What role does the liver play in weight and appetite? Do natural alternatives work like semaglutide? Early research suggests compounds like berberine, cinnamon, green tea, ginger, curcumin, wheat compounds, and quercetin-rich foods may influence GLP-1 signaling, satiety hormones, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic health. High cost and reported side effects — including nausea, vomiting, hair loss, gallbladder issues, pancreatitis, kidney strain, and digestive problems — are driving interest in natural options. This level of weight loss rivals that seen with some surgical procedures, making Ozempic a game-changer in obesity treatment. Ozempic has taken the world by storm as a breakthrough weight loss medication, driving millions of users to explore its benefits and risks. The use of Ozempic, like any medication, comes with a long list of possible side effects, the most common ones affecting the gastrointestinal system; this includes bloating, discomfort to the stomach, and a change in bowel habits.1,16 Furthermore, without consistent lifestyle changes related to one’s diet and exercise, ceasing to take the drug will lead to a rapid regaining of lost weight. In response, many patients have turned to pharmacies that provide semaglutide mixed with other active ingredients.14,15 However, these compounded (mixed) medications are not from the approved manufacturer and their activity is unclear. 5,6,11 Such hunger-altering effects can be attributed to the GLP-1 receptors located in regions of the brain such as the hypothalamus that work with homeostatic (regulatory) processes in the body like appetite.6,7 Researchers have since been investigating how exactly GLP-1 receptors in the brain and GLP-1 agonists interact with the body to drive significant weight loss effects. Improving Cardiac Health But is Ozempic the miracle fix-it for those struggling with weight loss? GLP-1 agonists, including Ozempic, continuously prove to be powerful blood glucose and weight-lowering medicines. He discovered that Gila monsters went long periods without eating and slowed down their metabolism while maintaining constant blood sugar levels. Then all of a sudden there was a surge of non-diabetic patients and we could not get semaglutide for our diabetic patients.” It’s not necessarily a side effect of Ozempic, but a general possible side effect of weight loss. In the 1980s, medications to treat type 2 diabetes would often lead to weight gain, which could worsen the condition. Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide are taking drugs like Ozempic to lose weight. Or some people say that their inflammation-related disorders—such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease or joint pain—are improved, even well before they realize substantial weight loss. Human clinical trials show the drugs can reduce the risk of kidney and cardiovascular diseases. Ozempic, Wegovy and other GLP-1 drugs are being investigated as treatments for many health conditions—from dementia to addiction to kidney problems We will have to understand who may or may not respond, and for what patients the drugs may be unsafe to take. You have patients who have profound weight loss, and patients who do not. The obesity clinical trials clearly show these medications are effective. That’s where we saw for the first time many people getting double-digit weight loss. Before these drugs, obesity therapeutics were “riddled with safety issues,” Drucker says. Novo Nordisk’s diabetes medication Ozempic and weight-loss drug Wegovy are two brand names for an agonist called semaglutide, which binds to specific receptors in the body to trigger the release of the hormone glucagonlike peptide-1 (GLP-1). When did researchers first realize that GLP-1 drugs might do more than regulate blood sugar and help with weight loss? 22 percent of Americans have asked their doctor to prescribe them Ozempic for weight loss and 52 percent of Americans with diabetes have found it harder to find medication for treatment due to the recent spike in interest for the drug. “Right now we use BMI combined with other medical conditions to determine eligibility for a medication,” says Gudzune. In addition, if you use semaglutide or tirzepatide, that doesn’t mean you can forget about following a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Gudzune has patients taking semaglutide and tirzepatide who have reported feeling full on smaller portions, and many describe a reduction in “food noise” (ever-present thoughts about eating and food). Tirzepatide Rrduces appetite, energy intake, and fat mass in people with type 2 diabetes. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information.For type 2 diabetes, medications like Ozempic are often prescribed via the NHS, subject to specific criteria and local Integrated Care Board (ICB) guidelines.Regular monitoring and timely consultation can help to effectively managing these side effects.Ms. King took the medications from September 2021 until March 2024.Stay hydrated to combat side effects.She has lost 35 pounds (and kept it off) and gained a new appreciation for her body. After six weeks, weight remains stable, appetite is slightly higher but manageable, and the patient is comfortable with the change. The full treatment dose is what’s required. They return to 2 mg, weight stabilizes, and they continue at that dose long-term. Factors like seasonal eating changes, stress levels, aging, hormonal shifts, and medication changes can all affect your balance point over time. Dr. Chika Anekwe, Obesity Medicine Clinical Director at Massachusetts General Hospital Weight Center and instructor at Harvard Medical School, points out that a common misconception is that everyone experiences major side effects. Other less common but possible side effects include headaches, increased heart rate, dizziness, and fatigue. Tirzepatide is a related drug that mimics GLP-1 as well as a hormone called a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Gene-editing therapy lowers harmful blood fats in early study It impacts several body systems, including the brain, pancreas, and gut. That’s why professionals need to understand what Ozempic does and how it works — so they can anticipate treatment needs and offer evidence-based care. Still, it raises concerns about side effects, especially facial volume loss (Ozempic Face), which is now becoming a common topic in aesthetic medicine. GLP-1 helps regulate blood sugar, digestion, and appetite. ELLE editors went on a deep dive to answer all of the most common questions about Ozempic and other similar drugs. Despite these medications having their moment in the sun, there are still many unanswered questions surrounding them. Celebrities and influencers tout them in interviews and social media, and even Oprah admitted to using one to aid in her weight loss journey. Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs like it have become so pervasive in the zeitgeist that it’s likely even your most social media-averse relative knows what they are. Does that mean for the vast majority of people, these drugs can’t have lasting effects, and put obesity into remission? They fall short of influencing the pathways near the hypothalamus that regulate weight and appetite. Wegovy can also have a positive impact on cardiovascular health and kidney health outcomes. We have seen patients requesting their provider to start them on Ozempic, and it gets rejected by their insurance plan for coverage because the patient did not have T2DM. “I was told it was the best drug on the market and that there would be minimal side effects,” she says. Rana tried both depression and anti-anxiety drugs, as well as the supplement Ashwagandha, but wasn’t able to find an option that reduced her stress. And remember — while personal stories are powerful, medical decisions should always be made with guidance from your healthcare provider. These medications stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin. Another class of drugs is Sulfonylureas, such as glimepiride and gliclazide. Metformin is often the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes and is generally well-tolerated. It helps lower blood sugar by reducing glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity. It works by mimicking a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and can also reduce appetite. Ozempic, in case you didn’t know, is a medication primarily designed to treat type 2 diabetes. It’s easy to get caught up in the details of how someone achieves a goal, such as weight loss, but the underlying story is far more complex. It’s a fascinating look into personal health choices, the pressures of the public eye, and the power of medical advancements. Additionally, Trulicity extends a Savings Card for commercially insured patients, allowing them to pay as little as $25 for up to 12 pens, with yearly savings capped at $1800.Before starting any weight loss regimen, consulting a healthcare professional is essential to ensure safety and suitability for individual needs.Food and Drug Administration included both Ozempic and Wegovy on its drug shortages list.The weight-loss drug has made headlines and broken sales records, but what does it mean for our future?Technically, any type of doctor is able to prescribe it, but “it’s important to go to a medical office, like a plastic surgery office, an endocrinology office, or a primary care office,” Williams says.For a lot of people, getting on these medications to lose weight actually helps several other medical conditions that are not just sugar-related conditions.Most experts agree that the amount of weight you can lose with berberine is unclear, and evidence is inconclusive.He discovered that Gila monsters went long periods without eating and slowed down their metabolism while maintaining constant blood sugar levels. Dr Matt Vickers is a specialist GP in weight management and diabetes and the Clinical Director at Eucalyptus. “In the next five years, we’ll know so much more and be able to treat patients with greater safety and efficacy for diseases that have been lost causes for decades,” Abraham concludes. Looking to the future, if the research around these drugs continues to unfold as it has been, this emerging field of science is set to be an exciting one. A clinical trial in England with overweight children aged 12–17 found that Ozempic injections helped them reduce their body mass indexes by 16 per cent in 15 months. Nestlé, for example, is launching a line of frozen food specifically with those taking the drugs in mind. It can help regulate appetite When you eat, GLP-1 is released, signaling to your pancreas to release insulin, which helps lower blood sugar.Ozempic is a drug used to treat diabetes; suddenly, millions of people started using it to lose weight.For a GLP-1 patch, this would involve extensive clinical trials, demonstrating not only that the patch delivers the drug effectively but also that it’s as safe and efficacious as existing injectable forms, or offers clear advantages.Its research showed high levels of GLP-1 could correct diabetes in mice and they would lose weight.Whether you've seen it on social media, heard about it on your favorite talk show, or read about it in magazines, Ozempic has become a buzzword in discussions about weight loss.That's performance artist Ari Dayan, and it's a satirical take on the use of these drugs, like Ozempic, to lose weight.“This class of drugs, the GLP-1 receptor agonist class is a huge game changer drug in the management of diabetes,” he said.When I first started writing about them, almost nobody was paying attention to the fact that Novo Nordisk had developed this highly effective weight loss drug, right?Losing weight improves fertility, which may partially explain the Ozempic baby boom. I didn't think I'd be complicit in fat-phobic culture, peddling diet drugs and all of their false promises. But this industry has created a problem only more dieting – or more drugs – can fix. "Have you thought about losing weight?" doctors ask, when patients complain of anything from insomnia to hot flashes to foot pain. Doctors are perhaps the most guilty of perpetuating the myth that weight loss solves everything. With budgets like that, it's no wonder my patients seem to think Ozempic is a miracle drug. So I think there's a lot of, you know, interest in what is - what are the effects of these drugs going to be culturally. That's performance artist Ari Dayan, and it's a satirical take on the use of these drugs, like Ozempic, to lose weight. So it's not the most above the board source of getting weight-loss drugs, I would say. And so compounded drugs are, you know, pharmacy-made versions, and people have been buying cheaper versions of so-called Ozempic from these compounding pharmacies. Actually, lots of people take compounded drugs. And she says, like, obesity is a disease. We can't have them taken away from us because of this recurring weight loss frenzy. And in the meantime, that is resulting in a situation where you have a lot of people competing for a limited amount of drug. And Novo Nordisk has said, we were pretty taken off guard by how quickly this drug got picked up by patients and doctors. And there can be differences in the drugs. To date nothing has slowed the growth of obesity in any nation—diets, calorie counting, pre-packaged meals, surgery, lifestyle coaching, exercise programs, group therapy or behavior modification efforts have done little curb the problem. Obesity rates are rapidly increasing among children and adolescents, with nearly 20 percent having obesity—more than triple the number since the mid-1970s. Even more of us qualify as overweight. Another drug is experiencing a similar meteoric explosion—only the downfall could be far worse. Weight loss may not be a surprising effect of Ozempic, but it's not what the drug was designed for. Common side effects, defined as affecting at least 5% of people in clinical trials, are listed on Ozempic’s label. Some compared those using Ozempic to those taking a placebo, and one compared Ozempic use to the use of other antidiabetic drugs. These trials focused strictly on people with type 2 diabetes. The term “off-label use” refers to prescribing a medication to treat a condition for which the drug is not FDA-approved. Ozempic Dosage Chart for Weight Loss Guide to Semaglutide Dosing Ozempic is often thought of as a weight-loss drug, but its benefits go far beyond shedding pounds. Although Ozempic is primarily marketed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, its benefits extend to a broader population. While Ozempic's role in weight management has been widely publicized, few people truly understand how it works. Ozempic's ability to regulate blood sugar levels may also improve brain function by reducing the inflammatory processes contributing to cognitive decline. While research is still in its early stages, some studies suggest that Ozempic may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Research in Europe suggested these drugs could lead to suicidal thoughts, perhaps because these medications affect brain pathways responsible for hunger signaling. We definitely need clinical trials to determine the safest and most effective approach to medical weight loss in the setting of cancer treatment. By reducing food cravings, these drugs can lower the consumption of highly processed food, which is particularly bad for overall health, including cancer risk. We know obesity — and even high body fat — puts people at greater risk for multiple forms of cancer. Think of these weight loss drugs as constantly putting you in a post-meal state, where you feel full and aren’t hungry, so you don’t feel the urge to eat. Despite this, there is a growing concern that these drugs are misused and overprescribed in individuals who casually use them for aesthetic reasons. This prevents cravings and overeating, which can result in weight loss. GLP-1 is a compound that increases insulin production and lowers blood sugar. In trials studying Ozempic’s effects on Type 2 diabetes, researchers engaged a diverse group of participants. We can help patients prevent these side effects through appropriate counseling.” The most common Ozempic side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, according to the drug’s prescribing information. "Medications reduce weight; training determines what kind. Lift weights to tell your body to burn fat, not muscle," she explains. Prescription and Medical Supervision Your healthcare team will give you more information about how to take Ozempic, and how to inject. It works by helping your body to produce more insulin when needed. The NHS had been facing supply issues with GLP-1 agonists, meaning that thousands of people could not access them. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently warned consumers of the dangers of using compounded formulations that contain particular salt formulations of semaglutide. Compounding is the practice of combining, mixing, or altering ingredients of a drug to create a formulation tailored to the needs of an individual patient. The main active ingredient in Ozempic and its sister drug, Wegovy, is semaglutide, which serves as a GLP-1 agonist. By altering how the brain processes rewards and produces dopamine, these types of medications have been shown to help limit addictive behaviors, such as overeating. “The interesting thing about the compound (GLP-1) is it seems to have effects across diverse systems in the body,” says Warren Bickel, a behavioral pharmacologist at Virginia Tech. Ozempic may also cause side effects that are signs of other severe problems that require medical attention right away. According to Decotiis, very few of her patients have had to discontinue Ozempic because of severe side effects. This ensures a steady and sustainable weight loss pace. May 16, 2025: More than 1,800 Active Lawsuits in Group Lawsuit for People Harmed by Ozempic In 2024, Wegovy also received regulatory approval in the U.S. to treat heart disease, although the exact mechanism-of-action is unclear. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. MedShadow does not accept advertising or contributions from pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers or political action organizations. Help fund our fight for improved medication safety and transparency by supporting our independent journalism. Therefore, we strongly encourage users to consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any health-related concerns or decisions. The study found statistically significant evidence that drugs such as Ozempic could increase the risk of the 19 health conditions below... The study found statistically significant evidence that drugs such as Ozempic could decrease the risk of the 42 health conditions below... The people using the weight-loss-drugs were also less likely to have cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s and dementia, which could be because GLP-1RAs reduce inflammation in the brain. Berberine was also found to improve LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol levels in people whose levels are abnormal.This drug is the synthetic version of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 agonists.Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding your health or treatment.The actress famously refused to take Ozempic and instead set out to lose weight the good old-fashioned way.Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions.It was meant for adults who were obese or overweight and who had at least one weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.Common side effects for both include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.The active ingredients in these popular type 2 diabetes treatments are being used to treat a wide range of health conditions.It's important to use Ozempic as part of a comprehensive weight management plan under the guidance of a healthcare professional. None have yet been approved to treat kidney diseases, however.] There, it looked like there was a reduction in rates of new diagnosis of dementia or cognitive dysfunction in the people who got the GLP-1 medicines. There also have been real-world registry studies, where researchers have investigated electronic medical records. That's sort of the reason drugs have been compounded, for this purpose. Pharmacies can mix up versions of drugs in various instances in order to, you know, make it available, for instance, in times of shortage. Essentially, compounded drugs have long existed. And so they say, we have this long track record of using them in people with diabetes. They can't just study these drugs for a couple of months or even a year. Regarding Ozempic in particular, so far it’s not clear if people in some demographics might be able to manage blood sugar better or lose more weight on the drug than others. Beyond its effect on blood sugar, GLP-1 is the primary driver of Ozempic’s weight loss effects. An October 2024 study in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia found that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, appeared to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in people with Type 2 diabetes. Initially developed to treat Type 2 diabetes, these drugs have become increasingly popular over the past decade for managing diabetes, obesity and other health conditions. Future studies of people treated with these drugs for obesity, without accompanying diabetes, are awaited with interest.” Weight loss journeys and health transformations are complex. However, prioritizing a healthy lifestyle is one of the best investments one can make in themselves. This combination not only aids in weight management but also boosts mood, energy levels, and the immune system. In the meantime, it’s important to stay informed and have open conversations with your healthcare provider about the best treatment options for your individual needs.For people with type 2 diabetes, controlling blood sugar levels is essential to preventing complications like nerve damage, kidney disease, and heart problems.Individuals who have suffered a serious injury after taking Ozempic, such as gastroparesis, intestinal blockage, vision loss, or blood clots, may be entitled to significant compensation.The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Wegovy, a brand name for semaglutide, for weight loss in adults who have high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, or high blood pressure.2The medications are currently administered by injection, but the drug in Wegovy and Ozempic may soon be available in pill form.Nestlé, for example, is launching a line of frozen food specifically with those taking the drugs in mind.Many people who were not necessarily diagnosed with T2DM, began using Ozempic for its now well-known side effect of achieving rapid weight-loss.The weight she had lost came back and her blood sugar and cholesterol started climbing. But over the past year, new classes of drugs seem to be changing the way we think and talk about weight, dieting and obesity—for better and for worse. With the introduction of the first FDA approved weight loss medication in 2012, we began to address the underlying physiology of obesity. This is also true with some insurance plans like Medicare that do not cover weight loss medications. Many providers report successfully maintaining patients at doses one step below their peak treatment dose. But the relationship between dose and weight maintenance isn’t necessarily identical to the relationship between dose and weight loss. This typically happens somewhere between months 9 and 18 of treatment, depending on your starting weight, dose progression, and individual response. Each increase tends to produce additional weight loss. Originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes, these medications—along with Wegovy and Mounjaro—are now being celebrated (and sometimes criticized) for their dramatic weight loss effects. In trial results published in May, a weekly injection helped more people to lose up to 15% of their body weight over 36 weeks and reduced the risk of cardiovascular diseases compared with a placebo treatment. Trunzo adds that over-reliance on weight loss medications is problematic since people may be of the mindset that, because they’re taking this drug, they don't have to make other lifestyle changes. In another study in the United States, one health-care clinic gave 408 people weekly injections of semaglutide. Some 1,961 people who were classified as “overweight” or “obese” were randomly assigned to have either semaglutide or a placebo and followed for 68 weeks (about 1.3 years). After weight-loss drugs like Ozempic exploded onto the market, celebrities and social media influencers were quick to spruik their benefits, leading to their rapid rise in use. Is Ozempic safe for weight loss? “That’s where medication has been a game-changer,” says Dr Kansal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 4 in 10 Americans have obesity. For most people, the doses will need to continue indefinitely. Who should consider taking Wegovy and other weight-loss drugs? We have hundreds of millions of people faced with the looming burden of Alzheimer’s disease, either in loved ones or themselves. I anticipate that even if this medication works for Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and addictions, not all patients will respond. And drugs that mimic three or even four hormones are coming. And their potential benefits seem to go well beyond weight loss. Recently, it was discovered to have substantial effects on weight loss which is part of the reason for its high demand today. Phakey S and Shen A, ‘Impact of semaglutide and dulaglutide shortages on Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme prescriptions supplied for type 2 diabetes treatment’ (2024) Australian Journal of General Practice 53(1-2). For patients with T2DM who rely on medications like Ozempic, blanket restrictions could cause more harm than good. And the rising popularity of injectable weight-loss drugs shows no signs of slowing down. Berberine may lead to improvement in insulin sensitivity, reducing fasting blood glucose and insulin levels significantly in people who have a fasting glucose of 100 or higher.I've seen some patients get gallstones from the medication, but that's a common thing with weight loss in general.The medications’ ever-expanding reach might explain why many people in the United States are having trouble filling prescriptions.“It’s pretty amazing that the drugs, in some ways, seem to break that cycle.”Many lawsuits center around Ozempic patients who have suffered gastroparesis, a serious condition involving the paralysis of the stomach and intestinal blockages.Semaglutide was the first medicine that said to people, wow, this is something different.Like any medication, GLP-1 receptor agonists may cause side effects in some people.Ozempic® may also help you lose weight.But largely, when we're talking about this, like, Ozempic, Wegovy, these are drugs known as GLP-1s. Due to staggered release dates of these medications and fluctuations in their availability, some people without type 2 diabetes (such as Blackburn)have been prescribed the diabetes drugs for the treatment of obesity. The buzzy drugs belong to a class of powerful medications that can manage blood sugar levels and drastically reduce body weight — a hot property that kicked them into the mainstream. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ozempic (semaglutide) in 2017 for adults with type 2 diabetes, it ushered in a new era of blood sugar and weight loss drugs. More research needs to be done on semaglutide to understand what other health issues it could treat and researchers are looking into unexpected areas – neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s for example, and even some forms of cancer – to find more pieces of the puzzle. Abrahams also highlights growing research on the drug’s positive effect on kidney disease, a common bedfellow of diabetes, but cautions “the actual mechanism of how this happens is complex and not fully understood.” “A drug making people think they can solve a health problem further down the line is detrimental to the government implementing policies to improve health via lifestyle,” he adds. Lawsuits against Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, allege the pharmaceutical giant knew or should have known the drug carried a significant risk of harm for users. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued concerns over the use of unapproved versions of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists used for weight loss. This means that people who suffered eye strokes, vision loss, and deep vein thrombosis (blood clots) will not be able to join the existing MDL. Many of these people or their surviving family members have filed lawsuits against Novo Nordisk for not properly warning them of the hazards of the drug. These drugs mimic the hormone GLP-1, which is involved in regulating appetite and managing blood-sugar levels. Ecnoglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist analogue, similar to the blockbuster obesity drug semaglutide. Results from a phase III trial of ecnoglutide show that people receiving a weekly injection of the drug lost up to 13.8 kilograms over 48 weeks of treatment. At first, Chinese pharmaceutical companies rushed to make similar versions of blockbuster weight-loss drugs, such as Wegovy and Ozempic, that have taken the world by storm. Scientific and clinical evidence supporting Ozempic’s efficacy in weight loss is expanding rapidly, with ongoing trials exploring optimal dosing protocols and long-term safety. Its multifaceted mechanism also improves insulin sensitivity, making it beneficial for patients with metabolic syndrome or prediabetes. The appetite suppression and delayed gastric emptying induced by Ozempic result in reduced calorie intake, contributing to sustained weight loss. Understanding these distinctions is essential for anyone considering GLP-1 therapies for weight loss. In contrast, Wegovy, another formulation of semaglutide, is FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management. It brought down the risk of heart - these kinds of heart issues by about 20% relative to a placebo. And the study looked at adults who had previously had heart issues like strokes and put them on Wegovy and wanted to see, does this reduce your risk of having another heart incident like a stroke? So there's something that is happening within the brain chemistry or something like that that is changing the way people - their relationship with maybe addictive behaviors. The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) informs future decisions about drugs. Individuals who develop blood clots are often at risk for developing more despite intervention to remove or resolve the clots. Individuals are filing lawsuits against the manufacturer of Ozempi, alleging the drug increases a person’s risk of developing deep vein thrombosis. There is no cure for the condition, and there can be dangerous complications, such as dehydration, blood sugar changes, and life-threatening blockages. But the drugs’ high cost (Wegovy’s list price is about $1,350 per month and insurance coverage varies) puts even short-term use out of reach for many people. When people rapidly lose lots of weight, they can also lose muscle mass, a particular concern for older patients, Yanovski says. Large amounts of rapid weight loss can also spur gallbladder disease, a complication sometimes seen after bariatric surgery. Have there been any long-term studies on use of these drugs? People who are getting on these medications are doing it typically because they don't have better options, right? And that's, you know, not what these drugs were developed for. Has a ban on the use of Ozempic for anything other than the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, and I think Belgium is also considering a temporary ban like this too. And these drugs are supposed to be taken for the rest of your life, by the way. Instead of most of it being cleared from the body within two and a half minutes, like native, natural GLP-1, much of the drug remains in the body for two and a half hours.Comorbidities like diabetes guide choices.We are optimistic but also cautious, because we know from history that sometimes very promising medications fail to show efficacy.When you’re eating a typical Western diet, your body primarily uses sugars and starches as its primary energy source.Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, kidney disease, heart disease, atherosclerosis, metabolic liver disease—they’re all driven to some extent by increased inflammation.“That’s where medication has been a game-changer,” says Dr Kansal. These custom-made meds combine the active ingredients of Ozempic with other medications tailored to individual health needs. If you’re interested in another weight loss drug, check the drug's website for potential savings. Wegovy and Zepbound, however, are FDA-approved for weight loss, and they aren't intended to be prescribed to those with diabetes. “Earlier intervention is better, because people then have fewer years of uncontrolled diabetes, and people who have higher baseline weight tend to lose more weight.” Since then, the FDA approved Ozempic's obesity counterpart, Wegovy, as well as Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirzepatide) for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management, respectively. It works the same way — suppressing appetite, slowing digestion, and improving insulin response — even if baseline blood sugar is regular.MSK is conducting research to determine if cancer should be added as a reason for treatment with these medications.For her, semaglutide has been effective for managing anxiety and compulsive behaviors.Since Mounjaro isn’t yet available in India, let’s explore some of the alternative medications currently available for managing type 2 diabetes.Any unusual or severe symptoms should be reported to a healthcare provider promptly.In the last three months of 2022, clinicians in the United States alone wrote more than nine million prescriptions for these drugs.Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.In recent years, researchers have tested GLP-1 receptor agonists in people with obesity.Other potential GLP-1 class side effects that would need monitoring include pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, and, though rare, thyroid C-cell tumors (seen in rodent studies, but not confirmed in humans). There can be gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea and vomiting for some people, which are usually manageable. Dr. Shen cautions that these are early days for these medications with much research yet to do. “It’s projected that by 2030, severe obesity is going to be the dominant weight category in many states across the US. Berberine's effects on two risk factors in particular — high triglycerides and high cholesterol — have received attention."Therefore, when weight-loss medications are added to lifestyle modification, we are able to achieve and sustain a greater amount of weight loss because we are treating the disease much more effectively.However, it’s important to note that tirzepatide is still a relatively new medication, and more research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects.So, as we wrap things up, it’s clear that the world of GLP-1 therapy is incredibly dynamic and full of medical innovation.If you can’t afford name-brand Ozempic, Tchang says there are other possibilities for weight loss meds.Semaglutide and a drug called liraglutide (approved in 2014) both mimic the gut hormone GLP-1.Mental health issues are not listed among Ozempic’s possible side effects, but in July 2023 the European Medicines Agency (Europe’s equivalent of the FDA) said it was looking into a risk of thoughts of self-harm and suicidal thoughts with the use of Ozempic and similar drugs. Up-to-date legal and general information about potentially harmful drugs, medical devices, and chemical contaminants. Those prescribed the medication for the treatment of obesity were seven times more likely. The activation of these receptors helps the body produce insulin as blood sugar rises. FDA announced the approval of Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster type 2 diabetes treatment, semaglutide, sold under the brand name Ozempic. Today, the company has plants around the world and focuses on treating chronic conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. While additional research is needed to fully understand the nexus between the drug and these adverse outcomes, these studies point to the substantial safety concerns that may have been overlooked by the manufacturer. Multiple studies have been published linking Ozempic and other GLP-1 receptor agonists to severe injuries such as those reported by patients nationwide. There is no known cure or medication to treat the condition. They can also provide guidance on how to manage any potential side effects and monitor your progress while taking the medication. If you have type 2 diabetes or are struggling with weight management, tirzepatide may be a valuable option to consider. Its dual mechanism of action, targeting both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, appears to offer a significant advantage over traditional GLP-1 agonists in terms of glycemic control and weight loss. Specifically, people taking the highest dose of tirzepatide achieved an average A1c reduction of 2.5%, compared to 1.9% with semaglutide. Magic bullets for intractable problems are what patients and public health crave, but they are rarely as they seem. “Here’s a quick drug fix for your worries about weight, no need to give up on dessert! Lilly touts a marketing partnership with “independent” telehealth providers as a solution for improving accessibility for those who require the medication. By activating both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, tirzepatide offers a more comprehensive approach to managing blood sugar and weight. Studies have suggested that they can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes. Beyond blood sugar control and weight management, GLP-1 agonists have also been shown to have some cardiovascular benefits. When semaglutide is injected into the body it boosts the work GLP-1 is already enacting in the brain, stomach, and pancreas. Blood sugar GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas promote the production of insulin to regulate blood sugar. But both formulations do control type 2 diabetes and lead to about 10% weight-loss. Both Pfizer and Eli Lilly have small-molecule drugs targeting the GLP-1 receptor. These current drugs are big molecules (peptides) and for this reason must be injected as they’re not absorbed effectively in the gut. Or that Oprah and Elon Musk are using a new class of drugs like Ozempic to lose weight. Additionally, Trunzo says, just five or 10 pounds can have a significant impact on overall health outcomes — whether it be diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular functioning. Hokeness notes that when people go off Ozempic and Wegovy, their weight loss will plateau and they often gain what they’d lost, which, Trunzo adds, can lead to anxiety and depression. If you're not addressing those issues while taking a medication that's designed to help weight loss, you're really going to compromise the overall effectiveness of the medicine,” Trunzo says. Compounded semaglutide offers another cost advantage. When you’re planning for years of treatment, monthly cost matters. Patients who go through significant hormonal transitions during treatment may need dose adjustments to maintain their results. You eat less, and you lose weight. What are they actually doing to the body and the brain? And yet people are still gravitating to it for this other purpose as well. What's more, studies show that dual agonists like tirzepatide are actually more effective at promoting weight loss than drugs like semaglutide that solely target GLP-1 receptors. In the latest wave of popular weight-loss treatments, several types of drugs commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes have been making headlines. But we don’t know how the use of the drugs might play out over decades, or what some of the side effects of rapid weight loss will mean in the long run. Mental health issues are not listed among Ozempic’s possible side effects, but in July 2023 the European Medicines Agency (Europe’s equivalent of the FDA) said it was looking into a risk of thoughts of self-harm and suicidal thoughts with the use of Ozempic and similar drugs. The results for Zepbound are even better, with patients losing 20 per cent or more of their body weight when the drugs are taken in conjunction with exercise and dietary changes. Why are people seeking natural alternatives to Ozempic? What is semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy)? It has added benefits for addressing fatty liver, metabolic health, and antioxidant defense as well. Dandelion root acts as a natural diuretic that helps reduce liver inflammation and fat buildup, supports toxin elimination, and provides inulin to nourish healthy gut bacteria, strengthening the gut–liver connection.