America’s obesity epidemic is long-standing and wide-reaching. An estimated 30% of individuals in the United States are overweight, according to the National Institutes of Health.
While diet and exercise remain the most popular and most effective ways to manage weight, many individuals are turning to medication for additional support. One such medication that has gained significant attention is Ozempic (Semaglutide). This article will explore how the drug works, its effects on the body, and the critical nutritional considerations for those taking it.
AN INTRODUCTION TO OZEMPIC/SEMAGLUTIDE
Ozempic – also known by the brand name Maounjaro and the medical name Semaglutide – is an injectable drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017. It was initially developed to help individuals with conditions like type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) regulate their blood sugar. After enough patients reported side effects of suppressed hunger and significant weight loss, the FDA began looking into Ozempic’s viability as an official treatment for obesity.
Semaglutide belongs to the GLP-1 agonists drug class. This family of medications encompasses several other treatments used for type 2 diabetes and obesity, including Dulaglutide (Trulicity®), Exenatide (Byetta®), Exenatide extended-release (Bydureon®), and Liraglutide (Victoza®).
How Do GLP-1 agonists Work?
GLP-1 agonists work by mimicking the effects of a naturally occurring hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite by encouraging the pancreas to release more insulin when blood sugar levels are high. Its protective effects on the pancreatic beta cells responsible for insulin production help to preserve the body's natural ability to regulate blood sugar over time.
In the digestive tract, GLP-1 agonists have multiple effects that contribute to reduced overall food intake. They slow gastric emptying to cause food to remain in the stomach longer. This creates a prolonged feeling of fullness and reduced appetite. Over time, hunger signals are reduced and calorie intake decreases. GLP-1 agonists similarly interact with the brain's appetite control centers, further enhancing the feeling of satiety and reducing food cravings.
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WHAT SEMAGLUTIDE TREATS
Despite widespread popularity among those looking to lose weight, neither Ozempic nor Maounjaro have yet to be approved to exclusively treat obesity. Both drugs are primarily prescribed to individuals with preexisting type 2 diabetes who are at an increased risk of unstable blood sugar levels, heart attacks, strokes, and heart disease. It just so happens that obesity is commonly associated with contributing to these problems. To date, weight loss has simply been a nice extra benefit for diabetic patients using Ozempic and Mounjaro.
Wegovy, another branded form of Semaglutide, is approved to help individuals aged 12 years and older lose excess weight. The dosages work differently and should not be substituted with those of Ozempic or Mounjaro. A doctor will usually only prescribe Wegovy to patients over a certain body mass index (BMI).
HOW OZEMPIC IS ADMINISTERED
Ozempic is a subcutaneous injection. That means it’s administered via a needle – usually on the front of the thighs, the front of the abdomen, or the upper arms. Doctors recommend diversifying injection sites to mitigate the risk of skin irritation. Although individual treatment plans vary, most take Ozempic once a week. Doses start out small and then are gradually increased by increments of 0.5 mg.
What Ozempic Does To The Body
The weight people lose on Ozempic isn't pure fat; studies show a 50/50 split of fat and muscle loss. This is concerning because muscle is crucial for metabolic health. It's your body's calorie-burning powerhouse, consuming seven times more energy than fat tissue. Losing muscle can significantly slow your metabolism and actually make it harder to maintain weight loss in the long term.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE TAKING OZEMPIC
Ozempic isn’t a magic pill - or perhaps better said magic shot - capable of solving all of the problems associated with obesity. Strict adherence to dosing schedules, along with diet and exercise, are critical to achieving results. If and when the drug does cause weight loss, maintaining it similarly requires living a healthy lifestyle. Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and other medications within the GLP-1 agonist family can be best described as tools rather than all-in-one solutions for obesity.
Ozempic Side Effects
Like a majority of drugs on the market today, Semaglutide may come with multiple risks and side effects. The most concerning to be aware of is an increased chance of developing thyroid cancer; Ozempic has a boxed warning for this, which is the most serious type of disclaimer the FDA can require of approved drugs.
Of course, actually developing a tumor from Ozempic is extremely unlikely. Patients are much more likely to experience one or several more common side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and bloating. Some foods may trigger or worsen these symptoms.
BENEFITTING FROM OZEMPIC
With all of the disclaimers out of the way, we should recognize that there are indeed people who can benefit from Ozempic. It has informally been found to be effective in generating short-term weight loss for individuals who inject themselves consistently. However, the magnitude of that result comes down to more than just properly-timed doses.
Resistance training is highly encouraged, as it stimulates muscle growth and helps maintain lean body mass during weight loss. Patients on Ozempic should engage in weightlifting or bodyweight exercises at least 2-3 times per week with a focus on major muscle groups.
WHAT NUTRIENTS TO PRIORITIZE WHEN TAKING OZEMPIC
Nutrition is another key aspect to consider when taking Ozempic. Doctors instruct patients on Semaglutide to significantly increase their protein intake to preserve muscle mass during weight loss. Protein is the building block of muscle tissue, and consuming adequate amounts helps prevent excessive muscle breakdown. Patients are often advised to aim for 1.2 to 2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, depending on their individual needs and activity levels.
But proper nutrition goes beyond just protein intake. A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber is vital to overall health in any case, but especially so for those at risk of the nutrient deficiencies or digestive issues associated with Semaglutide.
While no nutritional guidelines currently exist for patients taking Semaglutide, many healthcare professionals recommend a nutrient-dense, whole-food approach. This typically includes:
- Lean proteins to support muscle maintenance
- Complex carbohydrates for sustained energy
- Healthy fats for hormone balance and nutrient absorption
- A variety of colorful fruits and vegetables for micronutrients
It's also crucial to stay well-hydrated and to eat smaller, more frequent meals to accommodate the slowed digestion caused by the medication. Consulting with a registered dietitian can provide personalized guidance tailored to individual needs and medication effects.
CONSIDER AN HTMA TEST WITH OZEMPIC
HTMA, or Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis, is a non-invasive diagnostic test that measures the levels of minerals and toxic metals in the body. This innovative screening method uses a small sample of hair to provide insights into overall health and nutritional status. It essentially provides a comprehensive snapshot of the body's metabolic processes and nutrient absorption over time, which can reveal imbalances, deficiencies, or excesses that may not be apparent through traditional blood tests. The results offer valuable insights into metabolic rate, energy production, and the body's ability to detoxify harmful substances.
An HTMA test can be especially beneficial in identifying any imbalances that may affect Ozempic's efficacy or contribute to side effects. Honed offers an at-home kit capable of assessing individual nutritional profiles on a cellular level. Simply send off a sample of your hair to receive a detailed report on everything from mineral levels to potential toxicities.
If your minerals are out of balance - which most people’s are - Honed will design a personalized supplement regimen tailored to your unique needs. This personalized approach ensures that you're not just taking generic supplements, but rather a carefully curated blend that addresses your specific deficiencies and supports your overall health goals.
Everyone's body is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. That's why personalized nutrition based on scientific testing can be a game-changer in your health journey.
By combining the insights from HTMA testing with your Ozempic treatment, you can potentially:
- Optimize nutrient absorption
- Enhance metabolic function
- Mitigate potential side effects
- Improve overall treatment outcomes
The biggest thing to remember about Ozempic is that its direct use for obesity hasn’t been studied extensively. The FDA knows enough to say high-risk individuals who take this drug under the guidance of a medical professional are generally safe to do so. But there can be long-term implications, which may or may not be worthwhile for the benefit of weight loss. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new medication or making significant changes to your nutritional intake. They’ll also be able to help you put HTMA testing results into context and ensure safe Ozempic therapy.
Take the first step of gathering insight by ordering a test kit from Honed today.