In recent years, Ozempic has become a popular weight loss solution across Australia. Ozempic is an injectable drug prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, its use as a weight loss drug has led to a shortage, so many people who rely on Ozempic to keep them medically well are often unable to access it.
How does it work?
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic, which helps the pancreas produce insulin. Insulin is needed to move the sugars we get from food into our body’s cells so we can use them for energy. By helping the pancreas to produce more insulin, Ozempic can help prevent elevated blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, thereby minimising the risks associated with long term elevated blood sugar levels. For these people, Ozempic needs to be taken consistently and long term to manage their diabetes.
How does Ozempic help with weight loss?
As well as affecting insulin levels, semaglutide mimics the role of a body hormone known as GLP-1, which signals to our body that we are full. In doing so, it suppresses appetite, which is believed to be a key contributor to the weight loss results seen in scientific trials of the drug.
What is my opinion on Ozempic for weight loss?
In short, I do not support it. My reasons are:
Firstly, weight loss is never an appropriate goal as we actually have very little control over our weight, and weight loss doesn't result in better health. Goals should instead be related to things we can control, such as behaviours that contribute to good health. For example, eating a wide variety of nutritious foods or getting good quality sleep.
Secondly, Ozempic has a range of possible side effects, some of which are very serious. These include nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, gallbladder problems, pancreatitis (a possibly fatal inflammation of the pancreas), kidney failure, thyroid tumours and vision changes. So, it should only be used where there is a clear medical need for it, and where the benefits far outweigh the risks.
Thirdly, Ozempic doesn’t teach you how to respond to your appetite and hunger signals appropriately, how to eat right to support your body’s needs, or how to have a healthy relationship with food. So, once you stop taking Ozempic, your eating patterns are likely no better off, and neither are your finances!
Fourth, Ozempic only exerts its effects on appetite whilst it is being taken. This means that discontinuing use will result in the return of previous appetite levels, and usually, even greater hunger than before. So, whilst on Ozempic food intake is likely reduced, however once it is discontinued, intake will return to what it was before or more. This cycling of dietary restriction followed by normal eating usually results in rapid regain of any lost weight and then some!
Lastly, appetite and hunger cues are normal and healthy! They are one of the many ways that our amazing bodies take care of us, so we shouldn’t try to suppress them. Instead, we need to learn to listen to what our body is trying to tell us, and respond appropriately.
So, what should you do instead?
Focus on good health. This includes good food, movement, social connection, sleep, sunshine and mental health. A healthy body will find its own natural happy weight.
To help you get started, you might find it helpful to read some of my other blog articles:
If you require any further assistance in helping to achieve good health, book a free introductory phone call here.
