Q: What is all the buzz around Ozempic? Should I be taking Ozempic to help me lose weight? When can I stop it if I start? What other weight loss options do you recommend?
These are questions I get in my family medicine practice every day. If you have ever considered a weight loss supplementation or want to know if this is a feasible option for you then keep reading..
Ozempic is a GLP-1 agonist which stands for glucagon-like peptide and it is a weekly injectable medication that works to help patients lose weight in a variety of different ways; Put simply, Ozempic helps individuals feel full faster, decrease appetite, and slows digestion. There are other medications in the same class approved for obesity (BMI>30) which include Wegovy and Saxenda. The thing that a lot of people don’t know is that Ozempic is currently ONLY FDA approved for the treatment of diabetes. If you are a diabetic, this is an amazing medication that helps reduce your A1C and lose weight. I would not recommend asking for a prescription for Ozempic if you are not a diabetic, and before asking for any other weight-loss medications I recommend other treatments first.
The reason I advise caution is because according to pharmacists, these weight loss medications are currently indicated for life! If you are currently in your 20’s and start this medication, the weekly injections have no end in sight! Some providers may say that it takes the body about 2 years of stabilization at the new weight to then trial discontinue of the medication. However, the risk of weight rebound is still very present after 2 years and further weight loss is unlikely after discontinuation. I would really recommend giving diet and exercise your all and more holistic approaches prior to asking your doctor to start you on any medications.
If you are overweight or just desire a healthier lifestyle in general and don’t know where to start, there is a very simple phrase I tell all my patients:
- More water
- More walking
- More veggies
Everything in moderation~ is a good rule of thumb to go by but there are some items that I recommend avoiding all around. Soda and juice have no place in a healthy diet and their nutritional benefits are non-existent due to the excess amount of sugar; One can of regular soda has the sugar equivalent of 3.5 donuts!!! Don’t even get me started on diet soda; There are studies showing diet soda still causes diabetes, increases risk of stroke and can cause heart problems due to its high sodium content. It is full of artificial ingredients and additives that mimic the effect of real sugar in the body. Diet soda can cause our metabolism to slow down and make it even more challenging to lose weight.
As far as exercise goes, there is evidence that walking is just as beneficial for preventing heart disease as running. So if you don’t have time or you don’t feel comfortable going on a run, go for a 30-minute walk daily! Before I get into too much detail, the last thing I suggest is trying to incorporate more veggies into at least one meal daily. Vegetables contain essential vitamins and minerals along with lots of fiber which is essential for a healthy gut.
Only once my patients tell me that they’re exercising daily, crushing their diet, and are no longer losing weight after 3-6 months, then it may be an appropriate time to consider a medication to help lose additional weight. Please note all of this information is generalized and a summary of what I see on a day-to-day basis, please contact your health care provider for any specific medical advice as every body is different.
Yours truly,
-Your Pocket PA, Foya Tavangary PA-C
This is amazing information!!