Ozempic: Elon Musk has said he uses it, others have denied it, some doctors prescribe it to lose a few pounds, but it is actually a Diabetes medication. Find out more about this drug.
Weight loss Drug Ozempic has been in the news as a the best solution to shedding those extra pounds when all else fails. However, should it really be available for purchase online, especially as it is not easily accessible for those who need it most – diabetes patients.
Ozempic, Wegovy or Semaglutide:
The Diabetes medication that also helps you lose weight, and many celebrities are using it. But is it safe, is it for everyone, is it really the magic weight loss solution or should we steer clear from this apparent quick fix? We give you background on the drug from our in-house dietitian Fareeha Jay.
Semaglutide is a drug used to treat Type 2 diabetes and people living with obesity. It helps to increase insulin secretion and improves glycaemic control. Patients prescribed this medication inject themselves once a week with pens pre-filled with Semaglutide. When blood sugars are high it helps release the right amount of insulin from the pancreas. It suppresses appetite and makes people feel full; therefore, people might eat less and reduce their calorie intake.
Ozempic has shown positive results in studies lowering HbA1c levels and weight loss and may have a protective effect on heart health. It is a prescription-based drug; however, in Pakistan, people might be able to get it over the counter; therefore, care is required for its use.
Things to consider:
- Please do not use it without a prescription. Doctors must consider many things before they prescribe the drug to ensure safety.
- It is an expensive drug.
- Regardless of the positive results, calorie intake and increased physical activity would still need to be included. Which means changes for a lifetime.
- Animal studies show that Semaglutide increases the risk of tumours; however, nothing is known about humans. The doctor would need to know the family history of tumours.
- Nausea and diarrhoea are the most common adverse events with Semaglutide
- Before Semaglutide is prescribed, the doctor must know what other medications the patient is on because Semaglutide might change how the body absorbs those medications.
- For those who want to conceive, Semaglutide should be discontinued at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy; moreover, it should not be used during pregnancy.
- Semaglutide is not used instead of insulin and is not for people with Type 1 diabetes and diabetic acidosis.
In a society where physical attractiveness is associated with positive qualities, happiness, prosperity, wealth and social power, people try to do everything to look good, even if it is unsafe. No doubt, Semaglutide is a promising drug with excellent results, but we must remember that any drug, specifically injectables, should never be taken without a doctor’s advice.
More Background:
Semaglutide is an injectable drug sold under brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy. It has apparently become popular with non-diabetics as well: celebrities looking to dramatically lose weight. The FDA first approved Semaglutide in 2017 for type 2 diabetes and again in 2021 under the brand name Wegovy. It was approved for “chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition,” including high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol
Dietitian Fareeha Jay Solves The Confusion Between Ozempic & Slimming Pills
I recently spoke about slimming pills and its dangers. Got a lot of questions specifically with regards to Semaglutide/ Ozempic/Wegovy. Please don’t confuse them with slimming pills. These are prescription-based drugs and are used for type 2 diabetes. Also, might be prescribed on chronic weight management in adults with obesity with at least one weight-related health condition. DO NOT think that you want to be slim, and a certain figure and you start using them. They are prescription based which means the doctor has to consider different aspects and risks before they give them to you.
Disclaimer: This is general public information. Does not substitute any medical or dietary advice from your health care professionals.
The information in this article was provided by Fareeha Jay. She is a Registered Dietician based in Plymouth. Fareeha is working as a Diabetes specialist, delivering educational sessions to people newly diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. She also runs her private practice. Her work entails online consultations with South Asians all over the world. If you wish to view her work, below are the links to her social media handles;
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dietitian_fareehajay/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FareehaJay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSXc-Vg8wc2SdY8Jh7TK45A
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References: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2023) NICE recommends new drug for people living with obesity. Available at : https://www.nice.org.uk/news/article/nice-recommends-new-drug-for-people-living-with-obesity#:~:text=NICE’s%20independent%20appraisal%20committee%20has,least%2035.0%20kg%2Fm2%2C%20or
MedlinePlus. (No Date) Semaglutide Injection. Available on: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a618008.html#why
