A Closer Look at Ozempic: What You Need to Know About Potential Side Effects
Understanding Ozempic: A Closer Look at This Diabetes Medication
The diabetes medication Ozempic, endorsed by celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Kathy Bates, and Elon Musk, has gained massive popularity as a "weight loss injection." While it seems to offer numerous benefits, it isn't without its drawbacks. Let's dive into the potential complications and the real story behind this hype, as shared by two diabetologists with ntv.de.
When Ozempic, when Wegovy? In Germany, Ozempic is used only for diabetes treatment. For severe obesity cases, Wegovy, with the same active ingredient, is the go-to option.
First off, it's important to note that "Ozempic is not a weight loss injection," stresses Jochen Seufert, head of endocrinology and diabetology at the University Hospital Freiburg. It's a diabetes medication, with weight loss often being an added benefit. Despite millions using it, serious side effects are rare. "These are very helpful medications, and the positive effects outweigh the negative ones," says Jürgen Wagner, chief physician for internal medicine at the Stauffenburg Clinic.
Satiety Boost and Lower Calorie Intake
Ozempic contains semaglutide, which mimics hormones that promote feelings of fullness. This, along with slowing digestion and stomach emptying, significantly suppresses appetite, leading to less food intake and, consequently, weight loss.
Additional Insight: Long-term studies have indicated that exercise improves the risk of cancer recurrence better than medication.
The most common side effects of semaglutide, according to Seufert, include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, and, less frequently, pancreatitis. However, with precise dosing, these side effects should no longer be a concern. There's also speculation that semaglutide may increase the risk of thyroid and pancreatic cancer, but after extensive research, this appears to be highly unlikely or completely negligible.
Misuse and Underweight Concerns
While the infamous "Ozempic face" – characterized by sunken cheeks, hollow eyes, and wrinkles – has been widely discussed, it's relatively uncommon in clinical practice. This "Ozempic face" appears to be a result of misuse. If people of normal weight, who do not need Ozempic, adopt it for weight loss purposes, it could lead to underweight and other unwanted side effects.
Moreover, previous supply shortages have arisen due to the weight loss hype, making it challenging for those with type 2 diabetes to obtain the necessary medication. It's ill-advised to inject Ozempic for cosmetic reasons such as achieving a "bikini body."
Additional Insight: The body's own GLP-1, which is imitated by Semaglutid, was first discovered in the 1980s and can also be found in the saliva of the Gila monster, a desert lizard. This discovery led to the development of Exenatid, a medication similar to Semaglutide.
Celebrities like Kathy Bates back their choice to address weight issues with Ozempic, alongside diet and exercise. Jochen Seufert believes this is a remarkable development that may even deserve a Nobel Prize.
Remember, it is crucial to monitor your health closely and consult a healthcare provider if you experience any disturbing side effects or concerns. While Ozempic can be an effective tool in managing weight and diabetes, it's essential to understand both the benefits and potential risks associated with its use.
The use of Ozempic, a diabetes medication, is based on science, as it contains semaglutide, a substance that imitates hormones promoting feelings of fullness for health-and-wellness purposes such as weight management. However, it's important to note that excessive or misuse of Ozempic can lead to unwanted side effects like underweight, sunken cheeks, hollow eyes, and wrinkles, as opposed to its intended use for diabetes treatment.
