Emily Schoch | Staff Writer
As the injectable drug Ozempic witnesses a dramatic rise in popularity, transitioning beyond its initial role as a diabetes medication, its newfound reputation as an effective weight loss aid is igniting both enthusiasm and debate within the medical community.
With its increasing allure, concerns surrounding the safety, accessibility, and potential for misuse of Ozempic are becoming increasingly prominent. Medical professionals caution that while Ozempic may yield impressive weight loss results in a relatively short timeframe, it’s imperative for potential users to comprehensively understand the associated risks and the realities of its use for weight management.
Stanley Wilfong, a senior lecturer and program coordinator for nutrition sciences at Baylor University, explains that Ozempic facilitates weight reduction primarily by suppressing hunger signals.
Upon consumption, the hormone known as glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1, is released to help regulate essential bodily functions including blood sugar levels, appetite, and the digestive process. Classified as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, Ozempic mimics the advantageous effects of GLP-1 but enhances them significantly. This includes reducing the liver’s sugar production, slowing digestive activities, and curtailing appetite.
Wilfong has also introduced the concept of “food-noise,” a psychological term that describes the incessant preoccupation with food. Research indicates that individuals using Ozempic experience a notable decrease in “food-noise,” effectively taming their appetite.
“Ozempic doesn’t cause you to burn more calories,” Wilfong elaborated. “It’s just suppressing your hunger, but also your appetite, because of reducing that food noise.”
Wilfong emphasizes that achieving weight loss through Ozempic does not exclusively involve the reduction of fat. Indeed, the medication can lead to the loss of both fat and muscle mass, which raises concerns about regaining weight after discontinuation of the drug.
“Individuals who typically lose weight rapidly with Ozempic may find that around 20% to 40% of their weight loss is attributed to the reduction of lean body mass,” Wilfong noted. “This means that between 60% to 80% of the lost weight is fat, which is not an ideal outcome.”
When a patient chooses to cease using Ozempic, they are likely to experience a resurgence in weight gain, frequently surpassing their original weight due to the significant reduction in muscle mass.
“Their metabolism is slowed down because they don’t have as much lean muscle mass, and they tend to gain that weight back,” Wilfong stated, highlighting the metabolic implications of muscle loss.
Leigh Greathouse, an associate professor of nutrition sciences at Baylor, concurs, indicating that increased muscle mass contributes to a heightened metabolism, allowing individuals to consume a greater number of calories without experiencing weight gain.
“The more muscle you carry, the higher your metabolism is. That’s why male athletes often consume between 3,000 to 9,000 calories daily; they’re maintaining substantial muscle mass while expending significant energy,” Greathouse explained.
Wilfong revealed that a portion of patients who encounter adverse side effects from Ozempic might be reluctant to discuss these reactions with their healthcare provider. This hesitation often stems from the fear of being taken off the medication, which they believe could result in unwanted weight gain.
“Some side effects include nausea and vomiting, and some individuals avoid discussing them with their doctors because they are losing weight and fear the consequences of being removed from the treatment,” Wilfong said, emphasizing the challenges patients face.
“I don’t think they should be used in intermittent fashion. It’s not approved for that. They don’t work like that,” concluded Acosta, noting the stringent guidelines surrounding the use of Ozempic.
How can individuals maintain muscle mass while using Ozempic for weight management?
Weight may be fat loss, but there’s also a significant concern that muscle loss could lead to weight regain once the individual stops using the medication.”
**Interview with Stanley Wilfong on the Rise of Ozempic as a Weight Loss Aid**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Stanley. With Ozempic gaining popularity as a weight loss solution, what do you think is driving this interest beyond its original use for diabetes management?
**Stanley Wilfong:** Thanks for having me. The growing interest can be attributed to the impressive weight loss results that people are experiencing. As more individuals share their success stories, it creates enthusiasm in the broader community. However, it’s important to approach this trend with caution.
**Editor:** You mentioned the suppression of hunger through Ozempic. Can you explain how this works and what you mean by “food-noise”?
**Stanley Wilfong:** Sure! Ozempic works by mimicking the effects of a hormone called GLP-1, which regulates blood sugar and appetite. When individuals use Ozempic, they often experience a reduction in “food-noise,” which means they become less preoccupied with thoughts of food. This is beneficial for those trying to manage their weight, as it reduces cravings and allows for better control over their eating habits.
**Editor:** That’s interesting. However, you expressed concerns about the balance between fat loss and muscle loss. Can you elaborate on that?
**Stanley Wilfong:** Absolutely. While many people may enjoy significant weight loss, it’s crucial to understand that some of that loss can also be lean body mass, which includes muscle. Research suggests that 20% to 40% of the weight lost on Ozempic might be muscle. Losing muscle can lead to complications like weight regain when the medication is discontinued, as muscle plays a vital role in metabolism.
**Editor:** So, are there any long-term implications for those using Ozempic solely for weight loss?
**Stanley Wilfong:** Yes, there are definitely implications. It’s important for individuals to consider not only the potential benefits of weight reduction but also the risks associated with muscle loss and the possibility of regaining weight after stopping the medication. Sustainable weight management usually involves comprehensive lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, rather than relying on medications alone.
**Editor:** Thank you for these insights, Stanley. What would you advise individuals considering Ozempic for weight loss?
**Stanley Wilfong:** My advice would be to consult with a healthcare professional before starting Ozempic. It’s essential to discuss not only the benefits but also the risks and to create a holistic approach to weight management that prioritizes health over rapid results.
**Editor:** Thank you for your time, Stanley. Your expertise is invaluable as we navigate this topic.
**Stanley Wilfong:** Thank you for having me! It’s crucial we continue to have these conversations about the implications of medications like Ozempic in the context of weight management.