Analyses & Studies

Focus Healthcare: Considering Taking Ozempic or Wegovy for Weight Loss? Do They Work and Are They Safe?

Novel injectable drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy, have taken the world by storm in recent months, being touted as “blockbuster” drugs that help people lose weight. Even well-known figures and celebrities, such as Elon Musk and Oprah Winfrey, have publicly admitted to using these drugs. But just how effective are they and are they safe to take?

Ozempic is an injectable medication that was originally developed as an anti-diabetic drug. Medical studies have shown that it can also lower the risk of serious cardiovascular events in people with both Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Although not FDA approved for weight loss, Ozempic is increasingly being used off-label in people without diabetes to help them lose weight. Wegovy is a higher-dose version of Ozempic that has been approved for weight loss in certain adults and adolescents aged 12 and older. Wegovy can be used by people without diabetes to help them lose weight but should only be given under medical supervision to those who are overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol.

Both Ozempic and Wegovy are once-weekly injections that contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, and are manufactured by Denmark-headquartered pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk. Semaglutide works by mimicking the actions of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that is naturally released in the gastrointestinal tract in response to eating. These GLP-1 analogues work by slowing down gastric emptying and having effects on the brain to reduce appetite, increase the sensation of fullness and increase the release of insulin which helps regular blood glucose levels. Both drugs are intended to be taken long term, so if one stops taking them, it’s possible for one’s weight to increase again. The drugs can be supplied only by a doctor or obtained through a prescription from a pharmacist.

Ozempic and Wegovy seem to be effective in reducing weight by about 10-20% in a large proportion of people. Despite the additional medical benefits in improving diabetic control and reducing cardiovascular risk, these drugs can also have adverse effects so the decision to start them should be carefully made with a medical specialist. The cons of taking the drugs include the following:

  • Potential side effects including nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, bloating and constipation, pain or redness at the injection site
  • Risk of thyroid/ endocrine tumours and cancers, particularly in those with a family history of endocrine tumours
  • Rare risk of pancreatitis
  • Decrease in muscle mass (a condition called sarcopenia) and bone density
  • Rebound weight gain after stopping the drug
  • Long term effects are unknown as the drugs are relatively new

Key takeaway points:

Obesity is a complex, multi-factorial problem that has important health implications. The new GLP-1 analogues such as Ozempic and Wegovy (and the oral equivalent called Rybelsus) have a role to play as they are effective in helping people lose weight and have other cardiovascular and glucose- lowering benefits. However, the drugs are associated with potential side effects and risks and can’t solve the emotional issues related to eating and weight gain. They should be used with caution, under medical supervision and careful follow up. Depending on one’s relationship to food, the best to approach for weight loss is to use a comprehensive and holistic approach that addresses the physical and the emotional problems. If one has additional medical problems or risk factors, such as diabetes and high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels, then these novel GLP-1 analogues can be considered under medical guidance.

By Dr. Reginald Liew, Senior Consultant Cardiologist, Harley Street Heart and Vascular Centre

 

SOURCE : Harley Street, Heart & Vascular Centre

More news

Close

Get your copy of FOCUS Magazine Issue 81: Implementing New Energies