The journey to weight loss is not for the faint-hearted. It’s an up-and-downhill battle that one has to fight with oneself in order to get the results one wants. The reality of what it takes to lose weight is what many people run away from. But the truth is, it isn’t an impossible task, and there are many ways to go about it.
We must recognize the true star of the show, and that is you! Losing weight is a personal decision, and how you lose weight is also a personal decision. Regardless of what you choose to do, it’s important to speak to your doctor about your options. There is always diet, exercise, surgery, weight loss pills, and more. Today, we are going to look at one of these options and discuss the benefits and risks of choosing this specific weight loss option.
Weight Loss Aids
Weight loss supplements and aids have been around for many years now. But in this case, we are not speaking of the ones you can get over the counter. We are looking at the ones you can get medically prescribed. Let’s call it medication that aids weight loss.
If you ask most dietitians, they suggest that patients not use over-the-counter weight loss pills. They are likely not to work and more likely to cause more harm than good to the body. Instead, they will suggest things like staying active, changing your diet, and digging deeper into what may be causing you to gain more weight.
However, a new drug is revolutionizing the weight loss market and thoroughly combining weight loss and medical care. This “newly” popular weight loss aid is Ozempic.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic was initially developed to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. However, it has shown promising results in helping individuals shed excess pounds. Ozempic does these 3 things:
- Appetite Suppression: Ozempic acts on the brain’s appetite control centers, reducing the feeling of hunger and promoting a sense of fullness after meals. This leads to eating less food.
- Blood Sugar Regulation: Ozempic helps stabilize blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production and reducing glucose production in the liver. This reduces cravings for high-sugar and high-calorie foods.
- Slowing Digestion: Ozempic slows down the digestion process. Because you’re fuller for longer periods, this ultimately reduces your calorie intake.
Is It safe for everyone? Pros & Cons
All of these factors essentially aid weight loss. Just like anything else, there are pros and cons to using this medication. Before starting, it’s best to speak to your doctor about all these pros and cons and if it is safe for you.
Benefits
- Significant Weight Loss
- Improved Blood Sugar Control
- Reduced Risk of Heart Disease
- Reduction in body inflammation
- Improved mobility and confidence
Cons
- Nausea, Vomiting, & Diarrhea
- Must have a healthy liver (before starting medication)
- Low blood sugar (dizziness, shakiness, and confusion)
- Gallbladder Issues (in some individuals)
- Constipation & Pancreatitis
The Next Step
Though there are various benefits for Ozempic, it is a weightloss option for everyone. People with type 1 diabetes, pancreatitis, problems with the pancreas or kidneys, pregnant, or breastfeeding are not to use Ozempic. If you’re on your weight loss journey and are considering a weight loss aid like Ozempic, MyCHN may be able to assist. You can book a consultation with a provider at a MyCHN clinic near you and explore the options available to you.
After your consultation, if Ozempic is prescribed, you can pick up your prescription at a MyCHN Pharmacy. Please note that this prescription is given upon availability. For any questions or medical advice, please schedule an appointment with a MyCHN provider.
Tolulope Ayoola
Tolulope Ayoola is the creative marketing content writer at MyCHN. She graduated from the University of Houston-Downtown with a degree in Technical Communications. Her goal and mission is to make healthcare patient content more relatable and interesting to interact with. She combines her creative eye with her technical communication skills to create content for patients. Tolu's past work includes creating blogs, press releases, and social media content for different sectors. She enjoys spending time with her family, writing, and listening to music & podcasts.
