Ozempic has gained popularity as a weight loss aid, despite not having FDA approval for that purpose. However, how exactly does it work?
There has been significant debate regarding the use of GLP-1 medications for weight loss, and warnings about using these drugs for this purpose have surfaced before.
Originally developed to manage Type 2 Diabetes, Ozempic has also been instrumental in enhancing weight loss results for many individuals.
A major reason for Ozempic’s prominence in the health industry is the array of celebrities who have used it and showcased their leaner physiques.
Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Sharon Osbourne, Amy Schumer, and Rebel Wilson have acknowledged their use of GLP-1 drugs, whether for losing weight or maintaining it.
Nevertheless, since the FDA has not approved Ozempic for weight loss, using it for unintended purposes might pose risks.
Semaglutide, the active ingredient, is approved for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy, known for its appetite-regulating properties.
Although there is substantial evidence of the drug’s effectiveness, the mechanism by which it assists weight loss remains unclear to many.
A YouTuber known as @ZackDFilms has provided insight into how Ozempic affects the body, depicting its influence on the brain and internal organs.
The video also highlights some unpleasant side effects that might occur.
He explains, “Once Ozempic is in your bloodstream, it activates the part of the brain that make you feel full, reducing your appetite.”
It stabilizes blood sugar levels, which helps curb persistent food cravings.
While this all sounds beneficial, the drug also delays stomach emptying to prolong fullness, which can lead to nausea and diarrhea in some users.
The video captivated viewers, who were both intrigued and alarmed by Ozempic’s capability to reduce weight and suppress hunger.
Nevertheless, additional side effects may arise for certain individuals.
Dr. Ben Bickman, a scientist and professor at Brigham Young University, noted that muscle loss can occur with the drug’s use.
“You have a substantial amount of lean mass that’s getting loss as the person is losing weight. To make that clear, for every ten pounds of weight loss, only six is fat – four of it is coming from non-fat sources like muscle and bone,” he explained to Thomas DeLauer.
Dr. Bickman further commented, “While muscle and bone mass might never return, the body has no trouble regaining fat mass.”
“Moreover, one study discovered that a version of these drugs stimulates new fat cell production.”
He elaborated, “This poses an issue because when a person begins to regain fat mass after stopping Ozempic, more fat cells increase the potential for further fat gain.”
“As a result, even if a person weighs less than they did before starting the drug, they may have a higher body fat percentage.”