Ozempic: miracle drug or risky weight loss shot?

July 7, 2024

Ozempic: Wundermittel oder riskante Abnehmspritze?

July 7, 2024

What is trending on the red carpet in Hollywood sooner or later reaches us mere mortals. This is also the case with the “miracle cure” Ozempic: Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, the so-called weight loss injection is now considered THE weight loss tip not only among celebrities. But is it really that easy to lose a few kilos with Ozempic?

Ozempic is the brand name for a drug containing the active ingredient semaglutide, manufactured by Novo Nordisk. Semaglutide was developed primarily for the treatment of type 2 diabetes to improve blood sugar control. The result is a very significant reduction in weight in patients, with clinical studies finding an average weight loss of around 15-20%. This makes the drug seem like a miracle weapon for anyone who wants to lose weight purely out of vanity. In the USA, there was so much hype about the product that it was almost impossible for diabetics to get their urgently needed medication.

The manufacturer quickly recognized the need and brought the active ingredient semaglutide onto the market in a second product under the name Wegovy: Unlike Ozempic, Wegovy is approved for weight loss when obesity grade I is present, and for overweight patients who suffer from a weight-related concomitant disease. However, more and more people are also using the product without being overweight, because it promises a slim body without a strenuous diet and exercise program. But does effortless also mean risk-free? We'll take a closer look at that in this article.

We also listened to some expert podcasts that deal with the topic of Ozempic in detail, scientifically and excitingly and which we have linked at the end of the article.

What are the benefits of semaglutide?

One thing is clear: Semaglutide, whether as Ozempic or Wegovy, can cause significant weight loss. The results are roughly equivalent to those of bariatric surgery, such as a stomach reduction. According to clinical studies, patients achieve 15-21% weight loss - with considerable consequences. Weight loss in overweight people always reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure, which are among the most important health risk factors. Reducing BMI also reduces the risk of over 200 weight-related diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. These results are not only statistically significant, but are also clearly noticeable for patients in everyday life. Study participants report better mobility, less joint pain and an overall higher quality of life. At the same time, the administration of other medications such as beta-blockers or statins could be reduced. This can be described as a win-win situation: people feel significantly better, secondary diseases of obesity are reduced and health costs are reduced. For severely overweight people, the use of semaglutide under medical supervision therefore offers clear benefits and can help to significantly improve the quality of life and health.

Disadvantages and risks of Ozempic, Wegovy and Co.

What you've read so far sounds pretty positive, doesn't it? That's true, because semaglutide preparations do have tangible benefits - if you're an obese person and have type 2 diabetes. But if you're thinking about using such a drug as a replacement for a change in diet or an exercise program, you might want to read on for a few more minutes.

Let's start with the usual side effects: common symptoms are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. This is very unpleasant but usually not life-threatening. However, serious, albeit rare, side effects also include the risk of pancreatitis, thyroid cancer or intestinal obstruction.

Taking semaglutide can cause weight loss, which may affect both fat and muscle mass. Studies suggest that while the weight loss is primarily due to fat, some loss of muscle mass may also occur.

Potential emotional health side effects of taking include mood swings such as anxiety and depression. Some patients have reported emotional instability, although these side effects are less common.

And what you should definitely not forget: Many people regain the weight they lost after stopping the medication. According to current findings, it is very likely that you will have to use the product indefinitely to maintain the desired results. This quickly becomes expensive for those who pay for it themselves. And the change between weight loss and weight gain can be very stressful psychologically - even people who have never suffered from eating disorders can develop one through the "Ozempic cycle".

Update: Peter Attia's personal take on Ozempic

In the 19 August podcast episode where he spoke to obesity expert David B. Allison about Ozempic, Peter Attia gave his personal opinion on the drug. Although he recognises the effectiveness of Ozempic (semaglutide) for weight loss and appetite control, he would not take it himself. His main concern is the cardiovascular effects. Attia has observed in his practice that GLP-1 agonists such as Ozempic increase resting heart rate by about 10 beats per minute and slightly decrease heart rate variability (HRV). These changes could indicate an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system and pose long-term risks to heart health. The risk may be acceptable for people who want to lose a lot of weight, but for people who want to lose just a few pounds, the benefits may not outweigh the risks. In the absence of long-term data on these effects, Attia advises against using Ozempic alone for weight loss.

Danger for the brain?

There is a big debate about what exactly happens in our brains when we inject this drug. The basic answer is: we simply don't know (yet). We know that the drug massively changes the brain because it crosses the blood-brain barrier. We know that if you inject rats with the drug, it reaches all parts of the brain and affects every part. Of course, that sounds worrying at first, perhaps even very worrying. Especially because parts of the brain that are involved in memory processing and intestinal control are affected. The theory about what happens in the brain is still very speculative and controversial. Only time will tell what unknown effects are still possible.

Only long-term studies could reveal whether and to what extent semaglutide affects the brain and its structures.

Conclusion: It depends

Despite possible side effects that are not common with prescription drugs and possible concerns, the drug is a real lifeline for many obese patients and can significantly improve their quality of life.

However, anyone who wants to use such medication for purely aesthetic reasons should be aware of the possible long-term risks. If you are thinking of taking such a medication just to lose weight without having a corresponding medical condition, please speak to several doctors you trust beforehand and get good advice.

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