Does Ozempic help in sustainable weight loss?

Ozempic has gone viral when it comes to weight loss conversations across the globe. The popularity of this type 2 diabetes injectable can be traced to numerous Hollywood celebrities talking about how it suppresses appetite and has yielded a variety of results. Dr Manoj Kutteri, medical director and CEO of Atmantan Wellness Centre, weighs in on the hidden dangers associated with relying solely on drugs like Ozempic for weight loss, potential side effects, long-term health implications, and why such approaches may not be sustainable in the pursuit of overall well-being.

What is Ozempic, and how does it work in the context of weight loss?
Kutteri: Ozempic is the brand name of a medication known as semaglutide, which is used to treat Type 2 Diabetes and off late, it has also been promoted to address obesity. Ozempic works by mimicking the incretin hormones that the body naturally produces to help control blood sugar and weight gain. Specifically, it enhances the release of insulin and decreases the amount of the hormone glucagon, which elevates blood sugar. Though it is not meant to be a direct recommendation for weight loss, the main adverse impact of Ozempic has been associated with weight loss. Less food may be ingested because the medicine may cause a decrease in appetite and a feeling of fullness. It's important to keep in mind that everyone may experience distinct weight loss advantages.

Are there any hidden dangers associated with relying solely on drugs like Ozempic for weight loss?
Kutteri: People need to be mindful of their blood sugar levels to prevent hypoglycaemia-related problems such as light-headedness, disorientation, and, in extreme situations, unconsciousness. Besides these, gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, are frequent side effects of Ozempic. Since the usage of Ozempic is quite new, research is still being carried out to understand the effect of this drug on the pancreas, due to some incidences of pancreatitis being reported. Hence, instead of solely relying on Ozempic, it is better to combine other measures too for a long-lasting result when it comes to weight loss.

What are the known side effects of Ozempic, and how do they impact an individual's overall health?
Kutteri: Ozempic, like any medication, has unfavourable side effects. This covers gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, and vomiting. Often present at the start of treatment, these symptoms may eventually fade away. Semaglutide has been associated with altered thyroid function or a higher incidence of malignancies of the thyroid's C cells. Some patients may experience redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site, which can be addressed by changing the injection site each time. If you are already on hypoglycaemic agents, then combining this drug with those raises the risk of hypoglycaemia, which can manifest as tremors, dizziness, sweating, and confusion. Another side effect of Ozempic is pancreatitis, which manifests as excruciating abdominal pain that can even radiate to the back.

Can you elaborate on the long-term health implications of using Ozempic for weight management?
Kutteri: Ozempic is not a natural and sustainable choice for addressing weight. Long-term usage can be detrimental to health if we are not cautious about changing our lifestyle. Weight gain depends on many factors which include one's lifestyle, psychological and mental state, emotional trauma, hormonal conditions, physical inactivity or sedentary lifestyle, smoking or alcohol addiction, sleep, other comorbid conditions, etc. To have an all-round approach to weight loss one must consider a tailor-made programme addressing all these factors.

In your opinion, how sustainable is the use of Ozempic in the pursuit of overall well-being?
Kutteri: For several reasons, it is debatable if Ozempic (semaglutide) may be considered a long-term weight-loss treatment. Firstly, losing weight is an outcome or by-product of ozempic, which is primarily used to treat Type 2 Diabetes. The effectiveness of Ozempic as a long-term weight loss technique has been the subject of very few studies. The majority of research projects have shorter durations. Additionally, if you merely employ pharmaceutical interventions to lose weight, you might not get long-term results unless you also make lifestyle changes. Making conscious food choices and exercising frequently are two key lifestyle adjustments that can assist you in reaching this long-term objective. A thorough and healthful approach that addresses underlying behaviours and includes lifestyle correction.

What role should lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, play in conjunction with medications like Ozempic for weight loss?
Kutteri: A holistic approach to weight loss considers how several aspects of your life interact with your general health. Rather than focusing only on Ozempic, one should also pay attention to their diet and exercise.

Diet and nutrition: Eat plenty of nutrient-dense, low-glycaemic, and nutritious foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid foods that have been processed or packed, have a lot of sugar, and include unhealthy fats like trans fats. Eat mindfully and pay attention to the qualities of the food you eat as well as your sense of hunger and fullness.

Movements: Include a variety of aerobic and resistance training exercises, like swimming, Pilates, yoga, strength training, and cardiovascular activities. To increase the durability of exercise, design a program that is enjoyable and reliable. Outdoor sports activities are also a great choice of cardio during the non-monsoon seasons.

Are there specific populations or individuals for whom Ozempic might be more or less suitable?
Kutteri: A holistic approach to weight loss is possible with lifestyle corrections. However, some people find it hard to follow a healthy regime due to their professional commitments. This may be an easy way out for those who work excessive hours or travel across time zones more frequently.
Ozempic can come in handy for such people to see a quick result and also to build a good start.

What alternative or complementary approaches do you recommend for sustainable and holistic weight loss?
Kutteri: A holistic approach to weight loss not only focuses on diet and exercise, but takes into consideration a complete and integrated strategy that includes lifestyle, mental, emotional, and physical aspects. Some of the following crucial elements of holistic weight management are:

Reducing stress: Prolonged continuous stress might be the cause of weight gain. Take up stress-relieving activities such as mindfulness, yoga, meditation, energy healing, quantum healing, or deep breathing. Improve the quality of your sleep because insufficient sleep might induce hormonal imbalances that worsen weight gain.

Physical and emotional wellbeing: Put a stop to your emotional bingeing by identifying your emotional triggers. To manage your psychological pain, try different coping mechanisms including receiving support from friends and family, attending behavioural therapy, or taking up a hobby.

Drink a lot of water: A weight-loss program requires you to stay hydrated. Throughout the day, water is the greatest beverage for you. Water consumption is also essential for overall health and immunity.