The Truth About Ozempic

OMG, Ozempic is everywhere. Subway ads, “ozempic parties”, and even jokes that the Oscars was sponsored by Ozempic. People are paying thousands of dollars per month to get their hands on this medicine, so much so that there was a shortage for the people who actually need it medically. The question of safety comes up often in our offices, and rightly so!

So here’s the deal with Ozempic. 

What is it? Ozempic aka Semaglutide is a weekly injectable medication that was created for Type 2 Diabetics because it works to lower blood sugar and regulate insulin via imitating a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon like peptide-1). It also decreases hunger, appetite and cravings and makes you feel more full. 

What are the side effects? If you’re thinking, that all sounds too good to be true, yes, for many people it is. Side effects we’re hearing about in the office include severe nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. In addition to that, potential side effects include pancreatitis, vision changes, kidney issues, liver cancer, and even something Vogue calls “Ozempic Face”, where your face changes shape. If that's not enough, Ozempic also increased the risk of certain thyroid cancers and tumors in animal studies! And because this is such a relatively new drug, we don't yet know what, if any, long term side effects there could be for people who don't have Type 2 Diabetes.

What happens when you stop taking Ozempic? Current studies show that most people regain all the weight they lost within the year of getting off the medication.

What do you recommend as an RD?  While it might sound like we are really anti-Ozempic, we’re really not. We are pro you making the best and most informed decisions for you. Our concern is that it’s classic diet culture: a quick fix, bandaid approach that doesn’t address any of the underlying issues beneath weight gain and obesity. In our Indigo nutrition sessions, we look at your food choices, eating behaviors, and any underlying conditions or symptoms that lead to weight gain, including hormonal and thyroid dysregulation, as well as sleep & lifestyle behaviors. So we do recommend incorporating lifestyle changes in a big way if you want long term weight loss.

Is there anything I can do that can mimic the benefits of Ozempic? Actually, yes! There are things that you can do that naturally activate the GLP-1 response like:

  • Eating plenty of protein

  • Eating fermented foods or take a probiotic supplement

  • Eating 25g or more of fiber daily

  • Include at least 1 tbsp of good fat like olive oil, avocado, nuts or seeds per meal

  • Eat veggies and protein first, followed by the carb at your meal

  • Get enough sleep consistently

Want support with weight loss in a longterm way? We’ve got you — Book a complimentary consult with Sarah Becker MS RD this week! 

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