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The latest revolution in weight loss culture comes from an unlikely source: diabetes medication.
The most popular is Ozempic, an injectable medication approved for managing the condition in 2017. Its effectiveness can be credited to the discovery of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) all the way back in the 1980s. Here, scientists found that cloning this gut hormone and using it in injectable medications could help stimulate the production of insulin, lowering blood sugar levels and regulating diabetes.
The earliest GLP-1 medications, like Byetta, thus displayed an ability to reverse diabetes symptoms – but soon showed that they could do even more. Diabetes patients taking Byetta also experienced weight loss of up to 5%, and that effect became more apparent as pharmaceutical companies continued improving the formula for GLP-1 drugs. Once Novo Nordisk released Ozempic, the drug proved to be a much-enhanced iteration of preceding GLP-1 medications. Capable of lasting longer and delivering more targeted results, it boasts a 15% weight loss efficacy.
This efficacy is precisely what pushed Ozempic into the spotlight amid growing obesity rates worldwide. With more people – including public figures – turning to it as a viable option for weight management, the drug skyrocketed in popularity, resulting in what many now call the Ozempic revolution. Here's what that means for the health, wellness, and body of those who take it.
Health
Ozempic, as a drug with an improved GLP-1 formula, is especially effective for diabetes management because it boosts insulin production while simultaneously lowering the production of glucagon – a hormone that raises blood sugar levels – once the body consumes carbohydrates. That effect can last up to 14 hours, compared to the two to three minutes naturally-occurring GLP-1 lasts after it's released. From here, Ozempic's benefits extend to weight loss because the body's GLP-1 receptors, which trigger insulin production, are also located near nerves that communicate appetite signals to the brain.
As a result, Ozempic can tell the brain to slow down how quickly food gets digested. Individuals who take the medication thus tend to experience a curbed appetite and fewer food cravings. Ultimately, they eat less, leading to weight loss. More recent studies reveal a further link between Ozempic and metabolic activity, showing that the drug can raise the body's energy expenditure to increase how many calories it burns in between meals.
Healthcare professionals thus find it beneficial for combating obesity, which is now considered to be a disease due to its ability to increase one's risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer. Today, those with a BMI of 30 and above – or a BMI of 27 with weight-related issues like hypertension – can get a prescription for it as part of a medical weight loss plan. Thanks to the Ozempic revolution, growing public awareness of the drug may cause more individuals impacted by rising global obesity rates to turn to this medication as a treatment option. Here, Ozempic's appetite-curbing and metabolism-boosting benefits may potentially lead to improved health outcomes.
Wellness
Another driving factor of the Ozempic revolution may be the fact that it doesn't only benefit your physical health. A recent Epic Research study confirms that this medication can also enhance one's well-being in the process. It observed over three million individuals who take it for diabetes, as well as another million who do so to lose weight, and found that they were more than 40% less likely to be diagnosed with depression and anxiety compared to those who don't take the drug. These findings can be particularly crucial for improving wellness given the current state of weight loss culture worldwide.
Overweight and obese individuals are often subjected to discrimination through what the World Obesity Federation calls weight stigma. It occurs due to widespread beliefs that people only gain excess weight due to factors like laziness and poor hygiene. Weight stigma is prevalent even in healthcare settings. Here, medical professionals have been shown to hold lower levels of respect for patients with higher BMIs, causing those who are overweight and obese to often avoid healthcare interventions – including those meant to facilitate healthy weight management. By safeguarding wellness, Ozempic proves itself as a treatment option that can aid in minimising the impact of discrimination, helping these individuals more effectively go about losing weight for medical reasons.
Body
For those who take this GLP-1 medication, the Ozempic revolution also means potentially rapid weight loss—and thus short-term bodily changes. That's exemplified by the phenomenon known as "Ozempic butt." Excess body fat generally stretches the skin. When Ozempic quickly burns that fat, it can further affect the skin's ability to contract, causing it to sag. The same logic applies to "Ozempic face," in which the rapid loss of fat hollows out the cheeks of Ozempic users. This effect is more prevalent among individuals solely using the drug to lose weight: since diabetes slows down weight loss, those without the condition tend to shed pounds faster. That means that, given the Ozempic revolution, more people are likely to experience it. The reason why Ozempic butt can be concerning is that it does more than just affect one's appearance. It also signals unsustainable rapid weight loss, which may lead to serious side effects like frailty caused by nutritional deficiencies and muscle loss. The reason why Ozempic butt can be concerning is that it does more than just affect one's appearance. It also signals unsustainable rapid weight loss, which may lead to serious side effects. Common side effects of Ozempic include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Some users may also experience constipation. Rare but serious side effects include pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas that can cause severe abdominal pain and requires immediate medical attention. Patients should be monitored regularly, and those with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid using Ozempic. To mitigate these risks, medical professionals prescribe Ozempic alongside a balanced diet and regular exercise.
The same principles followed by those who live in the world's few Blue Zones – where people enjoy longer lifespans thanks to healthy lifestyle choices – illustrate just how important it is to follow such best practices in the first place. The Ikigai philosophy popular in Okinawa, for example, involves consuming a diverse yet largely pescetarian diet, only eating enough food to satiate 80% of one's appetite at mealtimes, and partaking in low-intensity exercises on a daily basis. These steps have allowed Okinawa's residents to benefit from a reduced risk of developing chronic diseases, including obesity. That shows just how effectively a balanced diet and regular exercise work on their own, and thus how well they can supplement the weight loss effects of taking Ozempic. Here, the nutrients and muscle strength they provide mean they can help prevent any untoward bodily changes individuals may experience, especially as more people use it for reasons unrelated to diabetes management amid the Ozempic revolution.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided about Ozempic and its effects is based on current knowledge and research, but individual health needs and conditions vary. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting or changing any medication or treatment plan. Only a qualified medical provider can offer personalised advice and determine if Ozempic or any other treatment is appropriate for your specific health situation. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.