Top 5 Reasons not to take Ozempic

What is Ozempic®?

Ozempic® (semaglutide) is an injectable medication taken weekly. It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is also being studied for the treatment of obesity to help patients lose weight. GLP-1 is a hormone produced in the intestines when we eat food. The semaglutide drug (Ozempic) mimics the GLP-1 hormone to help produce insulin and lower blood sugar levels.

Clinical trials have shown that Ozempic is effective in lowering blood sugar levels and improving other measures of glycaemic control, such as HbA1c. It is also effective in promoting weight loss. Medical and researchers have also hinted that it may have other benefits, such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.

What are the results of Ozempic?

There have been various trials comparing Ozempic to placebo, some of which also involve patient education and physical activity. In one trial, Ozempic was compared to placebo in adults with type 2 diabetes. After one year, Ozempic lowered HbA1c by 1.8 percentage points.

In other studies, Ozempic has been shown to reduce weight. People lost an average of 15 lbs over a one-year period.

That’s great, I hear you say. No, it’s not.

Let’s look at the Best 5 Reasons not to take Ozempic:

1) Side Effects of Ozempic

Ozempic has side-effects, like most drugs. The biggest issue is nausea and tummy ache. Ozempic is likely to cause gastrointestinal issues. That will make you feel less hungry, of course, so maybe that’s what the drug is also doing to help you lose weight. There are other side-effects too like diarrhoea, fatigue and headache. With many of the UK population complaining of fatigue already, this certainly won’t help. GLP-1 receptor agonists can also cause pancreatitis, and may inhibit gallbladder and biliary duct motility. GLP-1 receptor agonists basically slow gastric emptying, so food passes more slowly into the small intestine from the stomach. That’s why you get tummy ache.

2) Cost

Ozempic is expensive. Typical prices start at £150 per injection, per week. That’s £600 per month, but it may be even more expensive than this.

3) Benefits

Yes, you can lose some weight and blood sugar can reduce, but I will guarantee you that you’ll lose more weight and lower blood sugar significantly more with a low sugar, low carbohydrate diet. Add in exercise to the mix, and you’ll definitely lose weight, without the side-effects.

4) It does not cure diabetes

Ozempic is not a cure. It helps manage blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic now, Ozempic won’t make you not have diabetes. It will help slightly reduce sugar levels, yes. But you could do this yourself through diet and exercise.

5) When you come off it, you’re like to put on weight again

Do you want to take weekly injections for the rest of your life? I thought not. So, what happens when you come off it? In most cases, without addressing the underlying lifestyle choices, you are likely to put the weight straight back on again.

My advice, seek support from a dietician, nutritionist of health coach. I work with many patients on achieving weight loss without the need for drugs.

Tim Allardyce

For more support and information to change your life for the better, call us on 0208 685 6930.