Ozempic and Wegovy (Semaglutide): What is it and should you use if you’re trying to lose weight? Hear a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Perspective!
The drug ozempic is causing a stir within these last couple of months. It is used for individuals with type 2 diabetes and it has been highlighted in social media and podcasts on the benefits of using it for weight loss. It has even been featured in the Joe Rogan Podcast.
On average, individuals that use ozempic lose anywhere between 10-14 lbs when prescribed. While its official use is for Type 2 diabetes, many people see the benefit of using it for weight loss.
Ozempic and Wegovy (Semaglutide) – the 411 of the weight loss drug
According to the website www.ozempic.com, this drug is NOT meant for weight loss. In their website, it states that using Ozempic ALONG with diet and exercise may help lower your weight, blood sugar, and risk of developing CVD risk factors (explained below).
It is meant for individuals to lower the HgA1c (which is the three month average of how well controlled your blood sugars are) and lowers the risk of CVD related factors (lowers your chances of getting a stroke, heart attack or heath).
Benefits for individuals with type 2 diabetes that is considering semaglutide:
- Better blood sugar control
- Feeling full easily and longer
- Suppresses liver production of glucose (which helps lower blood sugar)
Possible Side Effect of Taking Semaglutide
People with Type 2 diabetes almost always have higher chances of developing CVD risk factors typically because they are overweight/obese, insulin resistant, and have higher than normal cholesterol levels in the blood.
Wegovy: another name for Semaglutide
Another brand name for semaglutide that is MEANT for weight loss is Wegovy. Wegovy is another name for semaglutide that is MEANT for weight loss. In their website, they published a summary of the weight loss results of an average of 35 lbs over the course 68 weeks, with 30% of the studied subjects losing 46 total body weight.
Wegovy is a higher dose of semaglutide that is meant to help people lose weight and keep it off. If you are trying to lose weight, have tried working dietitian, coach, trainer, a period of time, there maybe be benefit from using Wegovy.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Perspective
While using semaglutide is a tool to help you lose weight, keep in mind it is just a TOOL for you to lose weight. Wegovy helps by suppressing appetite and slowing down gastric emptying (it keeps you full longer).
I’m always going to believe that lifestyle, diet, and working with a professional should be at the forefront of any changes you need to get your weight in check and keep it in check.
Even with drugs, you still have to keep the weight off and have good habits and lifestyle changes. Wegovy will help you “start” the process – but it is ultimately YOU that will have to sustain that lifestyle change to keep the weight off.
Having that extra help certainly isn’t a bad idea. Remember that Wegovy isn’t the weight loss drug that will melt ALL the extra weight off.
dIt is meant to be a PART of a program that helps you lose weight (which means you still need to work on getting regular movement, eating the right amount of food, and learning to have a better lifestyle for your health).
So whatever you will need to accomplish that – books, trainer, dietitian, training partner, waking up earlier, whatever you need to make it a PRIORITY you need to go do it!
If you need help and support with your goals, message me and let’s see if we’re a good fit together!
At John Canlas Nutrition in Concord, CA in the middle of East Bay, we work together to make sure you have a sustainable plan so that you can have MORE energy, feel great, and most importantly have the sustained weight loss you’re looking for!
If you feel that you might be a good fit to work together, I help clients and patients form cities around Concord, CA like Berkeley, Walnut Creek, Antioch, Pittsburg, Vallejo, Livermore, and Union City – either in person or virtually!
