Dubious Praise for "Weight Loss Shot" Ozempic: What Are the Hazards?
A delve into Ozempic: an examination of the prescription medication used for managing type 2 diabetes.
Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Kathy Bates, and Elon Musk have jumped on the Ozempic bandwagon, touting its weight loss capabilities. However, the side effects of this diabetes medication, often referred to as a "weight loss shot," are far from rosy. Two diabetes experts tackle the Ozempic craze in an interview with ntv.de.
Oprah, Kathy, and Elon aren't the first to champion Ozempic. Its popularity has even caused Weight Watchers to crumble. While Ozempic's potential benefits for conditions such as fatty liver, kidney damage, and Alzheimer's continue to be studied, warnings about side effects—some alarming—persist. So, is Ozempic really the elixir of long-lasting health and a slim body, or is it just another fleeting wellness trend? ntv.de investigates.
Ozempic or Wegovy?
Though Ozempic is only approved for managing diabetes in Germany (and the rest of the EU), Wegovy is used for weight loss in cases of severe obesity, as it contains the same active ingredient.
First things first: "Ozempic is not a weight loss shot," emphasizes Jochen Seufert, the chief of endocrinology and diabetology at the University Hospital Freiburg. "Ozempic is a diabetes medication, and weight loss is one of its side effects." Millions in Germany are taking Ozempic and related medications, some for years, yet harmful side effects are rare. "These are valuable medications, and the benefits greatly outweigh the cons," says Jürgen Wagner, the chief physician for internal medicine at the Stauffenburg Clinic.
Suppressed Hunger
Ozempic contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which acts like hormones promoting feelings of fullness. It also slows digestion and the speed at which food leaves the stomach. "Food intake is significantly reduced, leading to weight loss," explains Wagner.
Major Side Effects
According to Seufert, serious side effects, ranging from nausea and "Ozempic face" to potential thyroid and pancreatic cancer, are rare. While the gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or heartburn can occur when dosing is insufficiently careful, the likelihood of semaglutide increasing the risk of thyroid or pancreatic cancer is minimal, says Seufert. Only rare cases of pancreatitis may crop up.
Underuse and Misuse
Wagner, however, worries that semaglutides like Ozempic are not used frequently enough to treat obesity. He estimates that the actual obesity rate in Germany is far higher than the official 25%. Lack of treatment can lead to secondary conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, arthritis, high blood pressure, and increased stroke risk. "It's a boon to have medications that genuinely benefit those in this weight range," Wagner states.
"Ozempic-Face" Overblown
The frequently discussed "Ozempic face," featuring sunken cheeks, hollow eyes, and wrinkles, is uncommon in clinical practice. "The 'Ozempic face' is often the hallmark of misuse," cautions Seufert. When people of normal weight use Ozempic not only to slim down but for aesthetic purposes, they risk becoming underweight and experiencing unwanted side effects. Moreover, when Ozempic is in short supply due to hype, people with type 2 diabetes may miss vital treatment. "Injecting Ozempic for a beach body isn't wise," Wagner advises.
Kathy Bates' Defiance
Celebrities like Kathy Bates, at least, stand by their choice to combat their obesity with Ozempic—in combination with a healthier diet and exercise. And Jochen Seufert is unambiguous: "This is a miracle, and there could even be a Nobel Prize for it."
By the way: The hormone GLP-1, which semaglutide mimics, was discovered in the 1980s. Interestingly, a similar hormone is found in the saliva of the Gila monster, a desert lizard native to North America. From this discovery, Exenatid, a medication similar to semaglutide, was developed.
Source: ntv.de
- Diabetes
- Medication
- Weight Loss
Additional Insights
The use of Ozempic's active ingredient, semaglutide, is associated with various side effects, including:
Common Side Effects
- GI Issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and constipation may occur at the start of treatment or with rapid dose escalations. These symptoms usually subside as the body adjusts to the treatment[1][3][5].
- Reduced Appetite: Although reduced appetite helps promote weight loss, it can lead to inadequate nutrition if not properly managed[3][5].
- Dizziness and Headaches: These may result from the medication's effect on blood sugar and appetite[3].
Serious Risks
- Pancreatitis and Gallbladder Disease: Although rare, there is a risk of pancreatitis and acute gallbladder disease associated with using semaglutide[1][5].
- Vision Problems: Using Ozempic has been linked to vision issues, such as a higher risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy[2].
- Kidney Injury: There is a potential for acute kidney injury, particularly if proper hydration is not maintained while taking semaglutide[1].
- Hypoglycemia: A risk grows when semaglutide is used in combination with other diabetes medications, as the risk of low blood sugar may increase[1].
Note
Please consult a healthcare provider before using Ozempic (semaglutide) for weight loss to carefully weigh the benefits and risks, monitor for any adverse effects, and make necessary lifestyle adjustments.
The use of medicines like Ozempic, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, is rooted in science and plays a significant role in health-and-wellness, particularly for diabetes management. However, its use for weight management comes with potential side effects such as gastrointestinal issues, reduced appetite, and, in rare cases, pancreatitis and gallbladder disease. It's essential to consult a healthcare provider before using such medicines to ensure a proper understanding of the benefits and risks, and to make necessary lifestyle adjustments.
