Some doctors warn against using the intended drug. Treatment of type 2 diabetes For weight loss after some patients said it helped them lose a few pounds.
A diabetes drug marketed under the name Ozempic, approved by the FDA in 2017, helps lower blood sugar levels, but many patients prescribed the drug report weight loss as a positive side effect. Reported. Fox 35 Orlando.
People without diabetes became interested in using the drug for weight loss after news spread on the social media platform TikTok that it was effective.
Sports orthopedic surgeon Dr. Richard Lehman told Fox 35:
Ozempic Diabetes Medication Is A Trending Way To Lose Weight — Here’s Why And What Doctors Say.
A man prepares semaglutide Ozempic injections aimed at controlling blood sugar levels.
(iStock)
In 2021, the drug was approved by the FDA under the name Wegovy to help eligible patients dealing with obesity lose weight. had to have at least one condition associated with or had a BMI of 30 or greater.
According to the FDA, Largest clinical trial People who took Wegovy showed that they lost an average of nearly 13% of their initial weight.
Following the FDA’s findings, people are looking for a quick way to lose a few pounds and want to find a doctor who will prescribe the drug “off label.”
“This is closer to the magical weight loss we have now,” said Lehman, who prescribed drugs to help athletes shed a few pounds.Eat as much as you want and don’t exercise. I can’t afford it. You have to follow the rules.”
Doctors warn that the effects can be short-lived, especially if the patient eats an unhealthy diet, does not exercise enough, or does not receive health education.
“They are given something and they are promised that this will work. Sometimes it works because they believe it. But what happens after that? You can’t be on drugs for the rest of your life.” Florida Jeremy Avner, co-owner of Nuvia Medical Weight Loss Clinic in Lake Mary, USA, said:
Avner’s clinic has prescribed the drug to some patients.
A man continues to receive injections of Semaglutide Ozempic, a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes. Now it is also used for weight loss.
(iStock)
People are losing weight for health benefits, not for looks: MAYO CLINIC study
One patient, who remained anonymous, received Fox 35 injections once a week, lost 20 pounds in 8 weeks. She said she had never tried anything as effective.
“I have to buy new clothes and everyone at work comes up to me and tells me how great I look,” she told the outlet.
Dr. Ben Kaplan, Primary Care Doctors at Orlando Health The drug is intended to help high-risk patients lose weight, according to a doctor who treats people with diabetes and obesity. He emphasized that it was not from
“Patients who take these drugs off-label, mislabeled, and primarily for recreational purposes are doing so at their own risk,” Kaplan said, calling it a “purchasers-only myocardial scenario.” is.
Other side effects include pancreatitis, gastrointestinal problems, and gallbladder problems.
File – A woman is standing at the scale in the room.
(iStock)
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“I definitely advocate for patients who want to lose weight to sit down with a nutritionist or exercise physiologist and do things the right way. And if they fail that initial treatment, I’m going to talk about medication.” We can talk about it. It helps with weight loss,” Kaplan said.
Injections, if given once or twice a week, $500 and $700 per visit, According to Lehman.
Ultimately, prices vary from clinic to clinic. Insurance may reduce the cost of those who qualify for medicines.
