Diabetes drug Ozempic now popular as a weight-loss drug

Ozempic and related GLP-1 drugs have taken Europe and North America by storm and have quickly become the darling of the weight loss world.

Since its approval as a weight loss drug, demand for Ozempic and related drugs has skyrocketed. And, as demand has increased, frequent shortages have occurred.

Ozempic was first released as a new drug in the U.S. in December 2017 and shortly thereafter in Canada, in January 2018. Worldwide sales of of it and related drugs quadrupled between 2020 to 2024. The annual sales of the drugsis estimated to be close to $50 billion per year with sales projected to continue to increase exponentially.

Novo Nordisk, the Danish company that makes Ozempic and Wegovy has a current valuation more than $500 billion.

Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy and other related compounds are drugs approved for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and weight loss in Canada and the U.S. These drugs are related to a group of hormones naturally produced in the human digestive system called incretins. Incretins suppress appetite and stimulate insulin production. GLP-1, or glucagon like peptide, is the classification of these specific drugs that mimic the action of incretins.

Incretin is the name given to a group of metabolic hormones produced in the digestive system after consuming food. The two main incretins are GLP-1 and GIP or gastric inhibitory peptide. They collectively increase the release of insulin and decrease the release of glucagon in the pancreas.

Insulin is a hormone produced in the beta cells of the pancreas located in the upper abdomen. The purpose of insulin is to increase absorption of glucose and sugar from foods consumed by cells throughout the body. That will result in a decrease of blood sugar levels and increase in cellular glucose levels.

Glucagon is a hormone produced in the alpha cells of the pancreas. The purpose of glucagon is to increase blood sugar levels by decreasing glucose and sugar absorption by cells. It also increases the production of sugar in the liver and other organs throughout the body. Glucagon basically counteracts the effects of insulin to help maintain proper blood sugar levels.

The mechanism of action of GLP-1 drugs includes decreased appetite, an increased sense of fullness, a slowing of digestion, a decrease in stomach emptying, a decrease in glucagon production and an increase in insulin production. They also decrease gluconeogenesis, or sugar production, in the liver and other organs.

GLP-1 medications are usually administered as a once-per-week subcutaneous injection. An oral daily tablet and a twice-per-week injection routine are also available. The injection should be given at the same date and time to areas of the abdomen, thigh or upper arm.

With Ozempic and other related drugs, the average weight loss is around 15% of body mass over six to 12 months. Within the first month of use, the average weight loss is five pounds, or 2.4 kilograms. Within three months of use the average weight loss is 15 pounds, or 7.2 kilograms. The average duration of use to see if the drug works for you is three to six months.

The side effects of GLP-1 drugs include nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, gerd, heartburn, gastric paralysis, dizziness, headache, low blood sugar, indigestion, gas and bloating and jaundice. Occasional allergic reactions and skin rashes have been reported. Rare occurrences of pancreatitis, kidney disease, thyroid cancer and bowel obstruction have also been reported, as have emerging adverse effects to mood and increased suicide risk. Other reported side effects include heart palpitations, swollen lymph nodes and trouble breathing. Cases of rare sudden death by heart attack and gastrointestinal complications have been reported and the long-term side effects of these drugs are not fully known yet.

Contrary to popular opinion on the Internet, there is no natural GLP-1-like compounds, such as a vitamin, herb or supplement.

Natural supplements touted for weight loss include bitter melon, bitter orange, caffeine, cayenne pepper, chromium, chitosan, conjugated linoleic acid, fenugreek, fibre supplements like glucomannan, guar gum and psyllium, ginseng, green coffee bean extract, green tea extract, gymnema and red raspberry ketone. These supplements have little benefit in promoting weight loss and have shown inconsistent results.

Berberine obtained from the herbs Barberry, Goldenseal and Oregon grape root is promoted as a natural Ozempic alternative. Some preliminary studies show it has mild GLP-1-like activity. Weight loss is mild in comparison to other GLP-1 drugs. More studies are needed to show its effectiveness.

Ephedra and its related compound, pseudo-ephedrine, have demonstrated weight loss benefit. However, due to the side effect profile of increasing blood pressure, heart attack risk and strokes, it is not recommended.

Eating a whole food, unprocessed diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and cereals, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds and high quality protein can promote weight loss. Elimination of added sugar products and refined ultra-processed foods eliminates extra calories. Increasing aerobic activity levels can also improve metabolism and aid in weight loss.

The information provided in this article does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical advice. All information and content are for general information purposes only.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.