Is Ozempic Right For Your Weight-Loss Goals? - Forbes

Ozempic, a medication primarily used to manage type two diabetes, has recently gained significant attention due to its off-label use for weight loss, Omen Aman writes for Forbes.

Popularity and Effectiveness: The drug’s active ingredient, Semaglutide, enhances the effects of the naturally occurring hormone Glucagon-Like-Peptide-1 (GLP-1), which stimulates insulin release from the pancreas to decrease blood sugar levels.

This process also slows the rate at which food is emptied from the stomach, reducing appetite and promoting weight loss. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients who took Wegovy, a weight loss drug containing the same active ingredient as Ozempic, experienced an average body weight change of 14.9% over 68 weeks.

Considerations and Side Effects: Despite its effectiveness, Ozempic is not suitable for everyone, according to Aman. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. More serious side effects can include inflammation of the pancreas and gallbladder, vision changes, allergic reactions, kidney problems, and a specific type of thyroid cancer.

The drug is not recommended for individuals under 18, pregnant individuals, and those with a history of pancreatitis, type one diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, and certain thyroid tumors.

Usage and Availability: Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss and is intended for long-term diabetes therapy. Dr. McGowan, a gastroenterologist specializing in obesity medicine, warns against short-term use of Ozempic for weight loss, as it can lead to adverse events and weight regain.

Furthermore, off-label use could limit availability for type two diabetics who need the drug to control their blood sugar levels.

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