From Hollywood celebrities to TikTok influencers, the diabetes medication Ozempic has become so much more than a tool for diabetic patients. It’s become a weight loss miracle drug that has transformed many lives. Its popularity has even caused it to go on shortage and spawned copycat medications like Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Zepbound. But does this drug really live up to the hype?Learn more:okmagazine.com
Ozempic’s active ingredient is a medication called semaglutide, which works by mimicking glucagon-like peptide 1, a hormone your body makes naturally to signal the pancreas to release insulin. It also helps slow down your stomach’s emptying, so you feel full sooner and eat less. It helps lower blood sugar, and reduces fat in your bloodstream. It can also help you make healthier food choices.
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For some, the benefits of Ozempic are clear: “I have a better relationship with food, I’ve cut out so many things that were bad for me,” says Anna Toonk, a 42-year-old podcaster in New York who started taking it in 2021. “I’ve lost about 30 pounds, and my A1C has gone down.”
But not everyone has the same success story. While some experience minimal side effects, others have experienced nausea, vomiting, and “unbearable pain” that landed them in the hospital. You may also be unable to take it if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Or if you have certain types of thyroid cancer in your family, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). And it isn’t for everyone: It’s not recommended if you have kidney or pancreas problems, or if you have had thyroid C-cell tumors.