Lately, I’ve been fielding a LOT of questions about GLP-1 analogs (also called GLP-1 agonists) like Ozempic, especially regarding their safety, how they affect weight loss, and the biggie: Do you gain all the weight back once you stop? Let’s dive in and unpack this hot topic which is constantly being searched on X. We’ll look together at the science, the side effects, and even sprinkle in some celebrity buzz if there’s any to share.
First Off – Do You Qualify?
I only ask this because these medications are so popular and many people especially celebrities who don’t qualify are taking them just to get skinny and look good on the red carpet. So let’s clarify that.
To qualify for Ozempic as a weight-loss option, the general requirement is a BMI of 30 or above. However, if your BMI is 27 or higher and you’re dealing with a weight-related health condition—like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes—you may also be eligible. In other words, you don’t have to meet the “obese” threshold to qualify if there are other health concerns tied to your weight.
Key points about BMI and Ozempic:
- BMI of 30 or higher: This is the primary qualifying criterion for weight loss with Ozempic.
- BMI of 27 or higher with conditions: If your BMI falls in this range, you could still be considered if you have related health issues such as diabetes or hypertension.
Safety and Long-term Effects
GLP-1 agonists, including household names like Ozempic and Wegovy, are designed to mimic a naturally occurring hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite. They’re pretty nifty for those managing type 2 diabetes or looking to shed some pounds. But, like any medication, there’s a flip side to consider.
Information is important, and knowing about your prescriptions is key to understanding the benefits vs.f the risks. You can’t depend on television commercials for your information as you know (they’re just trying to sell you something), but if you understand more and make an informed decision about which med, and how long to use it, you will have better outcomes.
Below are the generic names so you can look them up on pubmed, and more details for each drug. This is not a complete list, you can find that as well as other details by reading this ARTICLE.
- Ozempic® and Wegovy®: The generic name for both is semaglutide.
- Mounjaro®: The generic name is tirzepatide.
- Mounjaro is a dual GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist, used for managing type 2 diabetes and being investigated for weight management. Here’s the website for MOUNJARO.
- Saxenda®: The generic name is liraglutide.
- Saxenda is approved for weight management in individuals with obesity or overweight conditions and associated comorbidities.
- Liraglutide is also marketed as Victoza for managing type 2 diabetes. Here is the website for SAXENDA.
General Directions for Use – Check Your Packaging and Label
5 Steps for Administering GLP-1 Medications
- Stick to a Consistent Schedule
- Take the medication as prescribed—weekly or daily—and follow the same schedule each time. If your doctor has specific timing instructions, such as taking it before or after meals, follow those.
- Prepare the Injection Pen
- Attach a new needle to the pen, prime if required, and ensure the correct dose is set before proceeding.
- Choose and Clean the Injection Site
- Select a clean injection site, such as the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites with each injection to prevent irritation or lumps.
- Administer the Injection
- Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle, press the button to release the dose, and hold the button for a few seconds to ensure the full dose is delivered.
- Dispose and Store Safely
- Remove the used needle and dispose of it in a sharps container. Store the pen as instructed, often in the refrigerator, unless otherwise specified.
- Remove the used needle and dispose of it in a sharps container. Store the pen as instructed, often in the refrigerator, unless otherwise specified.
Potential Side Effects
Gastrointestinal Disturbances: These are the most common side effects reported because these drugs can be tough on your tummy, leading to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. While these side effects are supposed to lessen over time, they can be a deal-breaker for some folks. According to Ozempic’s website, to mitigate these GI side effects, you should avoid lying down right after eating, eating more crackers and soup, avoiding greasy or fatty foods and eating more slowly. Doing that alone would help a person lose weight lol!
Pancreatitis and Kidney Issues: There have been concerns about an increased risk of pancreatitis and potential kidney problems, especially in those with a history of these conditions. However, extensive clinical trials have not conclusively shown a significant increase in these risks across the board.
Thyroid Tumors: In rodent studies, there’s been an association with thyroid C-cell tumors, but this hasn’t been replicated in human studies, so it’s not a major concern for now. I took a screenshot from Ozempic’s website her to assist you with more information. You can learn more about their popular medication by visiting the OZEMPIC WEBSITE.
However, extensive clinical trials have not conclusively shown a significant increase in these risks across the board.
Cardiovascular Health: Interestingly, these drugs have shown benefits in reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes in some populations, which is a silver lining for those with cardiovascular risks.
Drug Nutrient Depletion: There is a “drug mugger” effect meaning these medications can deplete some nutrients when you’re on them, so it’s best to restore lost vitamins and minerals if you take a GLP-1 agonist drug like those listed above. There’s a lot about this in my ebook called “Outsmarting Drug Muggers” which you can receive for free by clicking on the image below. And also, here’s a very specific article I wrote, Replenishing What Ozempic Takes: A Guide to Restoring 5 Depleted Nutrients.
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Weight Regain After Stopping
Here’s the downside with GLP-1 agonists – they’re not a magic bullet for permanent weight loss. As long as you’re on them, your appetite is suppressed, but when you go off them, you could revert to your old eating habits, whether that’s stress eating, increasing portions, or other behaviors that contributed to the original weight gain.
So in summary, clinical trials and real-world data indicate that once a person stops these medications, there is a substantial likelihood of regaining the weight you lost. Some studies show up to ⅔ (two-thirds) of the weight lost can return within the year! It’s because they help modify behaviors and metabolic responses that revert when the drug is no longer in your system. I don’t recommend lifelong therapy with these medications. In fact, I don’t recommend them for weight loss either even though hundreds of thousands of people are on them.
To manage lifelong, after stopping these medications, you might will to ramp up lifestyle changes like diet, eating behaviors, portion control and exercise. Alternatively, some people will consider long-term use of the drug with physician supervision, which brings us back to the safety conversation.
Feeling like you’d prefer a natural alternative to boost your metabolism, instead of a medication? If so, read my other article: From Medication to Mother Nature: Exploring Ozempic and 11 Natural Alternatives for Weight Loss and Blood Sugar Balance
GlucoScript: A Natural Ally for Metabolic Support and Blood Sugar Balance
GlucoScript, a dietary supplement designed to support healthy glucose metabolism, offers a promising natural alternative for those interested in metabolic health. While not a GLP-1 agonist or drug, GlucoScript’s carefully formulated ingredients work synergistically to promote balanced blood sugar levels and appetite regulation.
Its role as a dietary supplement aligns with DSHEA (Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act) standards, emphasizing nutritional support rather than disease treatment or prevention. For those exploring non-prescription options to enhance their metabolic health and weight management strategies, GlucoScript provides a supportive tool to complement a healthy lifestyle without the potential side effects or nutrient depletions associated with GLP-1 analogs. Always consult with a healthcare practitioner or doctor to determine what works best for you, with your personal history and allergies, etc.
Summary
GLP-1 receptor agonists are definitely tools in the battle against obesity and type 2 diabetes, but I think of them as short-term meds, to give a person a head start, and help reduce weight quickly so that their heart isn’t under such stress from being overweight. But these drugs come with their set of considerations.
From side effects to the reality of potential weight regain, they’re not a standalone solution. Long-term use might be necessary for sustained effects, which requires a careful look at the benefits versus the risks. Remember, always chat with your healthcare practitioner before starting or stopping any medication.
Keep this conversation going with your doctor and your loved ones, but stay informed! Mentally calculate the risk-to-benefit ratio to see if it’s something you want to stay on long-term (ie more than 6 months). If you’ve got more questions or need a deeper dive, you know where to find me and how to use my search box.
Suzy Cohen, has been a licensed pharmacist for over 30 years and believes the best approach to chronic illness is a combination of natural medicine and conventional. She founded her own dietary supplement company specializing in custom-formulas, some of which have patents. With a special focus on functional medicine, thyroid health and drug nutrient depletion, Suzy is the author of several related books including Thyroid Healthy, Drug Muggers, Diabetes Without Drugs, and a nationally syndicated column.
