3 min readNew DelhiMar 13, 2023 04:20 PM IST
First published on: Mar 13, 2023 at 04:20 PM IST
People are constantly on the lookout for easy and effective ways to shed some kilos; even if it means adopting all sorts of trial-and-error methods. At Oscars 2023, host Jimmy Kimmel threw limelight on one such practice when he joked, “Everybody looks so great. When I look around this room, I can’t help but wonder ‘Is Ozempic right for me?’”. For the unversed, Ozempic is a diabetic, prescription-only drug, that is allegedly being used by various Hollywood A-listers due to its drastic weight loss properties.
According to a study ‘Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 5 trial’, published in Nature Medicine journal, the drug has shown people lose around 15 per cent of their body weight, with some losing even up to 20 per cent, which is unheard of with any other intervention except for bariatric surgery.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a medication which is advised to help adults who have type 2 diabetes. “The medicine helps the patients manage their blood sugar. This medicine can be taken in the form of injectables. People are also advised to take doses of Ozempic for weight loss but that use of the drug is not yet official by any authorised body yet,” shares Dr Krishnamohan Yarlagadda, Bariatric and GI surgeon, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.
How does Ozempic help you lose weight?
Various studies suggest that people who take the Ozempic drug may lose high amounts of weight. But, how does it happen? “The main and active ingredient in Ozempic, which is known as semaglutide, is an FDA-approved substance which is used at higher doses for treating individuals that are obese, who have problems with obesity or any other weight-related medical problems,” shares Dr Yarlagadda.
The main and active ingredient in Ozempic, which is known as semaglutide, is an FDA-approved substance which is used at higher doses for treating individuals that are obese. (Representational photo/Pixabay)
He adds, “Semaglutide increases the effects of naturally occurring hormones called GLP-1, as it is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. In addition to its effects on blood glucose levels and diabetes, GLP-1 also affects one’s weight in two methods. One is by affecting the hunger spots in our brain, specifically, in the hypothalamus which further reduces hunger, cravings and the appetite of our body. Secondly, this substance also slows the rate of digestion in the bowels and stomach emptying, effectively delaying fullness and satiety after consuming meals”.
Should Ozempic be taken for weight loss?
While Ozempic helps in weight loss, it is formally approved only for the treatment of diabetes and should not be consumed as a weight loss medication. “Patients who are looking for weight loss medication should appropriately consult a doctor for the right consultation and not make use of this unauthorised drug,” warns Dr Yarlagadda.
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Jimmy Kimmel jokes on how most Hollywood celebrities are getting their toned bodies. (Pic source: AP) 
The main and active ingredient in Ozempic, which is known as semaglutide, is an FDA-approved substance which is used at higher doses for treating individuals that are obese. (Representational photo/Pixabay)
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