One of the most widely used medications on the market right now is Ozempic, which is supposedly used by numerous Bollywood and Hollywood celebrities to reduce weight. Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, recently shared his “Ozempic Santa” ensemble on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Christmas. Musk confirmed in a subsequent article, though, that he is actually taking Mounjaro, which is comparable to Ozempic.
It is crucial to address the hazards and safety concerns that people have regarding the so-called “wonder” weight reduction medication, regardless of the brand of semaglutide that the celebrities are taking. It is important to realize that short cuts to a healthy lifestyle are seldom a permanent fix and instead exacerbate pre-existing health issues.
In order to address this, Onlymyhealth conducted interviews with two endocrinologists to learn more about Ozempic’s function, whether or not it can be used to reduce body weight, and any possible dangers or adverse effects that may arise from using the medication.
Ozempic: What Is It?
The Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk introduced Ozempic, sometimes referred to as semaglutide, as an anti-diabetic drug in 2017. Although its main purpose is to help those with type 2 diabetes lower their blood sugar levels, it has become very popular due to its ability to help people lose weight. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the drug is an injectable that is injected once a week beneath the skin of the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen.
“Ozempic acts as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which not only helps lower blood sugar levels but also plays a significant role in weight management, making it a dual-purpose solution for those struggling with diabetes and obesity,” stated Dr. Mahesh D M, Consultant Endocrinologist, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru.
Ozempic functions by mimicking your body’s natural hormones (GLP-1). It lowers hunger, slows the rate at which food exits the stomach, and increases the amount of insulin released after eating. The doctor explained that these combined actions aid in blood sugar regulation and weight loss.
Does Ozempic Actually Work As A "Miracle Drug" for Losing Weight?
Ozempic has become very popular since it helps people lose weight, especially those who are obese, but Dr. Satyam Chakraborty, a consultant endocrinologist at Fortis Hospital in Anandapur, explained that it is not a “miracle remedy.”
“Ozempic reduces hunger and increases feelings of fullness, making it simpler to eat less and lose weight,” he said in response to a question on how the anti-diabetic drug aids in weight loss. In contrast to other diet pills, Ozempic also slows down digestion, lowers inflammation, and increases insulin sensitivity, all of which contribute to more long-lasting weight loss.
Semaglutide’s ability to help 175 overweight or obese adults lose weight was investigated in a 2022 study that was published in the JAMA Network Open. Researchers discovered that participants had reduced 6.7 kg after three months. The average weight loss among the 102 patients who continued follow-up rose to 12.3 kg after six months.
Dr. Chakraborty did point out that maintaining weight loss over the long term necessitates a mix of good lifestyle practices, such as frequent exercise and a balanced diet.
While Ozempic has received a lot of attention for its ability to help people lose weight, Dr. Mahesh noted that it is crucial to investigate the whole range of weight management options.
“Many people could discover that alternate approaches, like dietary modifications, lifestyle adjustments, and other medications, can produce safer and longer-lasting results without the possible negative effects connected to Ozempic. People can make well-informed decisions that support their health objectives and guarantee a more comprehensive approach to weight control by considering all of their options,” he stated.
Hazards, Adverse Reactions, and Safety Issues
According to Dr. Mahesh, Ozempic is mostly recommended to treat type 2 diabetes, however its off-label use in non-diabetic people presents serious safety issues.
Low blood sugar, pancreatic inflammation, diabetic retinopathy problems, and allergic responses are among the major adverse effects that Ozempic may cause, according to the FDA.
In clinical trials, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation were the most frequent adverse effects.
Thyroid tumors, allergic reactions, and pancreatitis are more dangerous hazards.
It is important to remember that Ozempic is not suitable for everyone, especially for people who have:
- Diabetes type 1
- Pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis
- Thyroid tumors or cancer
- severe illness of the gastrointestinal tract
- Breastfeeding or pregnancy
India's Ozempic
Ozempic is not authorized for use in India and is not formally accessible there. Ozempic is in high demand, yet there is a limited supply.
However, Dr. Mahesh noted that increasing awareness of Ozempic’s potential benefits for weight management has sparked conversations among patients and healthcare professionals. “As of right now, Ozempic, which is primarily approved for the management of type 2 diabetes, has not received specific regulatory approval for weight loss in India,” he said.
According to the doctor, “those looking to take Ozempic for weight reduction should speak with a healthcare provider to understand the ramifications, potential off-label use, and the best course of action customized to their health needs,” even though it might be available through some channels.