secreted after eating – usually in response to glucose and fat. These hormones help increase insulin production and reduce the amount of glucose the liver produces when it is not needed.
Normally, the drug is given as a weekly injection to control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients.
What are the side effects?
Two of the most important side effects of semaglutide are:
- Reduce your appetite so that you eat less.
- It slows down the movement and digestion of food in your intestines, keeping you feeling fuller for longer.
But there are also other side effects:
- Constipation (often).
- Diarrhea (often).
- Nausea (often).
- Vomiting (often).
- Changed taste (less often).
- Acute pancreatitis (less common).
Are Weight Loss Injections Safe and a Good Option?
NICE states that semaglutide, in combination with dietary and lifestyle changes, can lead to a weight loss of >10%. However, sustainable weight loss is generally achieved through a balanced, calorie-controlled diet, regular physical activity and the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits. It is also important to note that a multidisciplinary team should be involved throughout the treatment process.
The effectiveness and safety of weight loss injections can vary and the scientific evidence supporting their use is limited. Although some people may experience positive effects, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before considering weight loss injections. They can assess your individual needs and medical history and advise you on the most appropriate weight loss strategies for you.
Furthermore, although your weight may have been reduced, it does not necessarily mean that your health has improved. If your lifestyle remains the same, the weight will likely come back because no sustainable long-term change has been made.
The intention behind its use is also important.
It's probably not the wisest approach for healthy individuals looking to lose a little weight.
However, it can be useful to initiate weight loss for those who need to lose weight prior to surgery, for example. This can be an effective way to lose weight without the need for ultra-low-calorie diets prior to surgery. However, it should be combined with general education about nutrition and health in general. This could potentially be a more sustainable and long-term tool to help with education compared to a short, very extreme fasting period.
It is also important to note the less desirable side effects that occur when taking Ozempic. It can cause a lot of gastrointestinal upset - nausea and vomiting are especially common in the early stages of taking the drug. On the other hand, others experience such intense feelings of fullness that it can lead to food rejection, making eating a chore instead of something enjoyable. This can result in a significant drop in energy levels, as your body may not be getting enough calories to function optimally.
There is also such a thing as ' Ozempic Face ', an informal term for the gaunt faces of people who have used the drug, which tends to make people look older.
Once you are off the medication, when the course is over (this can take months or years), your hunger will quickly return – your body’s attempt to recover what you lost during the treatment period. This, combined with other factors such as a lowered metabolism and reduced energy needs, prepares the body to regain the lost weight.
What do we think?
Ultimately, the drug is effective at initially losing weight, but keeping it off is the trickiest part, which is not exactly new. Its use must be combined with changes to one’s diet and lifestyle, to implement a strategy to help the individual keep the weight off after they stop taking the drug.
While the injections may provide some benefits, the overall cost of food and the lack of education about nutrition and health are much bigger barriers that the government needs to overcome (read our previous post about this here ). This can only happen if an intermediate strategy is enforced that will only affect a tiny percentage of the population, which is probably not the population that needs help in the first place.
We always recommend a food-first approach where possible to achieve health goals. If that proves challenging, speak with a professional, such as a nutritionist, dietitian or doctor, before making any lifestyle changes.