Celebrity Obsession with Ozempic: What It Is and How It Affects User Health

October 21, 2024: Netflix series It’s a Wonderful Life vs Bollywood Wives A controversy has erupted after Maheep Kapoor criticized the trend of using Ozempic to lose weight quickly. The practice has led to shortages of the drug for diabetics, who rely on it to control blood sugar levels. One Twitter user was quick to point out, “Maheep Kapoor rightly called out people for using Ozempic to lose weight quickly, leading to stockouts for diabetics. Hopefully she will also call out the show’s producer Karan Johar.”

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In today’s society, celebrities and social media influencers greatly influence aesthetic trends. While Karan Johar has denied using Ozempic, several other celebrities, including Amy Schumer, Elon Musk, Kathy Bates, Oprah Winfrey, Amy Schumer and Whoopi Goldberg, have all publicly discussed their use of Ozempic or similar drugs to lose weight. The glorification of thinness often drives people to pursue various diet fads, and Ozempic is the latest in a long line of rapid weight loss trends.

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What is ozone?

Ozempic offers a new way to lose weight without requiring significant lifestyle changes. Unlike other dietary trends such as juice cleanses or the Atkins diet that are difficult to maintain, Ozempic can effectively reduce appetite without the need for extreme dietary restrictions. The drug, which is injected once a week, is popular for its ability to help users lose weight by suppressing hunger.

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Ozempic belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists, which were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. These drugs help regulate blood sugar levels and suppress appetite by enhancing the effects of the natural GLP-1 hormone. Ozempic’s active ingredient, semaglutide, has also been approved to control obesity and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in certain patients. However, the drug is now widely used off-label for weight loss.

How it works:

GLP-1 receptor activation slows down the digestive process and prolongs the feeling of fullness after eating. In addition, GLP-1 receptors in the brain affect appetite, further suppressing hunger. This dual action makes Ozempic an attractive option for metabolic and weight management. Semaglutide comes in different forms, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, each with different uses, from blood sugar regulation to weight loss.

Side Effects and Warnings:

Common side effects of semaglutide include nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhea, and hypoglycemia in people with type 2 diabetes. Serious risks include thyroid tumors and pancreatitis, and this drug is not recommended for people with a history of these. Pregnant and nursing women should also avoid using Ozempic, and it is not approved for use by those under 18 years of age.

Dietary considerations:

Certain foods should be avoided while using Ozempic. High-fat, fried, and processed foods may cause digestive discomfort because medications can slow digestion. Sugary snacks and drinks can contribute to weight gain but do not provide nutrients, so they should also be limited. Instead, it’s recommended to focus on nutrient-dense meals and control portion sizes. For many people, long-term use of this medication may be needed to maintain weight loss, as the weight may regain after stopping the medication.

The ongoing debate surrounding the use of Ozempic highlights concerns about its long-term safety and ethical implications, especially as non-diabetics drive demand, limiting access to those who need it most.