Ozempic, an injectable drug for type 2 diabetes, faces a prolonged shortage as more people use it for its unintended side effect of effective weight loss.
In recent years, drugs designed to treat people with diabetes have become a staple of the weight loss industry. well-known As “Hollywood’s worst kept secret,” Ozempic and its sister drug Wigoby have achieved celebrity stardom and become popular products around the world.
a KFF Health Poll “Nearly half (45%) of adults say they are generally interested in taking safe and effective prescription weight loss drugs, including 6 in 10 of those currently trying to lose weight. nearly half (59%) and half (51%). % of people trying to lose less than 10 pounds). ”
These drugs have revolutionized the approach to obesity as a chronic disease, but they come at great expense. Axios He explained. The debate over the long-term use of these drugs is primarily driven by the insurance companies responsible for funding them and the medical professionals who recommend them.
How does Ozempic work?
Semaglutide, the main ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, has been shown to be effective in promoting weight loss and managing diabetes. However, its benefits, like any drug, are maintained only when used actively. Experts say that once regular semaglutide treatment is discontinued, weight loss usually returns.
“Semaglutide works by increasing the levels of the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) hormone in the body. This hormone stimulates the release of insulin. GLP-1 drugs lower blood sugar levels and cause the stomach to empty. It helps you feel fuller longer and feels fuller longer.” Very Well Health.
The Food and Drug Administration has not approved Ozempic for weight loss. Approved only for diabetes. However, according to UC Davis HealthSemaglutide, the active compound in Ozempic, is approved for weight loss and is sold under the brand name Wegovy.
“Wegovy is FDA-approved for the treatment of overweight and obesity,” said Dr. Rekha Kumar, a New York City-based endocrinologist. health line. “Wegovy contains a higher dose of semaglutide (2.4 mg) than Ozempic and was specifically developed for the treatment of overweight and obesity.”
What happens if I stop using Ozempic?
Due to the drug’s high demand, soaring prices, and lack of insurance coverage, many people have had to stop getting the injections.
“When you stop using Ozempic, all the drug mechanisms that are working to help control blood sugar and weight loss stop. Health problems such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease can become worse and can be serious. may increase your risk of serious events (such as heart attack or stroke). drug.com.
Especially if you are using it for weight management, the following may occur:
Your appetite will return.
Ozempic has the effect of suppressing appetite. One of its effects is to slow down gastric emptying. This means that food stays in your stomach longer, which can lead to feelings of fullness and less hunger. This effect on appetite is a crucial reason why Ozempic is effective for weight loss in many people.
“I used to be able to eat half a pizza, but now that I’m on semaglutide, I feel full after a few bites,” says a doctor at New York City’s Lenox Hill Hospital and North Carolina, who takes semaglutide. says Dr. David Shafer, a plastic surgeon at WellHealth.Said daily health. “If you forget to take a dose, you won’t feel full and will end up eating more.”
When the drug is discontinued, these effects disappear, appetite returns to previous levels, calorie intake increases, and weight gain may occur.
weight gain
One of the most common effects of discontinuing Ozempic is the possibility of weight regain, especially when used for weight loss purposes. This is because this drug suppresses appetite and helps regulate blood sugar levels, which may lead to weight loss.
“One year after stopping Ozempic, people regained two-thirds of the weight they initially lost. This was still about 5% less net weight than before they started Ozempic. Good R.
“People are most successful when they establish healthy eating and regular exercise habits. In other words, don’t get discouraged or feel like you need to rely on medication. “Building relationships is the most important thing you can do to maintain a healthy weight for your body,” GoodRx added.
high blood sugar level
For people using Ozempic to manage diabetes, blood sugar levels may rise again when the medication is discontinued.
Ozempic improves the body’s response to insulin and helps lower blood sugar levels. Otherwise, other diabetes management strategies may need to be adjusted to maintain blood sugar control.
“Experts share the opinion that people who are not diabetic or obese should not use Wegovy or Ozempic for any reason, including to lose small amounts of weight.” health line.
“Normal weight non-diabetic patients may lose weight when taking GLP-1, but the risks of drug therapy outweigh the benefits of losing weight just for the sake of losing weight rather than treating the disease. It’s huge,” Kumar told Healthline. “GLP-1 has not been studied in this population, so there may be more side effects from this type of inappropriate use.”