BLOG 447 OZEMPIC

 BLOG 447 OZEMPIC

Ozempic is an FDA approved type of injection, administered weekly to type-2 diabetics to control blood sugar levels. Some type 2 diabetics blood and heart vessel disease, so this injection helps reduce the risk for stroke, heart attack or even death. The popularity of Ozempic has revolved around its weight loss effects, however, the FDA has not approved Ozempic to be used specifically for weight loss. Rather, it is meant to be prescribed only once other blood sugar lowering methods have not worked. It is important to note that Ozempic is not used to replace insulin for persons who have diabetes and need insulin.

When a person has type 2 diabetes, their body doesn’t produce or process insulin correctly. Ozempic helps the pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar levels become too high, which then moves the sugar to other body tissues to be utilized for energy. A person starts with a low dose injection taken once per week, ideally on the same day each week and at the same time. The injection can be in the upper arm, stomach or thigh. Injection sites should be mixed up.

Another benefit of Ozempic is that can serve as an appetite suppressant because it helps slow the movement of food through the stomach. This has the make you feel fuller for longer effect. Less appetite can correlate to weight loss. The weight loss component actually gets a little tricky. Ozempic contains semaglutide, which is actually an FDA approved weight loss drug when used under the brand name, Wegovy. However, the Ozempic brand of semaglutide is not FDA approved for weight loss. Ozempic does have the active ingredient that is found in semaglutide. Because of this, Ozempic can be used like Wegovy injections which are used for people who are obese or have excess weight related problems. It also has the same active ingredient as Rybelsus which are tablets taken daily to lower blood sugar levels for type 2 diabetics.

There are possible side effects and risks when taking Ozempic. A person becomes at risk for developing tumors in the thyroid gland and for developing thyroid cancer. Other side effects include nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, constipation, and/or burping.

When taking Ozempic for its intended purposes and when medically prescribed according to the patient’s true health needs, the weight loss usage becomes blurred. Yet, we live in a society in search of immediate answers, wanting solutions right now, and seeking to have the quick fix to anything. Ozempic is on the list of wanting an answer to weight loss that may or may not be the most conducive to lasting results, developing a healthy relationship with food, and practicing better lifestyle habits. We all have choices when it comes to our bodies, so when considering Ozempic, make sure to “weigh” all the pros and cons.