Ozempic and weight loss management.
In 2021, we covered weight gain during the lockdown in an article called “Battling Obesity – Lockdown,” which delved into the unforeseen health challenges brought about by COVID-19. As routines were disrupted and gyms closed, the impact of the virus went beyond immediate health concerns, affecting fitness and body weight for countless individuals.
The isolation, paired with disrupted eating habits, decreased physical activity, and elevated stress, resulted in a widespread struggle with weight management, often described as a “pandemic within the pandemic.” Even today, two years on, many continue to grapple with weight-related concerns, underscoring the need for a new, thoughtful approach to post-pandemic health and wellness.
Ozempic: A New Weight Loss Treatment Now Offered at Our Clinic
As part of our commitment to helping patients address weight management challenges, we now offer Ozempic (semaglutide) as a weight loss treatment in our clinic. Originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, Ozempic has been shown to aid weight loss and is now widely used for this purpose.
Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. By mimicking the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone, it stimulates insulin secretion, reduces glucose production in the liver, and slows gastric emptying, all of which help control blood sugar levels and reduce appetite. This dual-action approach helps many individuals reach a healthier weight when combined with lifestyle changes.
How Ozempic Supports Weight Loss
Ozempic aids weight loss in several ways, primarily by reducing appetite and slowing down the rate of gastric emptying:
Appetite Regulation: By imitating GLP-1, a hormone released in the intestine during meals, Ozempic signals the brain to promote feelings of fullness or satiety. This can naturally lead to reduced calorie intake.
Slowing Gastric Emptying: GLP-1 also slows the stomach’s emptying process after eating, keeping food in the stomach for longer and contributing to a longer-lasting sensation of fullness, which may help to reduce overall food intake.
Additional research suggests Ozempic may influence metabolism and calorie burning, though these effects are less understood and likely play a secondary role.
Our Comprehensive Approach: Initial Consultation and Screening
Our clinic provides a thorough and structured process to ensure Ozempic is suitable and safe for each patient. During an initial 30-minute consultation, we assess:
- Weight, height, blood pressure, and BMI to establish baseline health metrics.
- Whether the patient meets the NICE criteria for Ozempic and if any co-morbidities may contraindicate its use.
- A metabolic disease blood panel is conducted at baseline as part of our standard procedure.
- Should the patient meet all criteria, we offer a nurse-led consultation to demonstrate how to self-administer the injections properly.
Monthly Monitoring and Onsite Dispensing
We dispense the Ozempic injections onsite for patient convenience and safety and provide ongoing monthly monitoring. This check-up ensures the patient responds well before any dose increases are made. Through this careful monitoring, we can adjust the treatment as necessary, focusing on a gradual, manageable approach to weight management.
Additional Support Options
We recognise that weight loss journeys vary significantly from patient to patient. That’s why we offer support options tailored to each individual’s needs:
GP Support: Our GP team is available for consultations and to address any medical concerns related to the treatment.
Psychological Support: Patients have the option to work with Mr. Greg Quee, our in-house counsellor, to explore and address any mental or emotional factors associated with weight management. This holistic approach aims to support not only physical health but also the mental wellbeing that is integral to sustainable lifestyle changes.
Clinical Studies on Ozempic for Weight Loss
Ozempic has demonstrated significant results in weight management. In a 2021 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers examined Ozempic’s effects on individuals with obesity who did not have diabetes. The findings showed that participants receiving Ozempic lost, on average, 15% of their total body weight compared to those on a placebo.
Following these findings, in June 2021, the FDA approved Ozempic specifically for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or those overweight with at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes, alongside lifestyle changes.
Potential Side Effects of Ozempic
As with any medication, Ozempic may cause side effects. Common side effects include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain
- Constipation and indigestion
- Decreased appetite
These effects often subside as the body adjusts to the treatment. Patients should contact their healthcare provider for further advice if they persist or worsen. Importantly, while Ozempic can assist with weight loss, it is intended to complement a balanced diet and regular exercise rather than serve as a substitute.
Is Ozempic Right for You?
If you’re struggling with weight management and believe Ozempic may be suitable, we encourage you to book a consultation with our team. Our holistic approach ensures you receive the medication and support needed to reach and sustain your health goals.
