Written by Raquel Britzke
In recent years, the desire for quick and effortless weight loss has driven many to explore new solutions, from fad diets to emerging medications. Today, weight loss injections like Ozempic are rapidly gaining popularity, hailed by some as a revolutionary approach to shedding unwanted pounds. While Ozempic may seem like an easy fix, it’s important to understand what it is, how it works, and the potential risks involved.
Sustainable weight loss requires more than a quick solution—it’s about learning to eat well, developing healthy habits, and receiving ongoing support to create lasting results without endangering your health. This article explores Ozempic in detail and highlights why a holistic approach to weight management is often the better choice for long-term success.
What is Ozempic injection, and what is used for?
Ozempic, often referred to as a weight loss injection, is designed to regulate insulin levels, similar to the natural hormones our bodies produce. It contains semaglutide, an active ingredient that mimics a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide), which we naturally release after eating.
While it was initially prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes, Ozempic has gained popularity for weight loss due to its ability to impact both appetite and insulin levels.
But did you know that Ozempic injection is not officially licensed in the UK for weight loss treatment? It is only licensed for type 2 diabetes management.
Currently, in the UK, if you have type 2 diabetes, your GP can prescribe it for you, and you can get it by paying the NHS fee for the prescription.
However, in some cases, your doctor can prescribe it off-label for weight loss, meaning you can buy it without having diabetes paying full price. There is a similar weight loss injection named Wegovy, which is specifically marketed for weight loss at a higher dosage.
Do I need a prescription for Ozempic injection?
Yes, legally, Ozempic requires a prescription in the UK. It is not available over-the-counter and must be prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Be aware that you might find it in the black market, but it could be counterfeit or expired, risking your health and wasting your money.
What are the side effects of Ozempic injection?
The most common side effects of Ozempic include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
How long should I take Ozempic to lose weight?
For those using Ozempic for weight loss, the timeline can vary. Studies suggest that Ozempic leads to significant weight loss within 16 to 68 weeks. However, weight loss can plateau after some time, and long-term use may be required to maintain weight loss.
Should I take Ozempic for weight loss if I don’t have diabetes?
While Ozempic can help with weight loss, it’s important to consider that it is not licensed in the UK specifically for this purpose. The decision to take Ozempic for weight loss should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, who can evaluate the benefits and potential risks for your individual health needs.
It is also important to note that when people stop taking Ozempic, weight regain is common, suggesting that lifestyle changes are critical for long-term success.
Does Ozempic have long-term side effects on health?
Some of the potential long-term side effects of Ozempic include:
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas is a serious but possible side effect. Studies have raised concerns about the potential risk.
- Gallbladder disease: Rapid weight loss increases the risk of developing gallstones or gallbladder disease.
- Muscle mass loss: Quick weight loss can lead to muscle loss, decreasing your metabolism and negatively affecting your long-term weight management. When you lose weight too fast, if not combined with appropriate diet and exercise, you might lose water and muscle. When you lose muscle, you decrease your metabolism.
While Ozempic can be effective for weight loss, long-term studies are still needed to fully understand the broader health implications for non-diabetic individuals.
What happens when you stop Ozempic treatment?
Ozempic is a long-term medication, but it only works while you are taking it. So when you stop the injections, all the good news goes away.
- Weight regain: You may regain weight, especially fat, within weeks or months of stopping Ozempic. A trial found that participants gained back two-thirds of the weight they lost after stopping the drug for a year.
- Increased appetite: You may experience a rapidly increased appetite and cravings.
- Blood sugar spikes: You may experience high blood sugar levels, which can lead to symptoms like excessive thirst, headaches, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, blurry vision, and excessive urination.
- Return of diabetes symptoms: If you take Ozempic to manage type 2 diabetes, you may experience a rebound of diabetes symptoms.
- Return to previous blood pressure and cholesterol levels: Over time, your blood pressure and cholesterol levels may return to their previous levels.
How does Ozempic compare to Wegovy and Mounjaro?
For those seeking weight loss specifically, Wegovy (a higher dose of semaglutide) may be a better alternative, as it is licensed for this purpose. Another alternative is Mounjaro (Tirzepatide), which is being studied for its dual action on GLP-1 and GIP receptors, showing promising results in weight loss.
However, these drugs come with potential side effects, and their long-term safety for non-diabetic individuals remains a subject of ongoing research.
Better alternatives for weight loss
Why is it better to see a nutritionist for lasting weight loss results?
While Ozempic and similar weight loss jabs can provide a quick fix, they don’t address the underlying causes of weight gain, which often involve behavioural, emotional, and psychological factors.
Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts to permanent and sustainable weight loss rather than learning how to eat well with the help of a dietitian or nutritionist for weight loss.
Firstly, as we learnt here, weight loss injections can make you lose a lot of weight, but it can be mostly muscle mass, which means you decrease your metabolism. Less muscle means a lower metabolic rate (how many calories you burn per day).
Secondly, once the injection treatment is finished or when stopped, most people experience an increase in appetite and regain weight.
Thirdly, long-term use of weight loss medications like Ozempic should be closely monitored by a healthcare provider, as they may carry potential risks to your pancreas and other organs.
A weight loss nutritionist can work in conjunction with medical treatments like Ozempic if you are using it for type 2 diabetes to ensure you’re maintaining muscle mass, addressing emotional eating habits, and focusing on long-term health.
While Ozempic injection can lead to weight loss, it is important to understand that lasting weight loss results require a bit more work. By seeing a weight loss nutritionist, you will be able to address the behavioural and emotional aspects that made you gain weight. You will learn how to have a good relationship with food and not regain the weight back. All that can also be added to the treatment of metabolic diseases like diabetes type 2, high blood pressure, and non-alcoholic fatty liver.
A weight loss dietitian or nutritionist can help you:
- Develop a personalised, sustainable diet plan tailored to your needs and preferences.
- Learn healthy eating habits that promote long-term weight management.
- Understand the importance of preserving muscle mass during weight loss.
- Address emotional and motivational barriers to successful weight management.
While Ozempic can be effective for weight loss, it is not a permanent solution, and stopping the medication often leads to weight regain. For long-term, sustainable weight management, it is far better to learn how to eat well and live a healthy lifestyle. Working with a weight loss dietitian or nutritionist can provide you with the tools and support you need to achieve your weight goals without relying on medications.
By being persistent, having an expert weight loss nutritionist by your side and enjoying a healthy lifestyle, you can achieve your desired weight goals without compromising your health! It’s not just about losing weight; it’s about building a lifestyle that nourishes both body and mind. If you are ready to start your weight loss treatment, get in touch with us, and you experience the benefits from the beginning.
Miss Raquel Britzke is a dedicated expert in nutrition and fitness. As a Registered Dietitian, Sports Nutritionist, and Certified Personal Trainer, she helps people with weight loss, health improvement, and muscle gain. Raquel graduated from Unicentro in Brazil and completed postgraduate studies in Sports Nutrition with the International Olympics Committee in the UK. She takes a holistic approach, blending nutrition and NLP techniques, to support her clients’ well-being. Raquel’s passion for positive change makes her a trusted and respected professional in her field.
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