Ram Kapoor refutes surgery, Ozempic claims after 55-kilo weight loss: ‘This kind of transformation requires hard work’

Calling himself “still a work in progress”, the actor added, “I am no best body. The point is that this kind of transformation requires hard work and long long hours! No shortcuts. No surgery. No Ozempic. That only does weight loss. Not builds body.”

His next goal? “Within 4-6 months, I am going to get a rock solid six-pack with blocks. That has to be done the hard way. Do you get it? But anyone who has done Ozempic or surgery, so what? Good for you all!”

Let’s understand how drugs like Ozempic, or surgery can only aid weight loss but can’t build muscle.

Weight loss medications like Ozempic (semaglutide) and bariatric surgery can be effective tools for reducing body weight, but they do not contribute to muscle building, said Dr Birali Swetha, chief dietician, Gleneagles Aware Hospital, LB Nagar, Hyderabad. “These interventions primarily target appetite regulation, caloric intake, and fat loss, rather than muscle development,” said Dr Birali.

Due to excessive fat loss and a weakened metabolism, one may also lose muscle mass, said Dr Abhishek Yadav, consultant gastroenterologist,
Chhatrapati Shivaji Subharti Hospital, Meerut. “Since these medications suppress appetite, the body does not get enough energy from food and instead sources energy from fat and muscles—primarily fat,” elucidated Dr Yadav.

However, if a person loses significant weight in a short span of time, the body may start sourcing energy from muscles, leading to muscle loss. As muscle mass diminishes, stamina, strength, and metabolic rate also decrease, said Dr Yadav.

 

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Ozempic and muscle health

Ozempic, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, works by reducing appetite, slowing gastric emptying, and promoting insulin sensitivity. Ozempic (GLP-1 drugs) promotes fat loss by reducing appetite and food intake this leads to gradual weight loss, primarily from fat, but people do experience muscle loss if they don’t maintain protein intake and resistance training, said Dr Neeraj Rayate, consultant, bariatric surgery and general surgery, Jupiter Hospital, Baner, Pune.

Workouts matter (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

“While it helps decrease body weight, it does not stimulate muscle protein synthesis. In fact, rapid weight loss without resistance training can lead to muscle loss, making strength training essential for preserving lean mass,” said Dr Birali.

Bariatric surgery and muscle health 

Weight-loss surgeries like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy restrict food intake or alter nutrient absorption, leading to significant fat loss. “However, without adequate protein intake and strength training, patients can experience muscle atrophy post-surgery,” said Dr Birali.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.