Weight Management
June 25, 2024
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Ozempic (Semaglutide) 101 Guide: What Is It and How To Use It For Weight Loss Treatment
Ozempic is a popular medication used for treating type 2 diabetes. However, it has recently gained popularity as a weight loss treatment. This article will explain how Ozempic works for weight loss treatment and its potential benefits.
Ozempic is a prescription medication that contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 Receptor Agonist (GLP-1 RA). GLP-1 RAs are a class of drugs that mimic the effects of the hormone GLP-1, which is released by the intestine after eating. GLP-1 helps to regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production, reducing glucose production in the liver, and slowing down digestion. This makes Ozempic a vital component of diabetes management and diabetes treatment.
Ozempic works for weight loss treatment by suppressing appetite, reducing food cravings, and slowing down digestion. The medication stimulates the release of GLP-1, which signals to the brain that the stomach is full, reducing the desire to eat. Ozempic also slows down gastric emptying, which prolongs the feeling of fullness and reduces the frequency of hunger.
Incorporating regular physical activity is crucial when using Ozempic for weight loss treatment. Exercise complements the medication by enhancing its effectiveness in reducing body weight and improving overall health. Using Ozempic as part of a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and regular physical activity can significantly enhance weight loss results and improve overall health.
Studies have shown that Ozempic can lead to significant weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes. In a clinical trial involving over 1,900 patients, those who took Ozempic lost an average of 14.9 pounds over 52 weeks, compared to 2.6 pounds in the placebo group. Another study showed that patients who took Ozempic lost an average of 5.6% of their body weight, compared to 1.5% in the placebo group.
In addition to Ozempic, there are other drugs that stimulate GLP-1. These drugs usually have Semaglutide or Liraglutide as the active ingredient. Wegovy and Rybelsus are examples of medications that contain Semaglutide. On the other hand, Liraglutide can be found in Saxenda and Victoza. Each of these medicines has a specific purpose in helping with weight management and diabetes care.
GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic can help with weight loss, lowering the chances of diabetes issues. However, only Saxenda and Wegovy are officially for weight loss, while other GLP-1s might lead to weight loss as a side effect but are not meant for managing weight.
To be considered eligible for a GLP-1 RA for weight loss, a person must have a BMI indicating obesity. This means their body weight poses a significant health risk. Alternatively, those with a slightly lower BMI but experiencing weight-related health issues (e.g., type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol) may also qualify.
The World Health Organization suggests different BMI cutoffs for Asian and non-Asian populations:
GLP-1 RAs are proven to effectively control blood sugar, making them a valuable option for many diabetes patients. Medications like Semaglutide and Liraglutide can be used alone, but are typically recommended with lifestyle changes like exercise and a healthy diet for enhanced management of blood sugar levels. Ozempic plays a significant role in blood sugar control for diabetes patients. By mimicking GLP-1, it helps increase insulin production and reduce glucose production in the liver, making it a vital component of diabetes management.
Some studies have also shown that Ozempic can lead to a reduction in liver fat and an improvement in liver function. In addition, Ozempic can also help reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve overall health. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential in preventing serious health conditions like a heart attack. Ozempic not only aids in weight loss but also improves cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of heart-related issues.
Weight management is crucial for preventing and managing various health conditions. By helping patients lose weight, Ozempic reduces the risk of complications such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
Like all medications, Ozempic has potential side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and constipation. However, these side effects usually go away after a few weeks. One of the common side effects of Ozempic is diarrhoea. However, this usually subsides after a few weeks as the body adjusts to the medication. Rare side effects include pancreatitis and thyroid tumours, but these are very uncommon.
Yes, Ozempic has been approved for treating diabetes by the HSA since 2021. While using Ozempic for weight loss in individuals without diabetes is not its approved usage, it is legal in Singapore.
Ozempic, like other GLP-1 medications, is available only by prescription. To obtain it, you must consult a doctor to determine your eligibility for the treatment. While each GLP-1 medication is approved for different doses and applications, doctors can prescribe Ozempic for off-label uses (beyond its approved medical purpose), relying on their clinical judgement.
A comprehensive treatment plan that includes medication, diet, and exercise is essential for effective weight loss and diabetes management. Ozempic can be a key part of such a plan, helping to regulate blood sugar levels and promote weight loss.
Each pen costs between $300 and $500. With a weekly maintenance dose of 0.25mg, or 0.50mg, one pen provides four doses and lasts for a month.
Wegovy is a Semaglutide variation, similar to Ozempic, but specifically approved for weight loss. It is also taken weekly via subcutaneous injection. A month’s worth of supply, consisting of 4 pens, can range anywhere from $300-$500.
Rybelsus is another form of Semaglutide approved for treating diabetes. Unlike its weekly injectable counterpart, Rybelsus is taken daily as a tablet and is available in 3mg, 7mg, and 14mg dosages. A box of pills can range from $280-$400 depending on the dosage.
Saxenda is an injectable GLP-1 RA that contains Liraglutide as the active ingredient. It is administered once daily using an injection pen into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. By mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, it helps regulate appetite and digestion by signalling the brain to reduce hunger and food intake. This helps patients feel full, reducing cravings and calorie consumption. Additionally, Saxenda slows gastric emptying, prolonging the feeling of fullness and further decreasing overall food intake, leading to weight loss. A month’s worth of supply can range from $480-$640 - with each pen lasting for about 10 days ($120-$160/pen).
Victoza is another medication that contains liraglutide, the same active ingredient as Saxenda. It was initially developed to manage type-2 diabetes and remains classified as a diabetes medication. However, it functions similarly to Saxenda and Ozempic, offering comparable benefits for weight management.
Panbesy is a brand-name prescription oral medication taken over a short period of time (about 12 weeks) used to aid weight loss by reducing your appetite or making you feel fuller for longer. Panbesy is to be used in tandem with regular exercise and diet changes. It comes in 30mg and 90mg dosages. Depending on the dose, a box of Panbesy can range from $60-$80. If you are currently struggling to lose weight in spite of dietary and lifestyle changes, it is advisable that you consult a doctor. Here at noah™, doctors on our platform are best equipped with the knowledge to determine whether Panbesy is suitable for you as part of your weight loss plan. They will be able to advise you on the best treatment plan suitable for you, and can also prescribe you the right medication should you need it.
Rybelsus and Ozempic are both used to treat type 2 diabetes but are administered through different means. Rybelsus is taken orally while Ozempic is taken via a weekly subcutaneous injection. Typically, injections are usually better for weight loss than pills. Pills can cause weight gain once you stop taking them, but injections help maintain a steady weight by adjusting the weight your body is used to (aka your “set-point”).
The weekly injections are given with a tiny 4mm needle, making the process almost pain-free for most users.
Though Ozempic and Saxenda share some similarities, they're not directly interchangeable. If managing your weight is your primary concern, Saxenda might just be what you need. For those managing type 2 diabetes with an eye on cardiovascular health, Ozempic could be for you. Any potential switch should always be managed with professional guidance to ensure safety and suitability.
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