(Not) Everything You Need to Know About Ozempic/Wegovy

Let’s begin this week’s issue with a reminder that I am not a Doctor, I’m just some bonehead that has a weird fascination for health & fitness news. Please consult your physician before starting any new medication or treatment.

What is Ozempic/Wegovy?

Ozempic and Wegovy both use semaglutide as their active ingredient but they are dosed at different levels for their primary purpose…Ozempic to manage blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics and Wegovy to aid in significant weight loss for overweight or obese adults. According to Dr. Marc Bessler, Chief of Minimal Access/Bariatric Surgery at Columbia University Hospital, “Ozempic and similar drugs now yield an average weight loss of 15 to 20 percent, significantly higher than previous options.” To put this into context, a 200 pound person on one of these drugs would lose 35 pounds on average.

How does it work?

In the past, weight loss drugs have worked by boosting the metabolism. Wegovy is very different, it works by mimicking a hormone that controls appetite, making you feel full sooner and eat less. Wegovy is typically prescribed alongside a healthy diet and exercise plan for better short-term and long-term results.

Who’s using it?

While Wegovy is designed for obese individuals looking to lose a bunch of weight for health reasons, it has become popular with people looking to drop a modest amount of weight (10-15 pounds) to flash the new body at the Orlando Marriott Courtyard pool on family vaca.

What are the dangers?

Some patients have reported minor side effects like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea and even major issues like gallbladder and kidney problems, although those are rare. The most common side effect is a significant loss of muscle along with bodyfat. This is due to the drug working so well to curb the patient’s appetite that they are no longer consuming enough protein to maintain their muscle mass. Suboptimal protein intake and a lack of regular weight training can lead to muscle degradation.

Recently reports have come out concerning Wegovy/Ozempic interfering with women’s birth control, leading to unintended pregnancies. There have also been studies in rats (no human studies yet) where a very high dose of Ozempic has caused thyroid cancer.

As Dr. Shauna Levy, an obesity specialist at Tulane University School of Medicine put it, “We don’t know the long-term risks of these drugs but we do know the long-term risks of obesity and they are shocking.”

What are the benefits?

Wegovy can offer faster and more significant weight loss compared to diet and exercise alone. It makes it easier to stick to a reduced-calorie diet. Additionally, Wegovy can help improve other health markers like blood sugar levels, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with weight-related health issues. Some patient’s have even reported a decreased desire to smoke or drink alcohol. I’m in no way saying this is a cure for anyone with a tabacco or drinking issue but merely reporting feedback from some Wegovy users.

How long do people stay on Wegovy?

It really depends on how much weight they need or want to lose. Once a patient gets to their goal weight, they can come off the drug but must be very careful of going back to their old eating habits to avoid rebound weight gain…over 70% of patients gain the weight back.

On the other hand, the weight loss may be an impetus for them to find the motivation they always needed to eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly. Both scenarios are why nutrition and fitness coaching throughout the process is very important.

How is it administered?

Wegovy is administered as a weekly injection under the skin using a pre-filled pen. Patients typically start with a lower dose that increases over time to reduce side effects. Injections can be given in the belly, thigh, or upper arm.

Where to get it and how much

Click this link and I’ll send you doses at 50% off the market value…kidding! See your doc! They will determine if you are a proper candidate.

Wegovy is pricey, it costs around $1,300 per month without insurance. With insurance, the cost can drop big time, sometimes as low as $25 per month depending on your plan and eligibility for savings programs offered by the drug maker.

Are there alternatives?

Ozempic is a much cheaper option, typically running just under $1,000 per month. However, it would have to be prescribed off label.

The newest drug in the category, Mounjaro, acts in a similar fashion as Wegovy, although with slightly different receptors in the body. It typically runs just over $1,000 per month, and has been shown to be slightly more effective than Wegovy for weight loss.

My thoughts…

Before writing this issue, I kinda thought that it couldn’t true; I thought there had to be some terrible side effect. While that might be the case one day, it doesn’t seem likely right now. It appears that many in the medical field were waiting for the pharmaceutical industry to develop a real solution for obesity. Now that we have it, it seems like people either don't want to believe it or are pissed off about it!

After researching and listening to experts that I trust, I’ve got to say it looks to me like the benefits far outweigh the risks with the drug.

I’ve been a skinny dude all my life, at times mistaken for a white Kenyan marathoner, so obesity is something I’ve never had to deal with personally…but if one of my family members had a serious weight issue, I’d jab them with a Wegovy pen faster than a judge could say “3 to 6 months for assault with a weight loss instrument”.

If you’re interested in hearing the personal journey of journalist and author Johann Hari’s weight loss battles and experience with Ozempic, check out his appearance on the Modern Wisdom podcast here.

I’m here to support you on your journey to a healthier, fitter life. As always, I appreciate your feedback and suggestions. Let me know what topics you’d like me to cover in future issues by replying to this email.

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Be well,

Dave

Please note: This newsletter is designed for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for advice tailored to your health and fitness needs.