Injectable weight loss medicines like Ozempic have become incredibly popular in recent years. But there is a lot that people don’t know about them. Here are some overlooked facts and stats about the trending weight loss drug that are important to know before applying for a prescription.
#1) Weight loss injections work by suppressing the appetite
Weight loss injections don’t physically make you burn more fat. Instead, they work by simulating the appetite suppressant hormone, GLP-1, to make you feel fuller. This encourages you to eat less and lose weight through restricted calories. Ultimately, it is important to follow a low calorie diet and maintain the same level of exercise in order to see results – if you continue to force down the same portions or become less active, you may not lose weight.
#2) Ozempic is not the only option
Ozempic is the most popular weight loss medicine brand, but there are many others. The likes of Wegovy and Rybelsus are also made from semaglutide. There are also other medications containing different chemicals that can have similar appetite suppression properties. For example, you can buy retatrutide online and tirzepatide under different brand names.
#3) Weight loss injections can reduce the risk of heart disease
Studies have shown that weight loss injection drugs can also reduce a person’s risk of heart disease in many cases, regardless of how much weight is shed. For those who are at risk of heart disease, this can be another reason to try the drug.
#4) Weight loss injections can help regulate the menstrual cycle
Studies have also shown that the weight loss and hormonal changes caused by weight loss medicines can in some cases help regulate periods for people with PCOS. That said, for those who have a normal menstrual cycle, there is a risk that it could cause irregularities – which is something you need to consider if you’re trying for a baby.
#5) Weight loss injections may affect birth control effectiveness
On the topic of trying for a baby, it’s also worth knowing that weight loss injections can slow stomach emptying and can consequently reduce absorption of medications like birth control in some cases. The likes of Ozempic and Wegovy have not been observed to have this effect, but injections like Mounjaro may have this effect.
#6) You may regain weight after stopping
Once you stop taking weight loss injections, your appetite will return to normal and you could therefore be tempted into eating more, causing you to regain the weight you’ve lost. This is why you need to prepare to wean yourself off by putting in place a strict diet plan.
#7) Long-term safety is still being studied
Weight loss injectables are still a fairly new form of medication. It will take time to see what the long term effects are of these drugs. Because of this, it is important to approach this medication with caution. New information is constantly coming in about potential long-term risks, but we cannot know for certain if there will be any risks.