Pros and Cons of Ozempic: Semaglutide Weight Loss Drug

From the most recent Ozempic Kardashian conspiracies to a punchline from Jimmy Kimmel at the Oscars, it's hard to escape the buzz surrounding the transformative impact of Semaglutide on weight loss, not just in Hollywood but far beyond. Semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic), initially designed for managing type 2 diabetes, is generating considerable excitement within the weight loss industry. 

Promising findings from clinical trials indicate that this medication may possess substantial potential for promoting weight loss. FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes treatment in 2017 and administered via a once-a-week injection, Semaglutide, have emerged as miracles for many individuals who've battled lifelong weight issues. 

Average weight loss of 14.9 percent over a 68-week period – New England Journal of Medicine

The journey of repeated weight loss attempts and frustrating relapses can be disheartening, but these innovative medications are instilling a newfound sense of hope for those seeking lasting solution.

How Ozempic it works? 

Semaglutide is a synthetic glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, designed to replicate the functions of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1. GLP-1 is released when we eat and plays a pivotal role in regulating blood glucose levels. Its actions include stimulating insulin production, slowing down digestion, and, significantly for weight loss, curbing appetite by making you feel full and causing the stomach to empty more slowly.

Ozempic enhances GLP-1's impact by delaying stomach emptying, resulting in a prolonged feeling of fullness as food remains in the stomach for an extended duration. This is important for people with type 2 diabetes because they need the additional insulin, and they need a way to control the amount of food that enters their bodies.

Ozempic & Plastic Surgery

As a plastic surgery centre, we constantly aim is to assist patients in attaining their desired body shape and bolstering their self-confidence. We started offering Ozempic as a short-term way to help our patients achieve eligibility for surgery.

With the recent surge in popularity of GLP-1 agonists such as Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss, I've observed a growing curiosity regarding how plastic surgery can complement these treatments to further enhance body contouring outcomes. Why use the combination?

Ozempic Does Not Work for Stubborn Fats

Ozempic is a great start. While these drugs prove effective for many individuals, they don't specifically address those stubborn pockets of fat that can be unresponsive to diet and exercise. This is where plastic surgery can play a pivotal role.

Get Your BMI Lower with Ozempic to be Eligible for Surgery

Also, Ozempic is a great way to get your BMI down to be eligible for surgery. We only accept patients with a BMI of under 30. That's why we offer a hybrid approach where we provide our patients with Ozempic options to get their weight down to be in the eligible place.

Ozempic Does Not Solve for Loose and Hanging Pieces of Fat

Pros of Semaglutide for Weight Loss

1. Proven effectiveness
   The effectiveness of Semaglutide for weight loss is particularly notable for individuals struggling with obesity or overweight, and it can be a valuable addition to a weight management plan.
   
   Clinical trials have demonstrated that the use of 2.4 mg of semaglutide once a week, combined with lifestyle intervention, led to a persistent and clinically significant reduction in body weight, with an average reduction of 14.9%.  A preliminary study involving a modest cohort of 30 participants, published in Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism in September 2017, revealed that individuals receiving weekly injections of the drug over a 12-week period consumed 24 percent fewer calories compared to their counterparts in the control group.
2. Enhanced Metabolic Well-beingSemaglutide not only aids in weight loss but also enhances overall metabolic health, lowering the risk of heart disease and improving blood sugar control.Ozempic functions by prompting the pancreas to release an appropriate amount of insulin in response to elevated blood sugar levels.Clinical trials focused on cardiovascular (CV) outcomes have confirmed its potential to decrease several risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease in patients who already have such conditions. Further investigations funded by the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk discovered that semaglutide lowered the risk of stroke and heart attack by 20% in individuals with obesity and a prior history of cardiovascular disease.
3. Convenient Weekly Dosage
   Ozempic is crafted for convenient at-home administration. Ozempic is delivered as a once-weekly injection, offering a more convenient option for certain patients when contrasted with the daily medication regimen or the need for multiple daily insulin injections.
4. Effective Appetite Management
   Semaglutide, by replicating the actions of the natural hormone GLP-1, plays a key role in regulating appetite. This not only aids individuals who grapple with cravings and food addiction but also contributes to more effective appetite control. In a study involving nearly 200 individuals dealing with obesity and overweight, researchers maintained ongoing contact with the participants for a span of two years. Their investigation revealed that semaglutide had a significant impact in reducing cravings for salty and spicy foods, as well as dairy and starches. Participants also noted an improved ability to resist any cravings that emerged during the study.

Cons of Semaglutide for Weight Loss

1. Potential Side Effects
   Semaglutide may lead to certain common side effects, such as gastrointestinal issues like nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Fortunately, these side effects are generally mild and tend to lessen with time.Consuming alcohol while taking Ozempic can potentially reduce blood sugar levels to a dangerous extent, possibly leading to hypoglycemia, which can be life-threatening.You must be closely monitored by your healthcare professional.
2. Nutrition deficiencies
   Ozempic can potentially lead to nutritional deficiencies indirectly by reducing appetite and promoting weight loss. This reduced food intake, if not carefully managed with a well-balanced diet, may result in lower nutrient consumption, potentially leading to deficiencies over time. Individuals using Ozempic should maintain regular appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their nutritional well-being and overall health, thereby preventing potential nutrient deficiencies.
3. Uncertainty Regarding Long-Term Safety
   Ozempic is a comparatively recent medication, and its safety for extended use remains uncertain. There's a possibility of unanticipated risks associated with its prolonged usage. This is why we recommend using Ozempic for a short period to achieve weight loss surgery eligibility and opt for a more permanent solution.
4. Ozempic may not be suitable for everyone
   It's not recommended for individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. Additionally, it should be used cautiously by those with a history of pancreatitis. We recommend you consult a doctor.
5. Not a standalone remedy
   The amount of weight lost by those using Ozempic can differ considerably, and its effectiveness in promoting weight loss may vary among individuals. Achieving long-term, successful weight loss generally requires a multifaceted strategy that encompasses dietary adjustments, physical activity, and lifestyle changes.When individuals discontinue the medication, they often experience weight regain, sometimes even exceeding their initial weight. This occurs because their hunger signals return with increased intensity. Therefore, medications like Ozempic are generally most effective when incorporated into a comprehensive weight management plan or a permanent change like surgery.

Treatments to Consider after Weight Loss