When the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ozempic for the treatment of type II diabetes, they did not expect it to revolutionize the weight loss market.
However, just a few years after its release, Ozempic (a drug that causes a feeling of fullness) became popular in the Western world, where hundreds of people were able to dramatically lose weight.
But like any drug that seems too good to be true, Ozempic also has side effects and effects, which people sadly discover after taking the drug. The latest on the list is Ozempic’s breasts, butt, and face.
But what is Ozempic?
We’ll talk about the drug’s possible side effects later, but first, let’s talk a little more about this drug.
Let’s start from the beginning.
Ozempic, Semaglutide, Wigovy, and Liraglutide are some of the names you’re sure to have read if you’ve ever searched Google for “how to lose weight fast.”
But what do these terms mean??
Let’s take a closer look at it:
Dr Sanjay Agarwal, Head of Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolic Diseases at Sahyadri Super Specialty Hospital, Pune, explains:
- All of these drugs mentioned so far belong to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) receptor agonists.
- Semaglutide is one such drug, sold under two main brand names: Ozempic and Wegovy, both of which are injectables.
- Ozempic is primarily prescribed for the management of type II diabetes, while a higher-dose variant, Wigovy, is specifically approved for weight loss and is prescribed for chronic weight management.
- However, Ozempic is now also used by many people as a weight loss drug.
- Wegovy can be used by adults and youth ages 12 and older who meet certain body mass index (BMI) standards.
- People with type II diabetes can use Wegovy, but it is not approved to treat diabetes.
- Another drug in this GLP-1 receptor agonist family is liraglutide (available in India), marketed as Victoza and Saxenda, which also helps in managing type II diabetes and weight by slowing gastric emptying, preventing glucagon release and stimulating insulin synthesis.
How does semaglutide, also known as Ozempic, work for weight loss?
Dr. Tushar Tayal, Consultant Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon, says: today’s india Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 RAs, so they mimic the GLP-1 hormone released in the intestines in response to meals.
Generally, GLP-1 is sent to the pancreas to help it produce insulin, but only when the body needs it.
So when blood sugar levels rise, the body needs more insulin, and GLP-1 or Ozempic (its mimic) helps release insulin from the pancreas.
“Increased levels of GLP-1 suppress appetite and interact with the part of the brain that senses satiety, causing a feeling of fullness. This feeling of satisfaction or ‘fullness’ suppresses appetite.” This is why it is effective for weight loss,” says Dr. Atayal.
What are the side effects of Ozempic?
In addition to being expensive, Ozempic has a number of side effects that have made this so-called miracle weight loss drug quite controversial.
Dr Manoj Chawla, consultant diabetology at PD Hinduja Hospital and MRC, Khar, Mumbai, says these GLP-1 RAs have side effects, mainly gastrointestinal.
Common side effects include:
- diarrhea
- burp
- acidity
- gastritis
- feeling of fullness in the stomach
- sometimes get constipated
- headache and nausea
- Vomiting may occur.
However, he also said that the disease has rare side effects, including:
- medullary thyroid cancer
- Pancreatic cancer and pancreatic cancer (but very rare and not seen these days)
- Worsening of nephropathy (kidney disease)
- Blood sugar levels drop significantly
“These side effects are usually dose-dependent during the first few days of use. Therefore, most of these drugs are usually started at a low dose and gradually increased every few weeks,” says Dr. Chawla. Masu.
But what is Ozempic’s butt, face and chest?
In the list of possible side effects of Ozempic, social media users (the person who used the drug), they came up with a new term to call Ozempic’s butt, face, and breasts.
For example, Jessica Dennis, a mother of four who now lives in South Dakota, said her breasts became smaller while taking Ozempic, the report said. Daily Mail.
However, Dr. Chawla says that as you lose weight, you will notice changes in the shape and structure of other parts of your body, such as your butt and breasts.
According to Dr. Chawla, “For women, weight loss can cause the breasts to change in volume and shape, or to sag, which is known as Ozempic breasts.”
This same definition applies to Ozempic’s face and butt.
Dr. Agarwal says that “Ozempic face” is caused by thinning of facial features as facial fat is lost, sometimes resulting in a more haggard appearance.
“For example, due to weight loss, your face becomes less plump and sunken. If you lose weight quickly, you also lose color in your face,” says Dr. Chawla.
Similarly, “ozempic butt” refers to the loss of fat in the buttocks area, which can lead to the appearance of sagging.
“However, experts say these changes occur with other forms of weight loss as well, such as weight loss drugs that cause individuals to lose weight rapidly,” Dr. Chawla says.
Alternatives to Ozempic in India
Dr Chawla said Ozempic is not available in India, so people either get it through the gray market or import it.
However, Dr. Tayal and Dr. Chawla point out that in India, people use two other types of drugs for weight loss. One is liraglutide (injectable), which has been used for many years, and the other is oral semaglutide, called Libersus.
“People are using it off-label for weight loss,” says Dr. Chawla.
Ozempic famous people
Today, several celebrities openly discuss the use of Ozempic, while others choose not to.
High-profile figures include comedian Chelsea Handler, who said she used it without knowing before stopping due to ethical concerns, and Amy Schumer, who stopped using it after experiencing side effects.
Additionally, Elon Musk admitted to using the drug for weight loss purposes.
