(NewsNation) — A recent medical study has affirmed that semaglutide, commonly known as Ozempic and Wegovy, can significantly contribute to long-term weight loss in individuals with obesity. This finding aligns with earlier speculation about the diabetes medication’s potential to address obesity, a question once posed by Dr. Oz on his talk show.
Promising Long-Term Results
The Cleveland Clinic, a leading nonprofit academic medical center, conducted the study, which highlights the positive effects of prescription semaglutide for long-term weight management. The research underscores that factors like dosage and frequency of use are critical in determining the drug’s effectiveness.
More than 100 million American adults suffer from obesity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Ozempic, initially developed to treat Type 2 diabetes, is increasingly being prescribed to manage obesity. The study found that higher dosages of the drug led to more significant weight loss, particularly when patients adhered to the treatment for more than 90 days.
Gender Differences in Weight Loss Success
The study, which involved 3,400 patients, more than half of whom were female, revealed that women experienced slightly better weight loss outcomes than men after one year of treatment. However, the researchers called for more data to be collected in real-world settings to further understand these differences.
Marlee Bruno, a certified physician’s assistant and founder of Mind Body & Soul Medical in Florida, explained, “Ozempic works by targeting GLP-1 receptors in the brain, which control appetite and blood sugar levels, making it an effective weight control tool.”
Beyond Weight Loss: Lifestyle Changes Required
Bruno emphasized that while Ozempic is highly effective, it is not a stand-alone solution for weight loss. “It must be used alongside lifestyle changes such as increasing protein intake, staying hydrated, regular exercise, and avoiding unhealthy foods,” she noted. Without these adjustments, patients may not achieve the full benefits of the drug.
Rising Demand and Supply Shortages
Since its approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 for treating Type 2 diabetes, Ozempic has become widely known for its weight loss capabilities, fueled by social media discussions like the viral #OzempicChallenge on TikTok. This surge in popularity led to a nationwide shortage of the drug, which the FDA confirmed in August 2022. The shortage is ongoing due to heightened demand.
Wegovy, a higher-dosage variant of Ozempic, is also facing supply issues for the same reason.
Health Risks and Benefits
Although Ozempic has shown promise in helping patients achieve sustained weight loss—defined as 10% or more body weight—the drug is not without risks. The FDA has warned about the potential for overdosing, and studies suggest rapid weight loss can negatively impact bone density, particularly in older adults predisposed to osteoporosis.
Bruno stressed the importance of using Ozempic under medical supervision to adjust dosages and monitor progress, especially in light of these risks.
A Game-Changer in Weight Management
Despite initial skepticism, experts like Bruno believe Ozempic is more than just a fleeting trend. “I can confidently say that Ozempic is far from a fad,” she said. “When used responsibly, in combination with necessary lifestyle changes, it can lead to lasting, healthy weight loss outcomes.”
As demand for this groundbreaking treatment continues to grow, so too does the need for proper medical guidance to ensure its safe and effective use.
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Is Diabetes Drug Safe For Weight Loss
