2023-05-09 23:15:39
For the past few months, testimonials about a popular diabetes drug used for weight loss have been making the rounds on social networks. This one is known as ‘Ozempic’, and according to a new study, it could be used to fight cancer cells.
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Weight-loss drugs containing semaglutide, including Ozempic, were the subject of a study by researchers at the University of Maynooth in Ireland.
They explored the benefits of ‘GLP-1’ drugs commonly used to fight obesity, and found that these treatments can help the body fight cancer.
The study, published Tuesday in the journal Obesityinvestigated the effects of obesity drugs on “natural killer cells” (Natural killer, NK) of the body, immune system cells that can attack tumor and viral cells.
Obesity can disrupt the function of these immune cells and put people with the disease at greater risk of developing cancer.
The research team therefore analyzed a group of 20 obese patients, observing them for six months with weekly injections of semaglutide, the drug Ozempic.
Their findings suggest the drug restored cell function NK.
Obesity has been linked to increased risks of premature death, whether from high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease or cancers.
This “groundbreaking” discovery, the researchers say, could be a possible solution to the adverse health effects that can accompany obesity.
“It appears to be leading to tangible benefits for people currently on treatment,” said Dr.r Andrew Hogan, the study’s lead researcher, says he’s excited about the findings.
However, the Dr Hogan noted the global shortage of the drug due to the “recent spike in popularity” of GLP-1 treatments brought about by global celebrity craze for the product.
Wegovy, America’s favorite product
In the United States, another drug containing semaglutide is widely used among celebrities and public figures, Wegovy. It has a higher dose of the active agent than Ozempic and is only intended to be used for weight loss.
In the fall of 2022, Elon Musk tweeted that the secret to his slimness was fasting and the drug Wegovy.
Approved by Health Canada in 2021, its marketing in the country is still uncertain due to high demand from our neighbor to the south.
Ozempic is expensive in the United States for those without insurance coverage, costing US$892 for a monthly supply. However, in Canada, it is covered by many private insurance plans and some provincial drug insurance programs.
Pharmaceutical savings site SingleCare estimates that prescriptions filled for Ozempic increased by 251% between 2021 and 2022.
Used for weight loss: ethical or not?
The anti-diabetic medicine is injected by pre-filled pen into the abdomen, thigh or arm once a week.
Users can self-administer the drug dose. It is used to stimulate insulin production and reduce appetite. Even though the drug can be given for these two different reasons, it should be discouraged for weight loss, according to several experts.
The Dr Janice Hwang, head of the division of endocrinology and metabolism at the University of North Carolina, said the drug is not intended as a lifelong weight loss solution. “Most of the time the weight will come back,” she says.
And the product was designed initially for people with diabetes, so it is worrying that there is currently a worldwide shortage of these drugs, while they continue to suffer from this condition. “It’s also not a quick fix for shedding a few pounds,” she adds.
What is Ozempic?
Authorized by Health Canada since 2018, Ozempic is an injectable drug designed by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk that can help with blood sugar management in adults with type 2 diabetes. As a bonus, it is said to help with weight loss.
In addition to treating diabetes, it can lead to weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity. But it’s not a miracle drug.
The active ingredient found in Ozempic is called semaglutide. This mimics an intestinal hormone that causes insulin secretion while regulating satiety signals. The brain therefore sends an alert to the digestive system to let it know that hunger is satisfied.
And this is how patients taking this drug lose weight. These side effects make a big difference in the treatment, and move away from the primary function of the drug.
Semaglutide may also impact thinking and mental health, according to patient and doctor testimonials reported in the media.
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