By: The Female Catalyst Founders
If you're active on TikTok, you've probably heard of Ozempic, a popular drug in social media circles. Ozempic belongs to a group of medications known as GLP-1 agonists, which are typically used to manage diabetes and lower blood sugar levels. Recently, studies have shown that these drugs can also help reduce appetite and promote weight loss. Some brands are even FDA-approved for weight loss in people struggling with obesity or overweight conditions.
How do they work? GLP-1 agonists mimic the natural hormones produced by the intestines during eating. They act like a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1, which prompts the body to produce more insulin when blood sugar levels rise after eating, thus lowering blood sugar levels.
Despite being around for a while as diabetes treatments, GLP-1 drugs gained TikTok fame due to their effectiveness in treating obesity. Studies have shown significant weight loss among users, along with other health benefits such as reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes.
However, the popularity of GLP-1 drugs for off-label use (prescribed for obesity instead of diabetes) has led to shortages. Insurance companies are now often requiring a diabetes diagnosis before covering these drugs for weight loss. Additionally, manufacturers have restricted access due to shortages and rising demand. GLP-1 drugs can also be expensive, costing around $1,000 per month, with long-term use likely necessary for maintaining effectiveness.
As for side effects, common ones include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. Serious side effects like pancreatitis and intestinal obstruction have been reported, and there's concern about potential long-term effects on the thyroid gland.
Looking ahead, GLP-1 agonists are being studied for various other medical conditions beyond weight loss and diabetes, including addiction, inflammatory bowel disease, atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
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