Ozempic, Wegovy and other medications that work by mimicking the hormone GLP-1 are gaining popularity thanks to celebrities like Elon Musk, who have spoken out about their success with them. However, using these medications to lose weight is not a good idea and will likely result in the weight being regained once you stop taking them.
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When combined with a healthy diet, Ozempic for Weight Loss can help you achieve weight loss success. Avoid eating foods that are high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats because these can disrupt your body's hormone balance and counteract the effects of Ozempic. Instead, prioritize whole foods like vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. These nutrient-packed foods offer satiety without excessive calories and are more likely to boost your energy levels and promote feelings of well-being.
While there is no one-size-fits-all dietary plan for people taking Ozempic or Wegovy, experts recommend avoiding greasy or sugary foods and processed snacks because they can lead to rapid blood sugar spikes. Excessive alcohol consumption can also interfere with the drug's effectiveness and could cause hypoglycemia.
Those who have successfully lost weight on Ozempic or Wegovy have usually done so by changing their eating and exercise habits for the long-term. NBC News interviewed several people who have taken the medication for up to two and a half years, and they all generally agreed that Ozempic was not a quick fix.
Many of those interviewed said that their bodies became resistant to further weight loss, and they regained some of the pounds they had initially lost. Others said that they developed a tolerance to the side effects of the drug, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue and stomach cramps. Those who experienced these side effects on an ongoing basis may have needed to adjust the dosage or switch to another medication, such as Mounjaro (a different version of semaglutide) or Rybelsus, which is an oral form of the GLP-1 agonist.
Some people who take Ozempic or Wegovy have trouble with nausea, headaches, fatigue and abdominal pain. These symptoms can make it difficult to stick with healthy lifestyle changes and eat the recommended number of calories per day. To combat these side effects, experts suggest avoiding foods that are high in sugar and fiber and eating fewer carbohydrates. In addition, they advise consuming more protein-rich foods, as these can help prevent gastrointestinal discomfort. Lastly, they recommend taking a walk after meals, which can alleviate some of these symptoms.
