#Ozempic is trending now - but should it be part of your weight loss journey?
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Introduction
Ozempic is a word heard frequently these days in relation to miracle weight loss that a number of prominent people and celebrities seem to be experiencing. The active ingredient is called Semaglutide and so Ozempic is a brand name. There are other branded medications that include Semaglutide, including Wegovy.
Some are being open about their use of the medication. Elon Musk allegedly tweeted that he was on Wegovy when it was pointed out that he had lost weight. There is much speculation that Kim Kardashian is using it after she quickly transformed from a buxom, voluptuous figure to a much more waif-like appearance.
This article is to help you figure out whether Ozempic could be for you and, if so, what do you need to consider if you are planning to use Ozempic or any other Semaglutide-based medication. And, if you decide Ozempic is not for you, we will give you a bonus of our top weight loss tips!
We would like to say that weight loss can be a very distressing topic for many people. The Seeoran team have different body sizes, shapes and metabolisms, and we have some idea of the pain that this subject can cause. Remember that, if you have a difficult relationship with your body weight or with food consumption, you might want to consider reaching out for professional help.
How does Ozempic work?
According to myBMI, Semaglutide works by affecting the hormones that are responsible for hunger, affecting the hormones that control blood sugar, which then reduces your appetite.
It also helps to slow down the emptying of your stomach contents and helps you feel fuller for longer.
It was not intended for weight management when it was developed but the way it interacts with your hunger hormones has made it a very useful medication when it comes to weight management.
It seems to come as pre-filled injection pens that you administer yourself once a week.
Do you need a doctor prescription for Ozempic?
Step one begins with going to your doctor. According to the Irish Health Service Executive (HSE), your GP can prescribe Ozempic but they will need to look at factors like your weight history, your current BMI, if you have complications of obesity such as Diabetes Type 2, and whether you are planning to get pregnant soon or are breastfeeding. It not recommended when you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and you should stop using Ozempic three months before trying to conceive.
What are the side effects of Ozempic?
Semaglutide-based medications are intended for long-term use and were intended originally for the ongoing treatment of type 2 diabetes. They have been in use since 2012. At this point, we don’t think that there are long term side effects – but it is relatively early days and available information on medications and their effects are always changing.
There can be short term side effects including constipation, nausea and bloating. Some have even reported hair loss. So it is not for everyone and you need to be careful about how it interacts with your body.
How much does Ozempic cost?
The cost will vary depending on the medication prescribed, the country you are in and your level of health insurance. We heard a monthly cost of €130 in Ireland – but that doesn’t include doctor visits. This cost may be prohibitive for many people – so price can be a barrier for a large cohort of those who could benefit from Ozempic or other weight loss medication.
Should you share or keep private your Ozempic journey?
If your doctor prescribes Ozempic for you for weight loss, you need to think about whether you want to share that with friends and family or not. This is totally a personal choice – but it is a very personal journey and something you could feel quite sensitive about, so think about what you would prefer.
Some people might be happy to share the full journey on Instagram while others might prefer to tell only a few close family members or friends.
Can you stay on Ozempic long-term?
You need to talk to your doctor about whether this is a temporary solution or whether it is an ongoing strategy.The medication is used indefinitely for diabetes type 2 but we’re not sure what the plan will be for those with chronic weight issues.
If you are going to take Ozempic for a number of weeks or months to achieve a weight loss goal, you need to be realistic about what will happen when you come off it because your appetite will return.
What is Ozempic face?
We believe that ‘Ozempic face’ is a real phenomenon – but it is not particular to this medication; rather, it is a result of rapid and significant weight loss, probably more in those that are older. If you are 35+, you are more likely to see this gaunt look in your face that is characterised by vertical lines appearing on your cheeks, called facial folds.
To avoid this we would suggest not allowing your weight to plummet to dramatic levels. A healthy BMI is said to be between 18.5 and 25 – but, if you are a bit older, you might want to keep your BMI above 20. Also, when you are losing weight, watch your macronutrients – make sure you are eating a healthy, balanced, nutrient-dense diet with plenty of protein, good fats and fruit & veg.
What are the limitations of Ozempic?
According to Psychology Today, these medications often don’t achieve significant weight loss. In one study 70% of the participants, who all had a BMI over 25, experienced a 10 to 14% weight loss over the course of a year. This could be disappointing for some as we might expect more dramatic weight loss based on what we have seen with celebrities and on social media.
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The Seeoran team top 8 tips on weight loss
Whether you use Ozempic or any Semaglutide-based medications, there are some basic principles that you can follow to help with weight loss.
#1 Include more protein – the protein diet is probably the biggest diet trend at the moment and some of the Seeoran team have jumped on the bandwagon! There is definitely positive feedback – not dramatic weight loss, but if done consistently and paired with resistance training, you will see changes in your body shape. Check out our article The Ultimate Guide to Adding More Protein into Your Diet Without Relying on Chicken
#2 Eat good carbs – the prevailing wisdom seems to be that carbs should be eaten. The Keto diet doesn’t seem to be in as much favour as it once was – but that you should give preference to healthier cabs like rice, quinoa and oats.
#3 Plate method – this is similar to the more recent macronutrient diet but doesn’t mention fats for some reason. However, we like it because it gives a good visual representation of the amount of carbs and protein that should be on a dinner plate. The guideline is 50% non-starchy veg like broccoli, 25% healthy cards and 25% protein.
#4 Walk more – walking is generally an easy win as most people can build it into their lives. It has amazing benefits for health, weight loss and longevity when done consistently. Check out our article Walking: can it contribute to greater life expectancy?
#5 Resistance training – strength building training is very popular these days for all sorts of reasons. It used to be thought that cardio training was better for weight loss but now some experts are saying that resistance training is better for health and longevity. Check out our article Strong Bones, Stronger You: The Incredible Link Between Resistance Training and Bone Density
#6 Cut out snacks – or replace them with healthy alternatives like apple slices with good quality hummus, or a handful of nuts.
#7 Drink more water – this is an obvious one because water will keep you feeling full, as well as being good for you for lots of reasons!
#8 Food journal – use a physical food journal or an app on your phone to record what you are eating. If you have to account for everything you eat, you will most likely be more thoughtful about the food you are consuming.
Conclusion
We have to be open-minded about Ozempic and Semaglutide-based medications in terms of their use for weight loss as it is still early days. It is something you have to discuss with your doctor and also something that has to be within your budget, if you are within a health system where you have to pay for it.
We know that being overweight can be very psychologically distressing for people and can have long-term side effects – so if these meds can help in the short or long term, we think this is a very important development.
But whatever route you go, look after your nutrition and build exercise into your routine as these things have huge benefits for your beauty, health, energy and longevity.