The Risks of Using Ozempic for Weight Loss

For over a year, there has been a growing trend of using drugs like Ozempic for weight loss. Though Ozempic was primarily designed to manage blood sugar levels, its effectiveness in inducing weight loss has led to its popularity. However, like any medication, there are potential risks and side effects that users may not have been aware of before starting.

A Lawsuit for Alleged Severe Gastrointestinal Complications

In 2023, the manufacturer of Ozempic faced a lawsuit filed by Jaclyn Bjorklund for severe gastrointestinal complications, particularly gastroparesis characterized by a stomach paralysis. Bjorklund alleged that the complications were not disclosed by the manufacturers to medical professionals. While Ozempic can be effective for weight loss, new side effects continue to emerge.

The Mechanism of Action of Ozempic

Ozempic contains the drug semaglutide and works through a mechanism where it increases the levels of a hormone called Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone has multifaceted roles, including regulating blood glucose, influencing hunger cues, and promoting weight loss. Ozempic works by slowing stomach emptying, making users feel fuller with smaller food portions.

Potential Side Effects of Ozempic

Nausea
Stomach pain
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Dizziness
Vomiting

These symptoms represent the drug’s official side effects. Users of Ozempic reported unexpected changes in their body after taking it. Many patients noticed that the skin on their face, buttocks, and other areas appeared loose, sagging, or aged. This effect is not inherent to using Ozempic for weight loss but is a normal result for individuals who lose weight by any means.

“Ozempic Face,” “Ozempic Breasts,” and “Ozempic Butt”

Women’s breast tissues contain a lot of fat and tend to store fat in their lower body, so they are more likely to notice changes in those areas. The degree of the sagging and changes depends on many factors such as the age of the patient, how much weight they’ve lost, and how overstretched their skin is.

The Effectiveness of Ozempic in Inducing Weight Loss

While Ozempic is effective in inducing weight loss, patients risk regaining weight when they discontinue the medication. This risk is due to the body returning to its normal processes of normal levels of GLP-1 and appetite. Clinical studies showed that patients who stopped the medication typically regained two-thirds of their lost weight within a year.

Maintaining Weight Loss over the Long Term

Though diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes are the foundation for sustainable weight loss, patients suffering from obesity may require more significant measures to maintain weight loss over the long term. Some may require medication, while others may need a procedural intervention.

Conclusion

Using Ozempic for weight loss has become a growing trend, but it is not without potential risks and side effects. Users reported unexpected changes in their body after taking the medication, such as loose skin and sagging, which may cause cosmetic concerns. While Ozempic is effective in inducing weight loss, patients must be aware of the risks and take measures to maintain weight loss over the long term.

Originally Post From https://www.euronews.com/health/2024/05/19/ozempic-breasts-to-ozempic-face-what-you-need-to-know-about-weight-loss-drug-side-effects

From ‘Ozempic Breasts’ to ‘Ozempic Face’: The Lowdown on Weight Loss Drug Side Effects