Hey everyone! Joy here to FINALLY write about the thing that everyone is seemingly talking about: Ozempic.
[first: a disclaimer --- I am not a doctor or a trained medic. I am not advocating for you to use Ozempic. This article is purely informative. Please consult a medical professional before taking any decisions about your healthcare.]
Okay, for now though, let's get into the meat of Ozempic - how does it work, and what it's all about, really?
Ozempic, along with a few other chemically similar drugs (like WEGOVY), is hailed as a breakthrough with respect to diabetes management and also weight loss. These drugs are popular mainly because of their ability to regulate some of the pathways already involved in obesity (or diabetes), so they (are seen to) have the power to support weight loss. For me though, I'm more interested in the compound itself -- did you know that our bodies already have natural versions of Ozempic, floating around our bloodstream? Our guts produce similar hormones called incretins that have a huge hand in controlling our metabolism and appetite. Isn't that incretin-able? Sorry, I'll stop.
Here's where things get technical, so stick with me. Our guts are home to trillions of microbes that help break down food components we can't digest, like fiber and polyphenols. These microbes transform these elements into molecules that stimulate hormones such as GLP-1, which is basically a natural version of Ozempic. GLP-1 helps us regulate our blood sugar (for example, maybe... after a boba tea?) through the pancreas and signals your brain that you're full, slowing down food movement in your digestive tract to allow for better digestion. This whole system is known as the "colonic brake."
Back in the day, before processed foods took over, our gut microbiomes were diverse and healthy, naturally regulating our metabolism and appetite through these hormones. However, modern food processing removes many bioactive molecules like fiber and polyphenols, which has led to a decrease in gut microbiome diversity. This lack of diversity is currently theorized to contribute to a rise in obesity and diabetes.
Ozempic mimics the natural GLP-1 hormone, reinvigorating a colonic brake dulled by modern diets. This drug helps to regulate appetite and metabolism, leading to weight loss, lower blood glucose levels, and can even reduce the risk of cardiovascular events like strokes and heart attacks.
While Ozempic can seem like an easy fix, it's not without its side effects. Common issues include gastrointestinal problems like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. In rare cases, they can cause more severe side effects like pancreatitis and irreversible gastroparesis (stomach paralysis). Additionally, such drugs can contribute to a person losing healthy lean muscle mass along with fat, especially if they're not exercising regularly. There's potential for a weight GAIN rebound after you stop taking Ozempic, so its long-term effectiveness is still under review.
Despite the impressive results of incretin-based medications, a healthy lifestyle remains crucial. Regular exercise, stress management, good sleep, outdoor activities, and a balanced diet are still the best ways to manage metabolic health. For those who don't yet have obesity or diabetes, reintroducing whole, minimally processed foods rich in fiber and polyphenols can help restart the gut's natural appetite and metabolism control mechanisms.
In today's fast-paced world, it's understandable that some people are fixating on Ozempic. In a culture that often values convenience over health, we are constantly surrounding processed foods and sedentary lifestyles. However, the rise of these medications also highlights a growing awareness of the need to address metabolic health. While Ozempic and its counterparts seem to offer solutions for those struggling with metabolic diseases, more long-term studies may be needed to understand the full picture. One thing is for sure: they should never be a replacement for a healthy lifestyle.
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