A new class of weight-loss drugs, including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound, has been gaining popularity in recent years. These drugs, which are based on GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) agonists, were originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes but have also been found to be effective for weight loss. According to a report by CBS News, these drugs are considered a scientific breakthrough due to their health benefits beyond weight control.
One in eight Americans have tried Ozempic or another semaglutide for weight loss, according to a report by Tortoise Media. These drugs reduce appetite and slow digestion, making people less interested in eating or drinking. They have been found to be effective in reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, diabetes and other problems.
However, there are potential downsides to these drugs. According to a report by The Guardian, approximately 2% of the population in the US is taking Ozempic and the company behind it is worth billions. Semaglutide weight-loss drugs like Ozempic have had a big year and could lead to reduced profits for fast-food companies.
There are also potential breakthroughs in using semaglutide drugs to treat other diseases such as kidney problems and dementia. However, these drugs come with side effects including gastric issues which can be permanent, nausea, vomiting, loss of around 40% of muscle mass, and potential for Osteoporosis.
Patients tend to experience rapid weight gain after stopping Ozempic medication. Patients who are on Ozempic tend to lose less weight after weight loss surgery compared to those not on the medication.
People taking these drugs have also reported experiencing hair loss, according to a report by the New York Post. One person in an Ozempic subreddit reported losing 300 to 500 hairs a day and 15 pounds in 4 months.
Rapid and sudden weight loss while taking these drugs can disrupt the natural growth cycle of hair follicles, leading to shedding. Hair loss is not listed as a side effect by the manufacturer of the diabetes drugs that are commonly used off-label for weight loss, but it is a troubling link that doctors and hair stylists have been reporting among the growing population taking the meds to shed pounds.
Despite these potential downsides, GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic are considered a scientific breakthrough due to their health benefits beyond weight control. Dr. Rekha Kumar, an obesity medicine specialist, told CBS News that "these drugs have been shown to improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of diabetes and cancer." However, she also noted that "there are potential side effects and risks associated with these drugs, so it's important for patients to work closely with their healthcare providers to determine if they are a good fit."
