Considering Taking a Weight-Loss Drug Like Ozempic? Here Are Some Potential Risks and Benefits

Ozempic: The Weight-Loss Medication Explained

Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide are taking drugs like Ozempic to lose weight. But what do we actually know about them? This month, The Conversation’s experts explore their rise, impact, and potential consequences.

Potential Benefits

1) It’s Likely to Help You Lose Weight

The largest, well-conducted research study of semaglutide was from the United Kingdom in 2021. 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). All participants also had free access to advice about healthy eating and physical activity.

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The study found those taking semaglutide lost weight – significantly more than people who had the placebo (-14.9% of their body weight compared with -2.4% of body weight).

In another study in the United States, one health-care clinic gave 408 people weekly injections of semaglutide. Over the first three months, those included in the final analysis (175 people) lost an average of 6.7kg. Over the first six months, they lost an average of 12.3kg.

Large weight losses have been found in a more recent trial of semaglutide, suggesting weight loss is a very likely outcome of ongoing use of the medication.

2) It May Reduce Your Chronic Disease Risk Factors

When people in the overweight or obese weight categories lose at least 5% of their body weight, physiological changes often occur beyond a change in weight or shape. This might include lowered cholesterol levels, lowered blood pressure, and lowered blood glucose levels, which all reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

In one of the semaglutide trials, most people (87.3%) lost at least 5% of their body weight. Although most of the large studies of semaglutide excluded people with metabolic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, metabolic health gains were observed, including lowered blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and fasting blood lipid (fat) levels.

In the UK study from 2021, people taking semaglutide had greater improvements in physical capabilities and risk factors for heart disease and diabetes, including reductions in waist circumference, markers of inflammation, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.

3) It Might Improve Your Quality of Life, Emotional Wellbeing, or Sense of Achievement

The original trial of semaglutide did not focus on this bundle of benefits, but further follow-ups show additional benefits associated with the medication. Compared to the placebo, people taking semaglutide saw significant improvements in their physical functioning and perceptions of their general health, social functioning, and mental health.

Anecdotally (not based on scientific research), people using semaglutide, such as Oprah Winfrey, report a reclaiming or turning point of their life, social situation, and body image.

What About the Risks?

1) You May Experience Gastrointestinal Symptoms

In the US clinical trial, nearly half (48.6%) of people taking semaglutide reported experiencing adverse effects. Nausea and vomiting were the most frequently experienced (36.6%), followed by diarrhea (8.6%), fatigue (6.3%), and constipation (5.7%).

In the UK study, nausea and diarrhea were also commonly reported.

In other studies, some patients stopped the trial due to gastrointestinal symptoms being so severe they could not tolerate continuing.

2) You Might Feel Fatigued

Fatigue was the second most common side effect for participants in the US clinical trial, affecting 6.3% of participants.

3) You Might Be Among the Minority Who Don’t Tolerate the Drug

Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved Ozempic as safe to use, for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but it has not yet been approved for weight loss. The TGA has also approved Wegovy (a higher dose of semaglutide) for weight loss, however it’s not yet available in Australia.

In the US clinical trial, no unexpected safety issues were reported. However, five patients (2.9%) had to stop taking the medication because they could not tolerate the adverse effects. Fifteen (8.6%) had to either reduce the dose or remain on the same dose to avoid the adverse effects.

4) It Might Be Difficult to Access

Despite being considered safe, the TGA has warned significant Ozempic access barriers are likely to continue throughout 2024.

To manage the shortage, pharmacists are instructed to give preference to people with type 2 diabetes who are seeking the medication.

5) You Might Not Always Get Clear Information from Vested Interests

Given the popularity of Ozempic and Wegovy, health organizations such as the World Obesity Federation have expressed concern about the medication’s marketing, PR, and strong social media presence.

Some journalists have raised conflict of interest concerns about the relationship between some obesity researchers and Novo Nordisk, Ozempic and Wegovy’s manufacturer. The worry is that researchers might be influenced by their relationship with Novo Nordisk to produce study results that are more favourable to the medications.

Conclusion

Ozempic is a medication that should be used in conjunction with your healthcare provider. But remember, weight is only one aspect of your health and wellbeing. It’s important to take a holistic view of your health and prioritize eating well, moving more, and getting enough sleep.

FAQs

Q: Is Ozempic approved for weight loss?
A: No, Ozempic is not yet approved for weight loss in Australia. However, Wegovy (a higher dose of semaglutide) has been approved for weight loss, but it’s not yet available in Australia.

Q: How effective is Ozempic for weight loss?
A: Ozempic has been shown to be effective for weight loss, with a 14.9% reduction in body weight compared to a 2.4% reduction in the placebo group.

Q: What are the common side effects of Ozempic?
A: Common side effects of Ozempic include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and constipation.

Q: Is Ozempic safe?
A: Ozempic is considered safe when used as directed. However, some patients may experience severe gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, or other side effects that may require them to stop taking the medication.

Q: How do I access Ozempic?
A: Due to a shortage, Ozempic may be difficult to access. Your healthcare provider may need to prioritize people with type 2 diabetes who are seeking the medication.

Q: Are there any conflicts of interest with Ozempic?
A: Yes, there are concerns about the relationship between some obesity researchers and Novo Nordisk, Ozempic and Wegovy’s manufacturer. This may influence the study results and the way the medication is marketed.