Ozempic or No-zempic: Should You Take A Weight Loss Shot

Ozempic or No-zempic: Should You Take A Weight Loss Shot?

When the weight loss shots started trending I did a live video giving my professional input on those tools being used for weight loss only (meaning not by diabetics and others with medical conditions). 

Since then, new drugs have come into the marketplace, we know more about the downside of these drugs, and there are new approaches to medically supported weight loss working best in tandem with behavorial changes and systems. Since there has been a lot of backlash about these shots, and since they can be a polarizing topic I thought I would share some perspectives:

New Drugs in the Marketplace

Ozempic, Mounjaro and the other “weight loss shots” were created to treat chronic diseases. Ozempic specifically is approved for treatment of type 2 diabetes (not weight loss). There are two similar medications that are FDA approved for weight loss - Wegovy and Zepbound. 

Regardless, once the side effect of weight loss was discovered these drugs (all brands) mainstreamed quickly and became the go to “solution” for weight loss. So quickly, in fact, that diabetics and others prescribed these types of drugs for their chronic diseases were unable to access it due to shortages and stock outs from the high demand of those wanting to use it for weight loss.

Obesity can be considered a chronic disease, and while the data is conflicting (at the time of this writing) on how many people accessing the drug for weight loss are clinically obese versus wanting to drop a few pounds, word of mouth and the media are painting the picture that the drugs are being misprescribed or overpurchased by the latter. 

This leaves short supply for those who have been diagnosed with obesity as a chronic disease and puts their potential for recovery through medically supported weight loss at risk.

Downside of “Weight Loss Shots”

These “weight loss shot” medications were tested and approved for use alongside a lifestyle program that includes healthy eating and physical activity. What data is showing is that instead the more popular use is as an appetite suppressant or as a justification to eat or drink “whatever” and not gain weight. 

These drugs only manage how much one eats, not how well, and using a medication without modifying diet and engaging in physical activity is not what is recommended. Since there are no controls, policing or monitoring systems in place for how the drugs are administered and managed with lifestyle changes, the potential for misuse and abuse is high.

Other Common Concerns About the Medications

In addition to the short and long term side effects (other than weight loss), some of the other concerns about these types of drugs include: the expense of the medications; side effects of the medications; and limited and non-existent data on the long-term effects of these drugs (the studies we do have are funded by the major distributor of the drugs). 

In addition, while these drugs cause overall weight loss, we know that the healthiest way to lose weight is to focus on the reduction of body fat while maintaining or retaining lean muscle. Sustainability of results is also an issue: once the “weight loss goal” is achieved and the shots stop, we now know the weight comes back and usually with additive weight.

New Approaches

In the live video I referenced at the start of this blog, my conclusion was to focus being healthy versus being skinny. Since then the information that has come to light, the personal experience I have in working with people using the shots, and the advancement of the medically supported weight loss community has helped to give me a broader understanding of the appropriate use – and misuse – of these drugs for weight loss.

I am still a firm believer that the best approach is healthy eating and exercise. We don’t have long-term studies on these drugs but we do have a plethora of knowledge about the positive benefits of eating nutritious foods and moving our bodies. In addition, this is an approach that can and should be taken whether the shots are being utilized or not, because better results based on behavioral changes mean longer term success. 

Our bodies need nutrients (macro and micro) and we get these through our food and supplements. If we aren’t eating, or we aren’t eating properly, our bodies suffer. When we don’t get the nutrients we need, immunity goes down and the opportunity for diseases to develop or worsen increases. 

In addition, our bodies are designed to move. We need both cardiovascular movement and strength/resistance training because these build muscle, and muscle helps burn body fat more efficiently and for longer periods of time, and it also prevents disease. If you aren’t eating properly or working out, you are putting yourself at risk.

The bottom line is this: whether you decide to do “the shot” or not (which is a personal decision for you to make with your healthcare practitioner, see note below), the most successful program is one that combines healthy behaviors instead of or in tandem with “the shot”.

Some Additional Notes From Me

Your healthcare provider is the best person to help you understand:

· If, when, and which weight loss medication might be right for you;

· The appropriate way it should be taken, whether you qualify; and,

· The best comprehensive weight loss approach that includes behavioral changes like eating better and moving more.

· If you don’t know where to begin, LifeMD has a screening and application process you can easily access as a first step. 

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