IN PHOTOS: How effective is Ozempic for weight loss treatments

Ozempic has become a buzzword in weight loss conversations. Meant to reduce hunger, by giving satiety signals to the brain – this injectable solution induces lesser consumption of food. But how effective is it, health experts decode

Updated On: 2024-02-04 01:35 PM IST

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Ozempic is the brand name for injection semaglutide which is injected once-a-week. It has a labelled indication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes at a lower dose which is 0.25mg to 2 mg and has a labelled indication of weight loss in overweight people for 0.25mg dose once a week to 2.4 milligrams once a week

Ozempic works in multiple ways to reduce the movement of the stomach. The doctors define it as the reducing gastric emptying or ileal (the third part of the small intestine) brake phenomenon. It works on the brain by giving you satiety signals at lesser food or it makes you eat food as per your requirement.  So, a person ends up eating less food as GLP 1 is a signal to the brain to reduce the food intake. These are the mechanisms for the weight loss of Ozempic

Obesity is recognised as a medical disorder, analogous to conditions like high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels or diabetes. In addressing this health concern, pharmacotherapy, involving the use of drugs for obesity management, becomes a viable option, especially for individuals requiring long-term solutions

It's essential to acknowledge that the effectiveness of weight management drugs is often contingent on their consistent, extended use. Discontinuing medication may result in a significant weight rebound, with studies indicating up to a 50 percent regain within the first-year post-treatment cessation. Therefore, a prolonged, sustained approach is often necessary to achieve and maintain targeted weight loss successfully

Excess weight poses a significant barrier to the overall quality of life, impacting various facets of health. Leveraging drug molecules such as semaglutide, alongside behavioural and lifestyle modifications, has shown promising results in facilitating weight loss of up to 10 per cent. This approach not only aids in shedding excess pounds but also contributes to an enhanced overall quality of life

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