Introduction
We are all looking for the magic pill or big secrets to weight loss, and with drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, Tirzpatide, and many others now surfacing and being used for weight loss, did we find a solution or the beginning of a new problem? Obesity rates in the U.S. continue to rise, with now more than 69% of the United States obese. Sadly, 19.7% of this number is children, with the cost of healthcare at just over a trillion dollars a year. These new drugs are more costly than ever, not just physically but also financially. In this article, I will explain the facts behind these drugs and their benefits and risks. Also, giving you the truth behind what we can change to begin the decline in obesity.
What are these Weight Loss Peptides like Ozempic?
Ozempic is a semaglutide that helps the pancreas create more insulin to help people with diabetes break down sugar more efficiently. It also reduces appetite, causing us not to feel as hungry as often. This is an injection you take once a week and has become a global sensation for weight loss. These drugs are not best for weight loss, but physicians are prescribing them for weight loss.
Ozempic cuts off the hunger and satiety hormones and signals to the brain to indicate that we are full. This slows digestion, making us feel full and not hungry.
Can Ozempic Help with Weight Loss?
The simple answer is yes. It can help with weight loss, but it comes with a cost. Some weight loss drugs, like Ozempic, have to be given at a specific dose, and our bodies will create adaptations to dosages of medications. Without proper lifestyle changes, your body can regain all the weight you lost and possibly more.
Some of the benefits of Ozempic are if you struggle with diabetes or obesity, it can help with your heart health, but only as a treatment, not as a long-term medical treatment.
What Science Says About The Side Effects
In the last year, we have had numerous studies surface discussing the harmful side effects of these weight loss drugs. One report found that the NPR and the FDA have received 489 reports of patients experiencing anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts while taking ozempic, wegovy, and Rybelsus. Ninety-six reported suicidal thoughts, and five patients passed away.
The FDA Warning label states that Ozempic can increase the risk for thyroid C-cell tumors. This can cause conditions like thyroid cancer, tumor growth, and other symptoms. Research is still being conducted to conclude these findings.
With this drug overstimulating the pancreas to create more insulin to break down sugar, this can cause pancreatitis, which this condition can lead to pancreatic cancer; it's not concluded that it will directly cause cancer. Research is still being conducted.
Ozempic and the drugs alike could cause gallbladder conditions. In one of the programs testing these weight loss drugs, they had 1.4% of participants experienced a gallbladder event.
During the same testing program, they had participants who experienced acute kidney failure. If you struggle with kidney conditions, please ask your doctor before getting on any weight loss drug.
Studies have also shown that these drugs cause just as much muscle mass loss as fat loss. This can lead to severe health conditions down the road. Overworking your metabolism without sustainable adaptation can lead to fluctuations in weight after stopping the use of these weight-loss mechanisms.
What Is This Drug Costing Us?
According to some resources, Ozempic alone will cost Medicare 3 billion dollars this year. That's not including Wegovy and other weight loss drugs. For people who don't have insurance, Ozempic can cost anyone up to $1,000 a month. Because there has not been enough research on the long-term effects of these drugs, doctors and medical professionals are telling patients to proceed with a side of caution.
There is not enough research to indicate the long-term effects of these drugs. Making sure to make changes to your lifestyle while on this drug is prudent for it to be successful. Continuing with the same diet while on these drugs can cause more damage down the road.
What Can You Do?
Weight loss starts with your lifestyle rather than with what medication you are on. If you are struggling to lose weight or have diabetes, please see your endocrinologist and your doctor to get your blood work and hormones checked to see what will be a good treatment plan for you. For additional assistance with making behavior and lifestyle changes, hiring a health coach who can support and partner with you in making changes is recommended.
If you are struggling with mental health conditions or any of the symptoms above, please seek medical attention.
The only secret to weight management is that there is not one. It comes from how you manage your decisions, stress, and emotions. You have the power within you to make all the changes you need, and you don't have to do it alone.
Want to learn More?
Podcast link: https://drhyman.com/blog/2024/04/17/podcast-ep884/
YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipZODIzJsIo
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