We all know somebody who is taking Ozempic. Let’s find out why and what you need to know about this medication class.
Look I get it, life is BUSY. It is extremely challenging to manage work, family, fun, eating healthy, and exercise in just 16 waking hours each day. No wonder people are turning towards taking Ozempic, a once weekly medication injection that only takes a minute or less out of your day.
It’s all about outsourcing responsibility, right? We won’t eat as much because these medications prevent us from overeating and curb our appetite.
Take a look at your life and see if you can pick out any other areas where you are relying on something or someone else to keep you responsible. For example, my alarm automatically sets itself every night and goes into sleep mode at the set time. Also, I order my groceries online and pick them up at the store.
Whether we like it or not, our life is moving towards having help with tasks that we used to do ourselves. Does a landscaper mow your yard each week? Does someone walk your dog for you every day? Feel free to comment below any additional ways you have outsourced responsibility!
So I want to be clear, I am not against GLP-1 receptor agonists, like Ozempic. I do feel like there is a place for them in the management of type II diabetes and weight loss. However, I do believe that if these medications are taken for the sole purpose of weight loss, diet and exercise should be included in the treatment plan as well. I want you to be informed if you are taking this medication or other medications in the same class or considering taking any of them.
List of Medications
A lot of people know about and are taking Ozempic for diabetes management and weight loss. However, there are numerous other medications in the same class:
- Wegovy
- Victoza
- Saxenda
- Trulicity
- Byetta
- Bydureon
- Mounjaro (dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist)
Some of the above medications are only approved for people with a diabetes diagnosis, but they all can contribute to weight loss.
How Do They Work?
GLP-1 receptor agonists work by mimicking the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is naturally produced in the gut.
Diabetes Management:
- Stimulates Insulin Secretion: GLP-1 receptor agonists enhance insulin release in response to meals, helping to lower blood sugar levels after eating.
- Suppresses Glucagon Secretion: They reduce glucagon levels, which helps to decrease the amount of glucose released from the liver, thus lowering blood sugar.
- Slows Gastric Emptying: By delaying the emptying of the stomach, these medications prevent rapid spikes in blood sugar after meals.
- Improves Beta-cell Function: These drugs may help preserve and improve the function of beta cells in the pancreas, which are responsible for insulin production.
Weight Loss:
- Reduces Appetite: GLP-1 receptor agonists act on brain centers to promote feelings of fullness, reducing overall food intake.
- Slows Gastric Emptying: This effect prolongs the sensation of fullness after eating, aiding in calorie reduction.
- Promotes Fat Metabolism: There is evidence suggesting that these medications enhance the body’s ability to burn fat, contributing to weight loss.
Reference:
Weight Loss and Maintenance Related to the Mechanism of Action of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists. (2021, May 11). SpringerLink. Retrieved from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12325-021-01710-0
Possible Side Effects
Here’s what you came her for! People report that GLP-1 receptor agonists, like Ozempic, are not as perfect as they seem. This is why taking Ozempic and similar medications may not be right for everybody.
As with any medical treatment, we need to weigh the risks vs. the benefit. No treatment comes without side effects. Sometimes those side effects are good, sometimes benign, sometimes not so good.
This is a list of known side effects reported after taking Ozempic and other GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Gastrointestinal Issues:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
Hypoglycemia:
- Especially when used in combination with other diabetes medications like sulfonylureas or insulin.
Pancreatitis:
- Inflammation of the pancreas, which can be serious.
Gallbladder Disease:
- Including gallstones and cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder).
Kidney Problems:
- Including acute kidney injury, particularly in those with pre-existing kidney conditions.
Thyroid Tumors:
- There have been reports of thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents; the relevance to humans is unclear but warrants caution.
Allergic Reactions:
- Including rash and injection site reactions.
Heart Rate Increase:
- Some patients may experience an increase in heart rate.
Fatigue:
- General tiredness or weakness.
Dizziness:
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy.
If you are interested in taking this class of medications or are already taking these medications and are having side effects, you need to make an appointment with your healthcare provider who can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and condition.
Reference:
GLP-1 Agonists. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/13901-glp-1-agonists
Loss of Lean Muscle
In some weight loss forums, people have reported a loss of lean muscle mass as well as fat mass while taking Ozempic and its relative medications. Losing muscle mass could be a major problem with the medication class.
Lean muscle is very important for metabolism and an overall healthy, strong body. The more lean muscle you have, the higher your metabolism and the more calories you’ll burn throughout the day. Plus, we use our muscles for literally everything we do, so maintaining that mass throughout our lifetime is extremely important.
For more information on how lean muscle mass affects our metabolism and how we can use it to our advantage for weight loss, check out my other blog post “Lift Heavy Sh*t, Eat More, and Lose Weight“.
Because a loss of muscle mass is a possible side effect, it is very important to perform resistance training exercises and intake adequate amounts of lean protein while taking these medications.
New to weight lifting/resistance training? I gotchu.. check out my other blog post “Lift Weights With Confidence“. This article will give you easy tips to get you comfortable going to the dreaded free weight section of the gym. 😉
Final Thoughts
Although I do think GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic are an excellent addition to the management of the very complicated condition type II diabetes, these medications aren’t perfect. But no treatment comes without side effects.
When it comes to weight loss, be aware of possible side effects, and make sure you are engaging in some sort of strength training exercises and eating lean protein.
Media and celebrities only let you see what they want you to see. There is a trade-off with taking Ozempic and similar medications. However, if you have had great success with no side effects, I am very happy for you and feel free to share your story below in the comments!
Till next time, Cheyenne ✌🏻
Disclaimer: The health and wellness advice provided on this platform is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.
