Ozempic Exposed: The Hidden Health Risks of the Latest Weight Loss Craze

There is a quick-fix weight loss craze sweeping the globe. Originally developed as a prescription for asthma, the drug Ozempic is used primarily to treat Type 2 diabetes. Recently, Ozempic has been praised as the “ultimate weight loss solution.”

This prescription medication and similar drugs like Wegovy are all the rage right now, with celebrities like the Kardashians and Elon Musk promoting them for shedding pounds fast. Some people are spending over $1000 a month to ensure their access to this “miracle drug.”

Our society craves shortcut solutions (often served up with a glowing influencer endorsement!) without thinking about future consequences. Take the Fen-Phen frenzy in the ’90s as an example - lots of hype followed by considerable fallout and irreversible health damage. That’s why I feel compelled to share information about the possible risks and long-term effects of Ozempic.

In this blog, you’ll discover why Ozempic “works” for weight loss, some of the dangerous health risks of taking Ozempic, as well as holistic long-term solutions for weight loss and lasting health!

Why Ozempic “Works” for Weight Loss

Semaglutide, marketed under the brand name Ozempic, is an injectable medication that acts as a GLP-1 agonist, mimicking the function of the GLP-1 hormone in your body. It binds to GLP-1 receptors, sending signals to your brain that help regulate your appetite and digestion. Specifically, Semaglutide slows down the emptying of your stomach and promotes feelings of fullness, which can naturally reduce your appetite and decrease calorie intake. (1)

While Semaglutide can be effective for weight management, relying solely on the medication without maintaining a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle may result in damage to your body. If your diet is too low in calories and essential nutrients, the result is malnutrition as well as loss of muscle mass, connective tissue, and bone density. A 2021 study of semaglutide found that ONE THIRD of the weight loss experienced by test subjects came from muscle, bone mass, and lean tissue. (2)

Ozempic Health Hazards

My career as a clinical pharmacist showed me time and again that drugs are not always the answer, and often misuse and overuse cause more harm than healing. Research has shown that Ozempic use is associated with metabolic, nutritional, eye, renal, urinary, and cardiac issues.

Due to the overwhelming hype around Ozempic, individuals with diabetes who need it for blood sugar control are navigating shortages of the drug. To make matters worse, this scarcity has given rise to an alarming increase in counterfeit medications and compounded drugs flooding the market.

Let’s not forget that the Fen-Phen weight loss trend in the ‘90s ended with the drugs being pulled from the shelves and billions of dollars worth of class-action lawsuits being filed due to heart valve damage caused by the drugs. This trend feels eerily similar!

Here are several of the dangerous side effects that have been linked to taking Ozempic and similar semaglutide drugs: 

1. Gastrointestinal Disorders: The most common side effect of Ozempic is gastrointestinal disturbances including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. These side effects usually improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication. A study by Eudravigilance, a European reporting system for adverse reactions to medications, found 50% of users experienced gastrointestinal issues while taking Ozempic. (3) I’m shocked by how many people report “uncontrollable diarrhea” as a side effect and continue to take the drug! Someone wrote in a private Facebook group for Wegovy users, they either "can't poop for days" or "can't leave the house in fear of literally pooping my pants."

2. Kidney Damage: People who experience gastrointestinal symptoms while taking Ozempic have an increased risk for serious kidney damage. There have been reports of Ozempic users suffering acute kidney injury, sudden loss of kidney function, worsening of chronic kidney disease, and changes in kidney function markers such as elevated serum creatinine levels. (4)

3. Pancreatitis: In rare cases, GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic have been associated with pancreatitis, which is the inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms of pancreatitis may include severe abdominal pain that radiates to the back, nausea, and vomiting. (4)

4. Gallbladder Disease and Gallstones: Some individuals taking Ozempic have reported gallbladder issues, including gallstones and inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis). Gallstones are hardened deposits that can form in the gallbladder and may cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. (5)

5. Thyroid Cancer: Studies in animals have shown that GLP-1 receptor agonists can cause thyroid C-cell tumors. Individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) are at an increased risk of further complications on Ozempic. (6)

6. Infection and Death: Due to the hype, Ozempic has faced shortages for months, leading to an increase in compounded and counterfeit versions of the drug. The FDA has warned against using compounded semaglutide because of safety concerns, including the risk of contamination and lack of regulation, highlighting past incidents of infections and deaths caused by contaminated compounded drugs. (7)

Ditch the Quick-Fix Meds for Lifetime Results

There’s an old adage that applies perfectly to the Ozempic craze: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!” The creators of Ozempic admit, and studies prove, that weight regain is likely once the medication is discontinued. (3) Taking this drug forever to maintain weight loss results is not a realistic or healthy plan!

When it comes to weight management, it's essential to consider sustainable approaches that support overall health rather than relying upon pricey, risky, quick-fix medications like Ozempic. 

5 Wholistic Tips for Weight Loss and Lasting Health

As always, I recommend muscle testing each product or food to make sure it’s a perfect energetic match before adding it to your regimen.

1. Live a Balanced Lifestyle: Balanced weight starts with a balanced lifestyle. Focus on finding harmony with your daily routine including diet, exercise, sleep, work, self-care, hobbies, and social schedule.

2. Seek Professional Guidance: Enlist professional guidance to explore personalized weight management strategies tailored to your unique needs. I help my clients identify their ideal supplement regimen (which may change over time!), incorporating natural options like cinnamon, bitter melon, fenugreek, or gymnema sylvestre, as well as beneficial nutrients such as alpha-lipoic acid and chromium to support blood sugar control.

3. Incorporate Mind-Body Movements: When you feel grounded and present in your body, you will take better care of your body! Practice yoga, meditation, and tai chi to reduce stress and enhance overall wellbeing.

4. Prioritize Self-Love: Self-love is crucial at every stage of your weight loss journey! Find out more about practicing self-love in this blog. Loving and accepting yourself as you are is essential for generating long-term motivation to care for your body.

5. Boost Microbiome Health: Research shows that maintaining a healthy gut microbiome helps support a balanced body weight. My recommendation is Trenev Trio by protren.com. This potent probiotic contains a minimum 30 billion of three super strains of beneficial bacteria! Use code WQH11 for 10% off your purchase!

Choose Health Over Hype

In a society driven by quick fixes, the allure of drugs like Ozempic for weight management is strong. By choosing a holistic approach to weight management and making informed decisions, you can prioritize your long-term wellbeing while achieving your weight loss goals. Remember, balance and harmony in all aspects of life are the keys to lasting results!

References

1. Mercola, Dr. Joseph. Kidney and Gastro Issues Linked to Popular Pill to Get Thin, June 14, 2023. https://media.mercola.com/ImageServer/Public/2023/June/PDF/semaglutide-kidney-and-gastro-issues-pdf.pdf.

2. Wilding, John P H, Rachel L Batterham, Salvatore Calanna, Luc F Van Gaal, Barbara M McGowan, Julio Rosenstock, Marie T D Tran, et al. “Impact of Semaglutide on Body Composition in Adults with Overweight or Obesity: Exploratory Analysis of the Step 1 Study.” Journal of the Endocrine Society, May 3, 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8089287/.

3. “Gastrointestinal Disorders Potentially Associated with SEMAGLUTIDE: An ...” Taylor & Francis Online, February 2, 2023. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14740338.2023.2172159.

4. “Acute Kidney Injury Associated with Semaglutide.” Kidney Medicine, January 7, 2021. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590059520302697.

5. Weintraub, Karen. “Why Experts Worry the ‘Magic’ in New Weight Loss Medications Carries a Dark Side.” USA Today, April 4, 2023. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2023/04/02/downside-weight-loss-medication-side-effects-big-pharma/11464954002/#.

6. Singh, Gurdeep, Matthew Krauthamer, and Meghan Bjalme-Evans. “Wegovy (SEMAGLUTIDE): A New Weight Loss Drug for Chronic Weight Management.” Journal of investigative medicine : the official publication of the American Federation for Clinical Research, January 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8717485/.

7. Johnson, Arianna. “Counterfeit Ozempic Crackdown: Drugmakers Threaten Clinics for Compounding Drugs during Shortages.” Forbes, June 23, 2023. https://www.forbes.com/sites/ariannajohnson/2023/06/22/counterfeit-ozempic-crackdown-drugmakers-threaten-clinics-for-compounding-drugs-during-shortages.