Patients are seeing positive results in terms of disease control and weight loss as demand for Ozempic, a popular diabetic medication with off-label use for weight loss, continues to climb. Long-term commitment and lifestyle changes, according to people who have been on the prescription for a long period, are essential to maintain these advantages.
Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, reported a significant increase in weekly prescriptions for the treatment by U.S. healthcare providers, with over 60,000 new prescriptions per week as of April. The drug’s success in increasing weight loss has led to its widespread use, but it is important to highlight that it is not a miraculous treatment.
Barbie Jackson-Williams, 54, of Des Moines, Iowa, started using Ozempic in early 2021 to help manage her Type 2 diabetes and lose weight. She confirmed the medication’s effectiveness in aiding her dietary changes, such as substituting lean meats for spaghetti and avoiding sugary beverages. She did, however, emphasize that successful results required attention and labor, dispelling the misconception that Ozempic was a fast fix for weight loss.
NBC News spoke with seven people who had spent one and a half to two and a half years on Ozempic. Overall, they felt that, while the medication helped them lose weight and reduce their blood sugar levels, it was not a quick fix. Edward Matias, a 45-year-old Connecticut IT professional, emphasized the relevance.
Most patients said Ozempic functioned as a catalyst for lifestyle improvements, allowing them to participate in physical activities they couldn’t before. Jackson-Williams, for example, now feels more energized and avoids protracted periods of inactivity by opting for more physical exercise and less sedentary activities.
Ozempic, along with its sister medicine Wegovy, are considered long-term or lifetime therapy for weight loss in obese or overweight adults with weight-related medical disorders. However, because these medications have just been on the market for a few years, continuing trials are investigating their long-term consequences.
Dr. Eduardo Grunvald, an obesity medicine specialist at UC San Diego Health, noted that they are waiting for trial data to see if Ozempic and Wegovy lower the risk of heart disease in the same way that other medications do.Nonetheless, experts believe that for the vast majority of patients, the potential benefits of Ozempic outweigh the risks. As a result of the medication’s advantages, patients with prediabetes, such as Arnob Alam, reported more activity and reduced overeating.
Jackson-Williams detailed her inspiring journey from having an oxygen mask and sleeping in a chair due to her weight to now walking around the track and using the cross-trainer at the gym after shedding an incredible 180 pounds with Ozempic and exercise. Her blood sugar levels have significantly improved, and she is no longer in need of oxygen. Finally, many individuals are intrigued by Ozempic’s potential as a diabetic treatment and weight loss aid. While the drug has helped many people, it is not without risks.
