The Buzz around "Weight Loss Injection" - What are the Negatives of Ozempic?
Ozempic Explained: Insights into the Drug Used for Diabetes Treatment
Everyone seems to be on the hype around Ozempic, a diabetes medication, with celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Kathy Bates, and Elon Musk singing its praises. But is it all sunshine and rainbows? Here's an unbiased look at the potential drawbacks of this celebrated "weight loss injection."
Oprah takes it, Kathy does too, and Musk is on board – Ozempic, a diabetes treatment, is leading the weight loss revolution. It's even put Weight Watchers out of business! Yet, the list of possible side effects is lengthy. Two diabetologists share their insights with ntv.de on the Ozempic phenomenon.
First off, Ozempic isn’t a "weight loss injection." Instead, Jochen Seufert, head of endocrinology and diabetology at the University Hospital Freiburg, clarifies, "Ozempic is a diabetes medication, with weight loss being a beneficial side effect." While millions rely on Ozempic and its predecessors, unwanted side effects are rare. "They're very effective medications, and the benefits outweigh the drawbacks," says Jürgen Wagner, chief physician for internal medicine at the Stauffenburg Clinic.
Suppressed Appetite
Ozempic’s active ingredient is semaglutide, which stimulates hormones that promote satiety. By slowing down the digestive process and significantly reducing appetite, users end up eating less, resulting in weight loss.
Common but Manageable Side Effects
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and heartburn. However, with careful dosing, these side effects become less of an issue. The concern about semaglutide increasing the risk of thyroid and pancreatic cancer is, according to Seufert, "minimal or non-existent." Only rare cases of pancreatitis may occur.
Misuse andhalent Consequences
The so-called "Ozempic face" characterized by sunken cheeks, hollow eyes, and wrinkles is a rarity in clinical practice. "The 'Ozempic face' is the result of misuse," cautions Seufert. Using Ozempic as a weight loss tool for those who don’t need it can lead to malnutrition and unwanted side effects.
Underutilized Solution
For Wagner, the problem lies in the underutilization of semaglutides to combat obesity. With 25% of Germans considered obese, he estimates the real number to be much higher. Weight-related conditions like diabetes, sleep apnea, arthritis, high blood pressure, and stroke risk require effective solutions such as Ozempic.
Although Ozempic has revolutionized the healthcare industry, it's essential to be aware of its potential drawbacks and use it responsibly under a healthcare provider’s guidance. Unless indicated otherwise, Ozempic is intended for diabetes treatment, with weight loss as a beneficial side effect.
In the context of the ongoing discussion about Ozempic and its implications for weight management, it's crucial to acknowledge that while the use of medicines like Ozempic can lead to weight loss due to its active ingredient's stimulation of hormones that promote satiety, it's primarily a diabetes medication. Furthermore, when considering health-and-wellness and weight-management approaches, it's imperative to understand the common but manageable side effects associated with Ozempic, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and heartburn, and to be aware of the potential risks and misuse that could impact one's overall health.
