Ozempic and GLP Weight Loss Meds: What To Know
GLP-1s come with legitimate health risks that should be carefully considered when making the decision about what’s right for you and your body.
The weight loss journey can be an emotional rollercoaster. In the past year or so, many folks have found hope in popular GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic®, that can dramatically speed up the weight loss process. But these GLP-1s come with legitimate health risks that should be carefully considered when deciding what’s right for you and your body.
- Popular GLP-1s: Ozempic®, Wegovy® & More
- How Do They Work?
- GLP-1 Side Effects
- Who Is Best Suited for GLP-1s?
- References
Popular GLP-1s: Ozempic®, Wegovy® & More
Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, Trulicity® – the cute names and catchy jingles seem to be popping up everywhere these days. With GLP-1 usage on the rise, many people have been able to shed extra pounds – fast. The sudden popularity and availability of GLP-1s have been so prominent that there’s even a tongue-in-cheek name that the media uses to describe noticeable weight loss transformations: Ozempic® face.
But before you jump on the bandwagon, be sure to familiarize yourself with the potential risks and rewards of GLP-1s. While obesity poses serious health risks, so can certain medications if they aren’t suited for your body’s needs.
How Do They Work?
GLP-1s help manage blood sugar levels in folks with Type 2 diabetes. However, GLP-1s have also been used for weight loss. Most of these medications involve injecting a liquid product that mimics the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone.
The GLP-1 hormone is produced naturally in the small intestine. This hormone plays many roles in the process of digestion, hunger and blood sugar regulation, including triggering the pancreas to release insulin, limiting the amount of glucose that enters the bloodstream, slowing digestion, and sending signals to the brain to make you feel full.
By mimicking this hormone, GLP-1 medications like Ozempic® and Mounjaro® are designed to have a similar effect, slowing down digestion and helping individuals control cravings by making the body feel fuller and faster. Ultimately, this can be a catalyst for weight loss.
GLP-1 Side Effects
The FDA approved the first GLP-1 in 2005, which means this type of medication is relatively new to the medical world. In other words, we’re all still learning how these medications can affect immediate and long-term health.
As of now, the most commonly reported side effects are loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, but other side effects include dizziness, racing heart, headaches, infections, and indigestion. Though rare, some severe side effects of GLP-1s include pancreatitis, medullary thyroid cancer, sudden kidney injury, and worsening diabetes-related retinopathy. Allergic reactions and hypoglycemia are additional risks to keep in mind before taking GLP-1s.
Because so many people are now taking GLP-1s for weight loss, we can expect to have more data on potential health risks in the years to come. So, stay tuned!
Cost Factors to Consider
Insurance coverage for Ozempic varies, and many plans require prior authorization, which can slow things down. If you have Medicare or Medicaid, it’s often covered, but you might still face high deductibles or copays.
Ozempic can be expensive without insurance, so it’s worth shopping around at different pharmacies. Novo Nordisk offers savings programs and patient assistance, which can make a big difference if you qualify.
There’s no generic version yet, and similar medications are also pricey. Talking with your doctor about alternatives or lifestyle changes could help manage costs while keeping your treatment on track.
Cost plays a significant role in considering GLP-1 medications; this cost breakdown for Ozempic may help you explore how these costs can vary with and without insurance coverage and potential savings options.
Who Is Best Suited for GLP-1s?
GLP-1s can be effective for individuals who have struggled with persistent obesity (BMI 30+) and show no sign of improvement with other remedies like diet and exercise. The FDA approves the use of GLP-1s in these cases. Some healthcare providers will also prescribe GLP-1s for overweight individuals (BMI 25-29.9) if another health condition can be improved with weight loss.
But it’s also important to know that, while GLP-1 medications can help you lose weight, once you stop them, the weight can return. So, they are a band-aid that speeds up weight loss but doesn’t do anything to maintain it. That is why it is important that while taking these medications, you also focus on changing your behavioural and lifestyle triggers to ensure long-term weight management.
With both risks and rewards – and a considerable lack of historical data – there are many things to consider when determining whether or not GLP-1s are right for you.
Resources
Wikipedia - Provides a comprehensive overview of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), including its function in the body, role in glucose metabolism, effects on appetite regulation, and its significance in treating conditions like type 2 diabetes.
Mayo Clinic - This page from the Mayo Clinic offers detailed information about Byetta, a GLP-1 receptor agonist used to manage type 2 diabetes. It includes insights on the medication's work, potential side effects, and essential patient FAQs.
Cleveland Clinic - Explains how GLP-1 agonists function as a treatment option for type 2 diabetes. It covers the benefits, possible side effects, and considerations for using these medications for diabetes management.
Diabetes UK - Provides an overview of GLP-1 medications, highlighting their role in treating type 2 diabetes.
GoodRx - Serves as a helpful guide for patients and healthcare providers to understand the options available in this class of diabetes medications, facilitating informed treatment choices.
Candice is a qualified Licensed Psychologist, based in San Diego, United States.
With a commitment to mental health, Dr Seti provides services in English, including Coaching, Counselling (General), Mindfulness, Online Counselling / Phone Therapy, Psychology (Clinical), Psychotherapy (Individual), Therapy, Therapy (Individual) and Therapy (Online).
Dr Seti has expertise in Body Image, Eating and Food Issues, Obesity and Compulsive Eating, Online Counselling, Self-Care, Self-Esteem, Sleep Disorders and Stress Management.
Click here to schedule a session with Dr Seti.
Important:
TherapyRoute does not provide medical advice. All content is for informational purposes and cannot replace consulting a healthcare professional. If you face an emergency, please contact a local emergency service. For immediate emotional support, consider contacting a local helpline.
Find a Therapist
Find skilled psychologists, psychiatrists, and counsellors near you.
