The Ozempic revolution: how semaglutide is reshaping weight loss
In the world of weight loss and diabetes, one name keeps making headlines – semaglutide. Marketed as Ozempic and Wegovy (among other names), this game-changing medication is revolutionising how we manage conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. But what makes it so effective, and why is it suddenly so popular?
Originally developed for the treatment of diabetes, semaglutide mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (otherwise known as GLP-1), which regulates blood sugar and appetite[[1]]. By slowing digestion and increasing feelings of fullness, semaglutide not only helps control blood sugar levels, but can also lead to significant weight loss. While Ozempic is approved for diabetes, Wegovy is specifically approved for weight loss, with results from clinical trials suggesting that users could lose more than 10% of their body weight after a year on the treatment (combined with diet changes, exercises, and behavioural support)[[2]].
With celebrity endorsements from the likes of Elon Musk, the demand for Ozempic and Wegovy has skyrocketed[[3]]. Many see it as a ‘miracle-drug’, offering a solution for those struggling with obesity. Unlike fad diets or unsustainable weight loss programmes, semaglutide offers a pharmacological approach that directly affects both hunger levels and metabolism[4].
Despite its benefits, the surge in popularity has led to supply shortages, leaving some diabetes patients struggling to access their medication[1,[5]]. Unfortunately, some users also report side effects like nausea, vomiting, and even abdominal pain[6]. There’s also concern that once the medication is stopped that weight regain is common, raising questions about long-term use.
Semaglutide represents a shift in how we approach obesity. Nowadays, the condition is framed less as people simply eating too much, but more as a medical condition requiring treatment. As more research emerges, the issue isn’t just whether semaglutide works, but more like how we can make it accessible, sustainable, and safe for those who need it.
[1] What is Ozempic and how does it work?
[2] Weight loss injections: How do drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro work? – BBC News
[3] The benefits of Ozempic and its kin may extend far beyond weight loss
[4] Weight loss injections: How do drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro work? – BBC News
[5] Ozempic shortage leaves diabetic patient without drug – BBC News
[6] Ozempic, Wegovy linked to severe medical conditions including stomach problems, study finds
Edited by Daisy Lints
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