27 Jul Are Wegovy and Ozempic the Weight Loss Answers We’ve All Been Looking For? A New York Dietitian Weighs in on The Latest Diet Trend
According to CNN, from February 2022 to February 2023, Ozempic prescriptions skyrocketed 111% (to 373,000 people) in the United States. Ozempic was introduced to the market in 2018 as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, and it has been incredibly effective to help diabetics control their blood sugar levels, many of whom experience remission. Ozempic is a semaglutide, a class of medication that mimics the GLP-1 hormone (glucan-like peptid 1) in the gut to control blood sugar levels. When administered in higher amounts, this medication interacts with parts of the brain that can suppress your appetite and help you feel full.
Enter Wegovy. Wegovy is also a semaglutide that has been approved by the FDA to treat chronic weight management. Ozempic should only be used to treat type 2 diabetes; however, because Ozempric has been easier to find than Wegovy, many doctors prescribe it off-label to treat chronic obesity.
These medications, now, have become all the rage. Celebrities and influencers push this medication on social media as the weight loss answer we’ve all been looking for. And everybody wants a piece of the miracle.
Buyer beware.
• To date, there are no studies about the long-term effects of this medication.
• Side effects can be serious, including pancreatitis, allergic reactions, gallbladder issues and more. (Vomiting, dizziness, and diarrhea common as well, though are said to abate over time.)
• It’s important to understand that Ozempic and Wegovy are not diet aids, instead a serious medication for chronic weight management and diabetes. Many big name celebrities and social media influencers are pushing these medications as a quick-fix diet plan. We must reiterate that this is serious medication reserved for patients who really need to treat chronic obesity or diabetes.
• Patients who have a history of disordered eating should not take this medication. It suppresses appetite to such an extent that some people feel repulsed by the food they see (which is not a natural biological response). Importantly, after discontinuing the medication, there is a potential risk of reverting to disordered eating behaviors. Caution should be exercised. Consult with your primary care physician or an RDN to explore alternative treatment options.
• Be hesitant about taking Ozempic when you don’t need it for type 2 diabetes. There are people whose lives depend on this medication to survive, not to lose weight. Discuss options with your primary care physician.
• Is this a medication you will need to take for life? Possibly.
• These kinds of fads and diet booms feed into body dysmorphia, which is something that concerns all of us.
As dietitian nutritionists, we work with patients of all ages, shapes, sizes, and medical needs. We are here to support you, to help you reach your wellness and weight loss goals, and we think the more educated you are about what is going into your body, the better you will be. This is what we can do for you:
• If you are currently taking the prescription medication Wegovy, we can help you develop healthy lifestyle and eating habits to support your weight loss long-term. (Ideally, these habits should begin before starting the medication.)
• Research tells us that much of weight loss on these medications is lean muscle mass, so dietary interventions need to include higher amounts of protein. Lifestyle interventions need to include resistance exercise.
• If you’re not taking weight loss medication, we can work to develop an individualized diet plan that uses your favorite foods, flavors, and family traditions. With modification and moderation, you can start to feel healthier, more energetic, and lose weight.
• We can help you shift your focus from weight loss to wellness.
• We can provide you with tips to develop a healthier body image.
We believe everyone should have access to life-saving medications and treatments, whether it be for chronic obesity or diabetes or cancer. But the best place to get weight loss advice isn’t social media. Be aware. Be skeptical. Be wary. And make an appointment with your primary care physician, a registered dietitian nutritionist to get answers to your questions.
Read more here:
The New York Times, Ozempic Can Cause Major Weight Loss. What Happens If You Stop Taking It?