Considering Ozempic for Weight Loss? Here’s What You Need to Know

I was lounging on the couch when my sister burst into our shared apartment and said, “My doctor told me I qualify for Ozempic.”

I look at her, from head to toe, and shriek, “Ozempic? Girl, what the hell?” She sits next to me, tosses off her wig, and sighs, “Yup! What should I do?”

In a millisecond, I recall the hundreds of posts I’ve seen on Ozempic recently, with celebrities and influencers flaunting dramatic weight loss transformations. Instinctively, it seems like a bad idea, but I don’t have enough information to make a solid judgment. So, I spent the next 48 hours researching. 

What is Ozempic, really?

Ozempic 

Understanding Ozempic

Ozempic is a weekly injection that works by slowing digestion and lowering blood sugar levels through increasing the amount of insulin produced by your pancreas. Although it was initially formulated to treat type 2 diabetes, it’s not approved for weight loss. However, some physicians prescribe it off-label for this purpose because it has effects similar to bariatric surgery.

Listen, I get the appeal—who wouldn't want a magic injection that signals fullness to the brain and causes you to lose weight?

Sign me up!

But What’s the Catch?

Slowing down digestion for quick results might seem like a good idea in the short term, but long term? Let's think critically about this. 

Here are some facts:

1. Side Effects

There are serious side effects associated with Ozempic and they include:

- Inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis): You may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back.

- Changes in vision: There is a risk of change in vision during treatment with Ozempic.

- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Your risk for getting low blood sugar may be higher if you use Ozempic with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, such as a sulfonylurea or insulin. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include: dizziness or lightheadedness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability or mood changes, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion or drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, fast heartbeat, and feeling jittery.

- Kidney problems (kidney failure): In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration), which may cause kidney problems to get worse. It is important for you to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration.

- Serious allergic reactions: Get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or very rapid heartbeat.

- Gallbladder problems: Gallbladder problems have happened in some people who take Ozempic. You may notice symptoms which may include: pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or clay-colored stools.

The most common side effects of Ozempic may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach (abdominal) pain, and constipation.

2. Cost

It's expensive and often not covered by insurance. The American Diabetes Association notes that the cost of Ozempic can be a barrier for many patients.

3. Weight Regain

Research has shown that if you stop taking Ozempic, you're likely to regain two-thirds of the weight you lost. Essentially, once you start, it’s for life, baby.

The Perspective of a Health Coach

As someone who has never had to lose a significant amount of weight, it's easy for me to sit on a high horse and make statements that might seem judgmental. But I promise you, they’re not. In my 7 years as a health and fitness coach, I understand the appeal of quick fixes. That’s why I want to introduce you to some natural alternatives that can stimulate similar effects without affecting your digestion long term.

How Ozempic Can Be Helpful for Diabetes and Hormonal Conditions

Before we dive into the natural alternatives, it's essential to acknowledge that Ozempic can be beneficial, especially for individuals with certain medical conditions.

1. Diabetes Management: Ozempic was initially developed to manage type 2 diabetes. It helps lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production and reducing the amount of sugar released by the liver. 

2. Hormonal and Thyroid Conditions: People with hormonal imbalances or thyroid conditions often struggle with weight management due to metabolic issues. Ozempic can assist in regulating these metabolic processes, making it easier to lose weight. For example, individuals with hypothyroidism may benefit from Ozempic's ability to improve insulin sensitivity and promote weight loss, addressing some of the weight gain challenges associated with their condition 

Natural Alternatives to Ozempic

Here are four natural herbs and supplements that have been proven to aid weight loss:

1. Green Tea Extract: Contains catechins and caffeine, which increase metabolism and promote fat oxidation. Also, green tea extract can significantly enhance fat burning. 

2. Garcinia Cambogia: Contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which may help suppress appetite and inhibit fat production. 

3. Cinnamon: Regulates blood sugar levels, reducing cravings and aiding in weight loss. Cinnamon has positive effects on glycemic control and insulin sensitivity.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): Helps control blood sugar levels and suppresses appetite, leading to reduced calorie intake. ACV can help reduce weight gain and fat accumulation.

Still Considering Ozempic?

If you still want to go on Ozempic, here’s what you should do:

1. Add a Strength Training Program: Research shows that a lot of weight lost on Ozempic is muscle mass. Combat this with high-protein meals and strength training. Strength training can help maintain muscle mass and boost metabolism.

2. Build Wellness Habits: If you decide to go off Ozempic, having a solid foundation of wellness habits will help you keep the weight off. Consistency in healthy eating and regular exercise is key.

The Bottom Line

It all comes back to one thing: hard work and consistency. There are no shortcuts in the journey to sustainable weight loss. The work is the work.

This is a safe space. I’d love to know if you are on Ozempic or have considered it. 

And if you are ready to start using the natural and safe method o lose weight, feel free to click on the link below to book a free consultation with us.

Or send an email to hello@gbemigiwa.com 

Gbemi Giwa.