There are so many layers and narratives to taking Ozempic circulating in our society today. A lot of folks are told that they are “taking the easy way out.” This terrible rhetoric is expressing lack of concern for a person’s health and well being. Yet at the same time, individuals in larger bodies are also being pressured into taking these medications.
These drugs have become highlighted by celebrities, which takes away some of the importance of taking these medications and almost makes it seem like a diet or a trend versus the true intention, which is to improve health and biomarkers- especially in diabetes treatment. The fame around these drugs has been a major contributor to their shortage. This is further discussed below.
What is Ozempic?
This is part of a group of medications called GLP-1 agonists. GLP-1 helps regulate our hunger and satiety (fullness) as well as production of other hormones such as insulin. There are a lot of GLP-1 agonists on the market right now, most approved for diabetes treatment. Those include rybelsus, mounjaro, and another dozen that are coming out. Semaglutide, under the name Ozempic, has been prescribed since 2018 for Diabetes. For weight loss, it has been prescribed under the name Wegovy.
In 1984 this drug began being studied by an endocrinologist in Canada. See our other blog post about this discovery here.
In basic terms… It signals our brain we are full, and it physically holds food in your stomach longer, making you physically full for longer.
What are the results of current research studies on Ozempic? Is it safe?
There are global randomized controlled trials (RCT) on Ozempic, mostly funded by Novo Nordisk- the creator of Ozempic. Most of them are 68 weeks and up to 2 years long. This is important because there is not long-term research on these drugs and their effectiveness or impact on our health long-term yet.
It is also important to note that, like many other diet studies, the majority of participants are white and the individuals being studied are not reflective of the general population. For example, individuals with depression, lifetime history of suicide attempt, any existing cardiovascular issues, anyone of child bearing age and not using a highly effective contraceptive method or planning to become pregnant or lactate, are excluded from these RCT studies.
The results do show significant weight loss and significant health improvements such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and A1c. Longer term studies there are positive impacts on risk of health disease and stroke. This is a very big deal!
Side effects of drugs are pretty universal with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. On the much more rare side… recently a side effect added to the label was “ileus” which occurs when too much food adds up in the ileum and requires surgery to remove. With delay, it can cause death.
The common side effects are reported to be strongest in the first 4 months of taking the drug, which is when the medication is also tapering up to its prescribed dose, then the side effects typically calm down or go away.
How Ozempic help people with Diabetes?
A1C is the major marker doctors look at to determine a person’s ability to regulate their blood sugar and diagnose them with prediabetes or diabetes. A1c measures your average blood sugar levels over the past three months. Ozempic has shown amazing results in lowering A1cs in people with diabetes.
During these diabetes trials, the researchers also noted significant weight loss. So they made Wegovy, which is Ozempic but a higher dose. Insurance typically does not cover Wegovy.
Are Ozempic and Wegovy knock-offs / “Off-Brand” safe?
Wegovy went into shortage, leaving doctors with the option of prescribing Ozempic to people, off-label, who want weight loss. But then Ozempic went into shortage! At the end of 2023, Wegovy and Ozempic were in shortage. When this happens the FDA allows compounding pharmacies to mix up their own version of this drug without prior FDA approval or screening.
Compounding pharmacies across the country began making their own versions of Semaglutide drugs. However, until 2032, the active ingredient of Semaglutide is under patent, so it is unavailable to these other companies to use. Therefore, these other medications that are being created in times of shortage are not semaglutide and are not cleared to use in humans and is something else entirely. With less FDA oversight, these compounding companies are not required to label what is in their concoction.
This has gotten so out of hand, that the FDA put out alerts not to buy from these other companies. There is not an enforcement mechanism beyond these warnings at this time. Most recently Novo Nordisk said in January 2024, Ozempic and Wegovy should be back in stock.
Change the culture narrative
Even if these medications work exactly as they are intended, and cause, lets say, ~15% weight loss in people in larger bodies, this can be significant to someone’s health, but it is not going to solve body shaming, negative body image, and how we talk about the “obes*ty epidemic.”
These medications have served as a band-aid in many doctors offices to address patient’s in larger bodies' concerns rather than getting to the root issue or investigating further their concerns in a caring and non-weight biased way.
Many individuals in larger bodies avoid seeing their healthcare providers because of weight stigma. Although these medications can actually be very helpful for some people, it will not work for everyone, not everyone has the means to take these medications, and all size patients deserve to receive the same care and respect when they enter the doctors office. This does not change necessarily because a person loses 15% of their body weight.
The decision is up to you, but consider other lifestyle changes in addition to medication.
Medication alone is never going to provide you with sustainable results. Even psychiatric medications are proven most effective with combined therapies.
Consider the importance of healthy eating, consistent movement, and mental health improvement. The dietitians at Bamboo Nutrition address their clients as whole people. Weight may be a concern for you, but it is not the only thing that is contributing to your health, self esteem, or mental health. Our dietitians provide you with well-rounded care that will lead to long term benefits in your relationship with food, education around nutrition, and overall wellness.
Learn more by listening to the podcast Maintenance Phase
https://maintenancephase.buzzsprout.com/1411126/13747346-ozempic