What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is the brand name for the drug Semaglutide, which is a medicine that can help lower blood glucose in adults with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a group of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which are receptor agonists that mimic the GLP-1 hormone that is released in the gastrointestinal tract in response to eating and can prompt the body to produce more insulin and reduce appetite.
It is not recommended to take Ozempic solely for weight-loss purposes. In 2021, Semaglutide was MHA-approved under an additional brand name, Wegovy, which is designated for weight loss. Increasingly, people without type 2 diabetes are seeking out Ozempic or Wegovy for weight-loss purposes.
What is the difference between Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus?
All three drugs contain the same active ingredient, Semaglutide. Ozempic and Rybelsus are both approved by the NHS for the treatment of type 2 diabetes to improve blood glucose. Ozempic can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, like heart attacks, for adults with type 2 diabetes who have cardiovascular disease but has not been approved by the National Institute Of Heath and Care Excellence for solely this indication.
Is Ozempic the same as insulin?
No, Ozempic is not the same as insulin. It is used to help your pancreas produce more insulin.
Ozempic is currently only NHS approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Although Ozempic cannot replace insulin, early research published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that low doses of Semaglutide may reduce insulin reliance in people with type 1 diabetes.
One clinical trial showed that Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, led to an almost 15% reduction in participants’ body weight over a 68-week period, although it is not approved for this indication by the NHS.
What are the risks of taking Ozempic or Wegovy?
Gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhoea and constipation, are the most common side effects associated with Semaglutide medications. People may also experience dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea and vomiting.
There are serious health risks associated with taking Semaglutide medications, including hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), inflammation of the pancreas, gallbladder problems, and it may worsen conditions such as gastroparesis, retinopathy, medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia.
What happens when you stop taking Ozempic or Wegovy for weight management?
Studies have shown that one year after cessation of once-weekly Semaglutide injections, participants regained two-thirds of the weight they had lost. This evidence suggests that ongoing treatment is necessary for the long-term weight loss and heart health benefits associated with Semaglutide-based medications.
Why are we talking about Ozempic at Fuller Fitness?
We believe that it is important to give our members all the information you need to make an informed decision about weight loss medication. We also believe we can take a more holistic view of Ozempic. Essentially,
Semaglutide works by reducing gastro-emptying time and releasing more GLP-1. Therefore, if our clients eat slower digesting, more nutrient dense foods that are high volume, they can mimic the action of Semaglutide. Eating large amounts of ultra-processed foods encourages overeating as they are highly palatable and fast through the gastrointestinal system.
We believe in long term changes to your nutrition that are sustainable and achievable, and we want to help you make choices that support your long term health goals.
If you want to learn more about how we can help you reach your goals in a sustainable way, click HERE.
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