A Naturopath’s Opinion on Ozempic
In an image obsessed world, we have long been seeking that “miracle pill” that will magically melt off extra pounds, and while many things over the decades have made that promise, from the grapefruit diet, to using cigarettes to suppress appetite, to the overpromises of the thighmaster, we’ve seen it all. Even spooky weight loss trends like the Victorian “weight loss pills” that were actually tape worm eggs! It’s clear that weight loss is something so deeply desired within our culture that we are sometimes willing to go to extreme lengths to do so.
While the mechanics of weight loss are simple: use more calories than consumed, the execution of this is complicated by our hormonal balance, including insulin resistance, hypothyroid, or physical or mental health challenges.
Enter Ozempic. At face value, it appears to be that holy grail miracle weight loss solution long sought. We see celebrities and influencers seemingly transformed overnight and we want a piece of that for ourselves… But the truth is not so glittery and alluring. As with all drugs, there is a lot more to consider, such as side effects, long term impacts, and what works best for each individual.
So while drugs like Ozempic may indeed be revolutionizing medical weight loss, there’s more to consider.
What Exactly do Drugs like Ozempic do?
In order to understand what drugs like Ozempic do in the body, we have to understand first what happens in the body when we eat.
Shortly after we begin eating, our gut releases GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), a hormone that helps your body manage the incoming nutrients. GLP-1 then signals our pancreas to increase insulin and decrease glucagon, which helps move glucose out of the bloodstream and into our cells while limiting the liver’s release of additional glucose. It also slows stomach emptying and signals the brain that you’re full, helping regulate appetite and food intake. Between meals, glucagon rises and tells the liver to release stored glucose, while insulin falls. Together, GLP-1, insulin, and glucagon work together to keep blood sugar and energy availability balanced.
Drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy are what is called a semaglutide, which mimics GLP-1 in the body. This was originally developed to help improve blood sugar regulation within type-2 diabetes where the body resists insulin, and doesn’t produce enough of it.
So because the body reads the semaglutide as GLP-1, it leads to earlier fullness, less hunger, and slower stomach emptying, which leads to less calories consumed.
These drugs aren’t a magical fat burner, they just assist in that basic principle for weight loss: calories in < calories out.
What are the Potential Risks and Side Effects?
The most frequently reported side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, bloating or feeling unusually full, and reduced appetite. Inadequate nutrition can also lead to loss of muscle mass, and nutrient deficiencies.
But there are some more serious concerns as well. Some people may experience severe gastroparesis, where there are complications from food staying in the stomach for too long. There is also risk of pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney strain due to dehydration, increased risk of hypoglycemia, and other blood sugar related complications. Semaglutides also carry a warning label about potential risk of thyroid cancer due to observed animal studies.
Who is Benefits from these Drugs?
The list of side effects is not about striking fear. Side effects are a part of all medications, and even many natural supplements, and just because it is a potential, doesn’t mean that every person using that medication will experience it. Each person’s body is a unique environment, and a healthcare provider can help you assess whether the benefits outweigh the potential risks, as well as whether you might be more susceptible to some risks.
People with blood sugar regulation issues like Type-2 Diabetes, or Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes are most likely to benefit from a semaglutide. Those struggling with obesity, and related health issues, or cardiovascular risks.
For the majority of people just looking for an easy way to lose weight, the risks aren’t really worth it. It may take more discipline than you would like, but these drugs are not the “miracle weight loss” solution we long for.
How I Would Support a Patient Taking Semaglutides
From a naturopathic perspective, the goal is not simply to see the number on the scale go down, it is to support metabolic health, preserve muscle, ensure good nutrient supply, and create sustainable habits.
Here’s what I would recommend:
Adequate Protein- Prioritize protein at every meal and snack to help support and maintain muscle mass and keep you feeling satisfied and blood sugar balanced.
Fibre-rich Foods- Vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds help to support digestion, satiety and overall nutrition.
Track Your Food- I recommend getting yourself a food scale and tracking your food for a few months using an app like MyFitnessPal or Chronometer. One of the biggest problems in weight management is having no idea how much we are actually consuming each day. We may be thinking we are making healthy choices, while actually consuming far more calories than our body needs. (I’m looking at you peanut butter!) Most apps will help you calculate your caloric needs, or your healthcare provider can help you do so. This also helps to ensure you are getting enough nutrients with the food choices you are making
Stay Hydrated- This is particularly important when appetite and food intake are reduced, or when experiencing side effects such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Nutrient Density- When eating less, we have less room in our diet for ‘empty’ calories. Every meal needs to provide meaningful nutrition. Choose whole foods, and eat the rainbow.
Strength/Resistance Training- Again, this is an important component of maintaining or building lean muscle during weight loss.
Regular Movement- Combine resistance training with cardiovascular activity to support metabolic and cardiovascular health. Get moving for at least 30 minutes a day. Walk, run, swim, do yoga, just get up and move! Everyone can make time for 30 minutes.
(Also hint: These are fantastic habits for those of us looking to lose weight who are not on Ozempic too!)
Remember, no medication is a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. In fact, creating healthy habits while taking weight loss medication is just as crucial because if you stop taking them, the weight will just come back. When we create long term sustainable habits, we are set up for success that lasts beyond the next dose.