Ozempic has been the topic of much controversial debate and interest the past few months.
In this article, I share some information for consideration on the drug and some natural Ozempic alternatives.
What is this controversial drug and how does it work?
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a peptide drug used to treat type 2 diabetes. It binds to and activates glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors, a naturally occurring hormone that is released when we consume food.
It then stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas in response to elevated blood sugar levels to facilitate shuttling glucose into our cells to be used for energy.
Ozempic has also been shown to suppress the release of glucagon, another hormone that is released by the pancreas that encourages the liver to release converted energy (sugar) back into the blood stream. Ozempic suppresses this release.
Ozempic has also been shown to slow gastric emptying or slows the rate at which food moves through the stomach and into the small intestine. This delay helps to regulate the absorption of glucose from our meals, effectively forcing a lower glycaemic index response. This reduces blood sugar spikes and keeps the user feeling fuller for longer, suppressing appetite.
The benefits of Ozempic includes appetite suppression, improved insulin sensitivity, reduced gastric emptying and therefore a reduction in fat mass, particularly around the abdominal region. Its current approved uses are in Type II Diabetes and to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke or death as a result of obesity.
So just how effective is it for the off-label use of weight loss? Weight loss results were seen at an average of 5% after 6 months in 87% of patients and up to 20% in a smaller group according to clinical studies.
Sounds promising right? It is no wonder so many people want to get their hands on this quick fix and there is a shortage!
So, what about the darker side? The side effects and warnings you should be aware of.
The most common side effects reported by the manufacturer include:
Nausea
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Abdominal Pain
Constipation
A clinical study showed 85% of patients taking the drug experienced some adverse effects(1).
Some of the more severe side effects noted include:
Acute gallbladder disease
Kidney Injury
Allergic Reactions
Diabetic Retinopathy
Hypoglycaemia
Increased risk of thyroid C-cell tumours
Pancreatitis
Gastroparesis and bowel obstruction (paralysed stomach function)
Now although these are less common, the case numbers are adding up with a current active lawsuit in the US including 7075 cases of serious adverse effects and 187 deaths (2).
The question we are all asking right now: do the risks outweigh the benefits of use? That is something you need to decide for yourself with guidance of your healthcare professional assessing your individual circumstances.
Bearing in mind, all qualified Healthcare Professionals and Medical Doctors take a Hippocratic oath to ‘first do no harm’ so if an intervention is likely to be more damaging (as in the contraindications of those with a family history of Thyroid Cancer, Pancreatitis amongst Type I Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy), they should be seeking safer alternatives.
The other consideration is that 2/3 users appear to put the weight straight back on after ceasing use as ultimately, the underlying cause isn’t addressed (15).
what natural options are there that can be used instead to help with weight loss?
Fortunately, there have been quite a few advancements in weight loss research for several other treatments including complementary medicines that have strong safety profiles you should also consider.
Berberine
Is a natural compound found in several plants including Berberis vulgaris. Berberine has gained attention for its potential benefits in weight loss by aiding in the regulation of metabolism and reducing appetite.
Extensive clinical studies suggest can significantly promote weight loss and improve overall metabolic health by influencing various pathways involved in glucose and lipid metabolism reducing high LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, reducing insulin resistance and preventing diabetic encephalopathy (4).
Berberine has a clinically safe and well tolerated with few adverse reactions and no negative effects (4). In fact, it has been compared to Metformin, another anti-diabetic drug used for weight loss and shown to have comparable benefits without the side effects (5).
White Mulberry
Another interesting extract is White Mulberry, a plant originating from Asia that has received recent attention due to its ability to reduce the glycaemic index of carbohydrates when consumed concomitantly.
The extract significantly lowers the increase in plasma glucose and insulin response after ingestion of sugar (6). Results include weight loss of around 9kg on average in 3 months or 10% of body weight, (higher than Ozempic has shown) with a reduction in waist circumference (7).
Mulberry leaf extract is very well tolerated with no adverse effects reported in clinical studies to date (6).
Blood Orange Extract
Another natural option includes a standardised extract of the blood red orange grown in a specific region of Sicily. Supplementation in overweight healthy participants in a clinical trial showed a significant reduction on body weight, waist and hip circumference in just 12 weeks of use (8). Its mechanisms of action include a liver protective effect, a marked reduction in adipocyte (fat) cell size, acceleration of fat cell break down and possible suppression of adipogenesis (the formation of fat cells) (9).
Nutrition & Diet
Consuming a low GI diet is one of the most effective ways to facilitate weight loss in a smart and sustainable way according to the evidence. Reducing insulin spikes helps to promote satiety and delay hunger levels and reduces the amount of energy converted to fat stores (11).
A balance between macronutrients (protein, fats, fibre and carbohydrates) in addition to key micronutrients including Chromium, Magnesium, B vitamins and Vitamin E are also important for supporting healthy blood glucose levels (10). Adequate daily intake and absorption are important considerations when trying to ensure your metabolic processes are working optimally.
Some other nutrients including Tyrosine, Zinc, Iodine, Selenium and Vitamin D are also important to support thyroid function, the gland that regulates metabolism controlling body energy expenditure (12). If the thyroid is not functioning adequately, you may develop a thyroid condition and weight loss can be challenging despite eating a good diet and regular exercise.
Exercise
Of course, we all know that exercise is important for healthy weight management, but did you know that the type of exercise you do can improve your results?
Firstly, any exercise is better than no exercise but a mix of different types of exercise can be better than sticking to one. Cardiovascular exercises including brisk walking, running, cycling and swimming elevate heart rate and burn energy efficiently. High intensity interval training using short bursts of energy followed by brief rests can also help to improve weight loss and cardiovascular fitness (14).
Strength training and building muscle through resistance exercises like weightlifting can increase muscle mass and boosts metabolism leading to greater energy utilisation, even when at rest13. You may also need to change the activity or dial up the intensity over time as your body adapts and grows stronger, known as the training effect (16).
If you are wanting to achieve healthy weight loss and want to know more about these natural interventions and if they are right for you, book a complimentary discovery call.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or concerns. Additionally, individual responses to medications and natural remedies may vary, so it's essential to discuss your options with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate course of action for your specific needs.
References
Comments