The 2023 Oscars May Be Brought To You By Ozempic : A Look at Hollywood’s Obsession with Rapid Weight Loss

By: Skincare Anarchy Editorial

“The past year has been a very busy year for most celebrities in terms of their weight loss goals, with many of them dropping upwards of 25–35 pounds within months. It leaves one wondering if a new trend is emerging in the exercise industry or if these miraculous makeovers are a tell tale sign of the use and abuse of the popular new drug that’s taken Hollywood by storm. In a world where we tell our young girls to love their bodies and embrace their self image, it feels oxymoronic to watch the Oscars’ red carpet filled with what seems to be the opposite” -Ekta

Introduction:

Obesity has become a major health concern worldwide, with over 600 million adults affected globally. Obesity can increase the risk of developing several health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. While weight loss can improve health outcomes, achieving sustainable weight loss can be challenging. Ozempic (semaglutide) is a medication approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, its off-label use for weight loss has been growing in popularity, particularly among social circles and Hollywood celebrities. In this article, we will explore the potential risks of using Ozempic for weight loss and safer alternatives for achieving sustainable weight loss.

Mechanism of Action:

Ozempic works by binding to the GLP-1 receptor and stimulating insulin secretion, which lowers blood glucose levels. Additionally, it slows down gastric emptying, leading to a feeling of fullness and reduced appetite. While these mechanisms make it an effective medication for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus, its off-label use for weight loss has led to safety concerns.

Risks of Using Ozempic for Weight Loss:

The use of Ozempic for weight loss can lead to various health risks. Diabetic retinopathy, a condition that causes damage to the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision loss, has been associated with the use of Ozempic in a randomized controlled trial. Additionally, there is a risk of pancreatitis, a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed, leading to abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Pancreatitis can be severe and even life-threatening.

Furthermore, studies in animals have shown an increased risk of thyroid cancer associated with Ozempic use. While it is unclear whether this risk is relevant to humans, it is still a cause for concern. Ozempic can also cause gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These side effects can be severe and may lead to medication discontinuation.

Why Using Ozempic for Weight Loss is a Bad Idea:

The risks associated with using Ozempic for weight loss outweigh its potential benefits. The long-term effects of using Ozempic for weight loss are not fully understood, and it can lead to serious health complications such as diabetic retinopathy, pancreatitis, and gastrointestinal side effects. Additionally, Ozempic is not intended for weight loss, and its off-label use may lead to complications that can be dangerous to one’s health.

Alternative Strategies for Weight Loss:

There are safer and more effective strategies for weight loss that have been proven to be effective in achieving sustainable weight loss. These include:

1. Healthy Diet: Adopting a healthy diet that is rich in whole foods, vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins can help individuals achieve sustainable weight loss. A balanced diet that is low in processed and high-calorie foods can help reduce calorie intake and promote weight loss.
2. Regular Exercise: Incorporating regular physical activity into one’s daily routine can help individuals achieve their weight loss goals. A combination of strength training and cardio exercises can help burn calories, increase muscle mass, and promote weight loss.
3. Behavioral Therapy: Behavioral therapy can help individuals identify and address the underlying causes of overeating and unhealthy eating habits. It can help individuals develop healthy eating habits, improve their relationship with food, and promote sustainable weight loss.
4. FDA-Approved Weight Loss Medications: There are FDA-approved medications for weight loss, such as orlistat and phentermine, that have been shown to be effective and safe when used under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
5. Bariatric Surgery: For individuals with severe obesity, bariatric surgery may be an effective option for achieving sustainable weight loss. Bariatric surgery involves reducing the size of the stomach, which can lead to significant weight loss. However, it is important to note that bariatric surgery is a major surgical procedure that carries its own risks and complications. It is typically reserved for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) over 40 or a BMI over 35 with obesity-related health conditions.

Safer Alternatives to Rapid Weight Loss:

While rapid weight loss may be appealing, it can be dangerous and lead to several health complications. Instead, it is important to focus on sustainable weight loss that is achieved through healthy lifestyle changes. Here are some tips for achieving sustainable weight loss: 1. Set Realistic Goals: Setting realistic weight loss goals can help individuals achieve success and maintain their weight loss over time. A weight loss of 1–2 pounds per week is considered safe and sustainable.

1. Eat Mindfully: Mindful eating involves paying attention to hunger cues, eating slowly, and savoring food. It can help individuals develop a healthier relationship with food and reduce overeating.
2. Keep a Food Diary: Keeping a food diary can help individuals track their food intake and identify areas for improvement. It can also help individuals stay accountable and motivated.
3. Get Enough Sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for weight loss and overall health. Sleep deprivation can disrupt hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism, leading to overeating and weight gain.
4. Seek Support: Weight loss can be challenging, and it is important to seek support from friends, family, or a healthcare provider. Joining a weight loss support group or working with a registered dietitian or a personal trainer can provide additional support and motivation.

Conclusion:

Ozempic may be an effective medication for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus, but its off-label use for weight loss can be dangerous and lead to several health complications. Sustainable weight loss is achieved through healthy lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, behavioral therapy, and FDA-approved weight loss medications. It is important to focus on evidence-based information and recommendations from healthcare professionals rather than social circles or Hollywood trends. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, individuals can achieve sustainable weight loss and improve their overall health and well-being.

References:

1. FDA Approves Ozempic to Treat Type 2 Diabetes. US Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-ozempic-treat-type-2-diabetes

2. Davies MJ, Bergenstal R, Bode B, et al. Efficacy of Liraglutide for Weight Loss Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: The SCALE Diabetes Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2015;314(7):687 — 699. doi:10.1001/jama.2015.9676

3. Tuttle KR, Lakshmanan MC, Rayner B, et al. Dulaglutide versus insulin glargine in patients with type 2 diabetes and moderate-to-severe chronic kidney disease (AWARD-7): a multicentre, open-label, randomised trial. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2018;6(8):605 — 617. doi:10.1016/S2213–8587(18)30149–0

4. Ozempic (Semaglutide Injection): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions, Warning. RxList. https://www.rxlist.com/ozempic-drug.htm

5. Khan R, Peters A, Vladutiu CJ, et al. Pancreatitis with semaglutide: a meta-analysis. Endocrine. 2021;71(1):97–104. doi:10.1007/s12020–020–02386–9

6. Jensen TM, Sorensen BM, Olsen AK, et al. Diabetic retinopathy with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (Liraglutide and Semaglutide): an updated meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2018;20(12):2782–2784. doi:10.1111/dom.13497

7. Chen H, Zhao L, Zhang Q. Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(10):989–991. doi:10.1056/NEJMc2031657

8. Husain M, Bain SC, Jeppesen OK, et al. Semaglutide (SUSTAIN and PIONEER) reduces cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes across varying cardiovascular risk. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2020;22(3):442–451. doi:10.1111/dom.13902

9. American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Who Is a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery? https://asmbs.org/patients/who-is-a-candidate-for-bariatric-surgery

10. World Health Organization. Obesity and overweight. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight

11. American Heart Association. Managing Your Weight with Healthy Eating. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/losing-weight/managing-your-weight-with-healthy-eating

12. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Physical Activity for a Healthy Weight. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/physical_activity/index.html

13. American Psychological Association. Behavioral Health Treatments and Services. https://www.apa.org/topics/behavioral-health-treatments

14. US National Library of Medicine. Orlistat. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/orlistat

15. US National Library of Medicine. Phentermine.