A drug designed to control insulin levels is difficult to come across after a number of users on social media have discussed the ways they have used it to aid in weight loss. Ozempic is the brand name used for semaglutide is on FDA’s lists of current shortages of drugs.
Ozempic is an injectable drug frequently used by people with type 2 diabetes for treatment in cases where other treatments haven’t been effective in controlling the patient’s blood sugar. However, it is also available off-label and utilized to reduce weight in a few patients, according to Jamie Alan, Ph.D. Associate professor of toxicology and pharmacology within Michigan State University. “There are online concierge services that provide Ozempic for weight loss” she adds.
Not to be overlooked: The semaglutide medicine Wegovy is also in short supply. But what’s the problem with Ozempic? Is it safe to use in this manner? Here’s the information you need to be aware of.
What exactly is Ozempic and what is its purpose?
Ozempic is a component of the exercise program and diet to regulate blood sugar levels of people suffering from type 2 diabetes, in cases where other medicines don’t manage their blood sugar levels effectively, Medline Plus explains. Ozempic can be administered in the form of an injection. It can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death among people with type 2 diabetes, as well as with blood vessel and heart diseases.
Ozempic “mimics the protein that is present in your body, dubbed GLP-1, also known as glucagon-like. (GLP-1),” Alan clarifies. In taking Ozempic “will stimulate GLP-1 receptors” Alan says, noting that “activation of these receptors results in the production of insulin levels which is a treatment for diabetes.”
Studies have shown that Ozempic aids in lowering A1C amounts (a test that measures average blood glucose levels over the last two or three days) to less than 7%, a level suggested from the American Diabetes Association.
How can people lose weight after Ozempic?
It is linked to GLP-1. This “primarily works by stimulating the POMC (pro-opiomelanocortin) pathway of the brain in the hypothalamus which tells us to eat less and store less,” explains Fatima Cody Stanford, M.D., M.P.H., an obesity medicine physician and associate professor of medicine and pediatrics at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Also, it slows down the process of food moving into your stomach “so you feel fuller throughout the day,” the Dr. Sanford states.
But there’s much more in Ozempic than that, but it’s not being explored at the moment. “There are many other possible mechanisms that we’re starting to comprehend,” Alan says.
The Ozempic website says that those who take the medication have lost up to 14 pounds, but it makes it clear that Ozempic is “not a weight-loss medication.” However, Ozempic also notes that research on A1C levels revealed that people who took Ozempic lost 8 pounds on average on 0.5 milligrams and 10 pounds when they took one milligram as compared to. three pounds when using an untreated placebo. In a different study, participants lost 12 pounds after one milligram of Ozempic , and 14 pounds when they took two milligrams, the firm states.
Is Ozempic a safe option to lose weight?
In addition, Ozempic is authorized for usage from the FDA to control blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. It’s not an appetite-loss medication. However, Alan admits that “prescriptions medications are used without a prescription every day.” When you’re in the supervision by a physician Alan states that it’s safe to take a medicine such as Ozempic that is not on a label. The doctor. Stanford agrees. “Semaglutide can also be used to treat obesity under the trade name Wegovy,” she says. “As as such, there’s no harm in the medication not being on the label since it’s approved in this manner.”
However, Alan notes, “you are still susceptible to the same adverse consequences,” regardless of whether you are taking Ozempic to treat diabetes or for weight loss. These side effects could include:
Low blood sugar
Vision changes
Kidney issues
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Constipation
It is important to remember that those with diabetes might require this medication and may be unable to obtain it due to the lack. If you take the medication off-label you may be contributing to the issue. Click here for the latest Ozempic coupon.
It is also important to note that the FDA has also warned that Ozempic is associated with the risk of thyroid tumors that could cause problems, which includes cancer.
A spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, which makes Ozempic has not responded to Prevention’s request to comment within the timeframe set by Prevention.
What do you do if you’re contemplating taking a medication to lose weight
Doctors emphasize the importance of talking with an experienced medical professional and remaining under their care when taking anti-obesity medication. “Anti-obesity drugs can be employed for obese patients who have had difficulty in regulating their weight through exercises and diet alone,” Dr. Stanford declares. “Obesity is a persistent and relapsing disease that requires ongoing treatment. when a patient discovers that medications aid in regulating your weight levels, the medication must continue for a long time.” (However she emphasizes that anti-obesity medication are not recommended during pregnancy.)
It’s important to apply medication in the environment of lifestyle changes, Alan states. “Medications are great however, they’re best when combined with healthy eating and regular exercise,” she adds. “Please seek out a reliable doctor when you are taking these medicines.”
