After weight reduction drugs like Ozempic exploded onto the market, celebrities and social media influencers quickly reaped the advantages, resulting in a rapid increase of their use. In the last three months of 2022, only physicians within the United States wrote Over nine million prescriptions for these drugs.
As their popularity has grown, we've heard more about potential unwanted side effects — from easy gastrointestinal discomfort to serious mental health concerns.
But what does the science say about how well Ozempic and Wegovy (each brand names for the drug semaglutide) work for weight reduction? And what are the possible unwanted side effects? Here's what to think about in case you or a loved one is fascinated by taking the drug.
Potential advantages
1) It will enable you to shed some pounds.
Greatest, well run Research study Semaglutide belonged to the United Kingdom in 2021. Some 1,961 individuals who were classified as “overweight” or “obese” were randomly assigned to either semaglutide or placebo and followed for 68 weeks (about 1.3 years). All participants had free access to advice on healthy eating and physical activity.
The study found that those taking semaglutide lost significantly more weight than those on placebo (-14.9% of their body weight in comparison with -2.4% of their body weight).
In one other the study In the United States, a health care clinic administered weekly injections of semaglutide to 408 people. In the primary three months, those included in the ultimate evaluation (175 people) lost a mean of 6.7 kg. In the primary six months, they lost a mean of 12.3 kg.
A major weight reduction has been observed. A recent trial For semaglutide, weight reduction is a really likely consequence of continued drug use.
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2) It can lower your risk aspects for chronic disease.
When people fall into the chubby or obese category. at least 5% In their body weight, physical changes often transcend changes in weight or shape. This Can be included Lowering levels of cholesterol, lowering blood pressure and lowering blood glucose levels, all of which reduce the danger of chronic diseases.
In one in every of semaglutide The testMost people (87.3%) lost a minimum of 5% of their body weight. Although most large studies of semaglutide excluded individuals with metabolic health conditions resembling type 2 diabetes, there have been metabolic health advantages. observedincluding lower blood pressure, blood glucose levels and fasting blood lipid (fat) levels.
In Britain the study Since 2021, people taking semaglutide have seen significant improvements in physical fitness and risk aspects for heart disease and diabetes, including reductions in waist circumference, markers of inflammation, blood pressure and blood glucose levels.
3) It can improve your quality of life, emotional well-being or sense of accomplishment.
The original trial of semaglutide didn't address this bundle of advantages, but further follow-ups show additional advantages related to the drug. Compared to placebo, a major difference was seen in people taking semaglutide. improvement of their physical functioning and perceptions of their general health, social functioning and mental health.
Anecdotally (not based on scientific research), people using semaglutide, eg Oprah Winfreyreport reclaiming or turning points of their lives, social status and body image.
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What concerning the risks?
1) You may experience gastrointestinal symptoms.
I American clinical trialAbout half (48.6%) of individuals taking semaglutide reported experiencing adversarial effects. Nausea and vomiting were probably the most commonly experienced (36.6%) followed by diarrhea (8.6%), fatigue (6.3%) and constipation (5.7%).
In the UK study, nausea and diarrhea were also commonly reported.
I Another testMany participants (74.2%) using semaglutide reported gastrointestinal symptoms. However, almost half (47.9%) also reported gastrointestinal symptoms while using placebo, indicating that symptoms could also be just like those experienced during normal day by day life.
Most gastrointestinal symptoms were mild to moderate in severity, and resolved for most individuals without the necessity to stop participating within the study.
2) You may feel drained.
Fatigue was the second most typical side effect for participants within the US. Clinical trialAffects 6.3% of participants.
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3) You could also be among the many minority who don't tolerate drugs
It is held by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia. Approved Ozempic is protected to make use of for the treatment of type 2 diabetes but will not be yet approved for weight reduction. There can also be TGA Approved Wagway (high dose of semagtlutide) for weight reduction, nonetheless it will not be yet available in Australia.
in America Clinical trialNo unexpected issues of safety were reported. However, five patients (2.9%) needed to stop taking the drug because they might not tolerate the adversarial effects. Fifteen (8.6%) needed to either reduce the dose or stay on the identical dose to avoid adversarial effects.
I Other studiessome patients stopped the trial because their gastrointestinal symptoms were too severe to proceed.
More serious safety concerns have been reported. the study Gallbladder disorders (mostly cholelithiasis, also often known as gallstones) were reported in 34 patients (2.6%) and mild acute pancreatitis in three patients (0.2%). All individuals recovered in the course of the trial period.
A 2024 European the study analyzed psychiatric adversarial events related to semaglutide, liraglutide and tirzepatide (which act similarly to semaglutide). Between January 2021 and May 2023, the drug database recorded 481 psychiatric events (about 1.2% of total reports) related to these drugs. About half of those events were reported as depression, followed by anxiety (39%) and suicidal ideation (19.6%). Nine deaths and 11 life-threatening outcomes were reported in the course of the study period.
Due to the severity and fatal final result of a few of these reports, US Food and Drug Administration Further investigation was conducted but found no evidence that the usage of these drugs led to suicidal thoughts or actions.
4) It might be difficult to access.
Although considered protected, TGA is warned Significant barriers to Olympic access are prone to persist until 2024.
To address this shortfall, pharmacists are instructed to prioritize individuals with type 2 diabetes looking for medication.
5) You may not at all times get clear information from vested interests.
Given the recognition of Ozympic and Vigovi, health organizations resembling the World Obesity Federation have spoken out. concern About drug marketing, PR and robust Social media presence.
Some journalists have. Raised concerns of conflict of interest About the connection between some obesity researchers and the manufacturer of Novo Nordrisk, Ozempic and Wegovy. The concern is that researchers could also be influenced by their relationship with Novo Nordisk to provide study results which can be more favorable to the drug.
The bottom line
Ozempic is a medicine that ought to be used together with your healthcare provider. But remember, weight is simply one aspect of your health and fitness. It is essential to take a holistic view of your health and make it a priority to eat well, exercise more and get enough sleep.