According to the World Health Organization, "1 in 8 people are now living with obesity." Obesity has become an epidemic, especially in the United States.
With obesity rates at all-time highs, many people are searching for convenient solutions to weight loss. Semaglutide medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have soared in popularity. Since January 2022, Google searches for Ozempic have spiked 93%. On top of that, a UCLA highlighted a study stated that 1.7% of people in the United States were prescribed a Semaglutide prescription in 2023.
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is the main ingredient in type-2 diabetes and obesity medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 or glucagon-like peptide-1.
GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone that is released in the gastrointestinal tract. The hormone prompts the body to produce insulin; in higher dosages, it interacts with the hypothalamus preventing the feeling of hunger.
Is it safe?
The FDA approved Semaglutide for use as a diabetes medication in 2017, but its usage in higher dosages as an obesity medication was approved in 2022. The popularity of the drug has skyrocketed with use by celebrities fueling many people to turn to Semaglutide for weight loss.
Body image issues are causing people to lose sight of the drug's purpose
It is important to remember the purpose of these drugs. The drug was approved for use by type-2 diabetics, and overweight/obese people suffering from a weight-related condition. The popularity of the drug has attracted many users seeking a quick weight-loss solution that will curb their appetite. Social media and celebrity culture only fuel this further.
Websites like Reddit showcase the true harm behind drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, with users asking for methods to get approval despite not meeting the requirements.
This post is one of many that shed light on the public perception of Semaglutide weight loss drugs. While the user in the post is on the road to becoming obese, she states she isn't counting her calories during her weight loss journey. The user states, " I would give anything to go back to the cute size that I was before." There is no stated "need" for this obesity medication based on the FDA's approval. The following reply from the user showcases the reality of the situation.
She states she would "give anything anything to go back to that cute size", yet hasn't consulted with a nutritionist yet. She also states her doctor wasn't concerned by her blood work.
Unfortunately, this idea is far too common surrounding these drugs. Many people want to lose weight, but aren't taking the steps necessary to achieve the weight loss, including research, counting calories, receiving proper nutrition, exercise, etc. This post is one of many that shed light on the public perception of Semaglutide weight loss drugs.
The dangers of the popularity behind Semaglutide drugs
The most obvious danger is the popularity amongst teenagers and young adults who don't require the drug. A 2018 study conducted on 1220 students revealed that 80.2% of them were dissatisfied with their bodies. This study is one of many showcasing body image issues among youth and young adults.
Eating disorders are only on the rise seeing a significant spike in 2019, which is also the same year Tik-Tok saw massive growth.
With heavy pressure from social media to meet a "perfect body" standard, many will do anything to feel "skinny" despite the negative health effects.
Should I take a Semaglutide drug for weight loss?
If you are not suffering from type-2 diabetes or a life-threatening weight-caused illness, the answer is no.
There are proven benefits for these drugs for those who qualify; For those looking for a "fast" method of losing weight, you are only putting your health at risk and not fixing the problem in the first place.
Unhealthy habits, regardless of the cause, are what cause people to gain excessive body fat. The drug simply suppresses your urge to eat, which in those who aren't severely overweight, will cause them to eat far below their maintenance calories.
Abusing caffeine doesn't fix the issue of lacking sleep, it merely gives you energy to not feel tired. Likewise, Ozempic, Wegovy, or any other Semaglutide drugs don't fix what caused you to decline in health, it merely suppresses your hunger.
Conclusion
Semaglutide drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, can have benefits for those who are suffering from type-2 diabetes and chronic obesity.
If you aren't suffering from these conditions, these drugs will do more negative than positive for your health without solving the root cause.
Here's the answer you don't want to hear: Healthy weight loss is achieved with proper nutrition and exercise. Don't know how to get started? Read more of our articles on health, no ads, all for free.
