Summary of ZOE Science And Nutrition Podcast Episode: 'Miracle' weight loss drug Ozempic is approved. But does it work?
— Description —
Azempic, a drug initially developed for type 2 diabetes, is gaining popularity for its weight loss effects due to the presence of semaglutide, which mimics a hormone regulating appetite It is approved for individuals with obesity, showing an average weight loss of 15% and up to 20% in some cases This heralds a new approach to obesity management by utilizing intestinal hormones
Long-term use and addressing the root causes of obesity are emphasized The medication is indicated for individuals with a BMI of 30 or more, or 27 or more with medical complications, and should be considered after lifestyle interventions It also improves various health markers but requires careful management and realistic expectations
Potential for more effective treatments in the future is highlighted The podcast emphasizes the biological and genetic basis of obesity, the need for long-term medication use, and the importance of addressing obesity as a public health problem It also discusses emerging compounds and encourages exploring personalized nutrition programs for health improvement.
'Miracle' weight loss drug Ozempic is approved. But does it work?
Key Takeaways
- Azempic, a drug originally intended for type 2 diabetes, is gaining popularity for its weight loss effects.
- Semaglutide, found in Azempic and Wegovy, mimics a hormone that regulates appetite, leading to significant weight loss.
- The medication is approved for individuals with obesity and has shown an average weight loss of 15% and up to 20% in some cases.
- The treatment heralds a new direction for obesity management by harnessing intestinal hormones, offering a hormonal approach to treating obesity.
- Obesity is recognized as a disease influenced by genetics, inflammation, and food supply, requiring long-term management and understanding.
- The medication's primary outcome is weight loss, along with improvements in various health markers, but it requires careful management and realistic expectations.
- It is indicated for individuals with a BMI of 30 or more, or 27 or more with medical complications, and should be considered after lifestyle interventions.
- Long-term medication use is emphasized, along with addressing the root causes of obesity as a public health problem.
- There is potential for even more effective treatments in the future, and listeners are encouraged to explore personalized nutrition programs for health improvement.
Azempic: The New Weight Loss Craze
- Azempic, a drug originally intended to treat type 2 diabetes, is going viral on social media. Users are posting dramatic before and after pictures of their weight loss. Famous personalities such as Elon Musk claim to have taken it. And an Azempic craze is allegedly developing in Hollywood.
- Semaglutide mimics a naturally occurring hormone in the body that helps to regulate appetite. The pharmaceutical industry has harnessed this hormone, reproduced it synthetically, into a drug called semaglutide and give it back to an individual to enhance reduction in appetite.
- Semaglutide is actually in both Azempic and Wegovy. The difference is a trade name and what they're approved for. Ozempic is semaglutide that's approved for individuals with type 2 diabetes at a lower dose. Wegovy is also semaglutide, but this is approved for individuals with obesity and it's approved at a higher dose.
Medication Outperforms Placebo in Weight Loss
- Individuals who took a placebo, just received lifestyle counseling, lost about 3% of their body weight after about a year. Those on the medication on average lost 15% of their body weight. In fact, one in three lost 20 or more percent of their body weight. We hadn't seen that before.
- The trial heralded in a new direction for the treatment of obesity by harnessing intestinal hormones, specifically the GLP-1 hormone, showing the way for a new treatment direction for obesity, treating it hormonally.
- ZOE's mission is to improve health by empowering the community with accurate information about their bodies based on the latest science. The podcast is shared for free without ads to spread the latest science. Listeners are encouraged to share the podcast and subscribe to help others discover valuable health information.
Obesity: A Biologically Based Disease
- Our bodies are biologically engineered to maintain weight in times of famine and starvation, making it difficult to lose weight and keep it off.
- Clinical obesity is a long-term struggle and may be influenced by factors such as genetics, inflammation, and food supply.
- Obesity is now considered a disease, and the stigma and bias associated with it need to be replaced with understanding and treatment as a biologically and genetically based condition.
Obesity: A Chronic, Global Crisis
- Dr. Robert Kushner emphasizes that obesity is a global public health problem and a chronic relapsing condition. He stresses the importance of using the right tools and solutions for both clinical and public health aspects.
- The primary outcome of the medication is weight loss, along with improvements in blood sugar, triglycerides, cholesterol, blood pressure, inflammatory markers, and quality of life.
- The medication has gastrointestinal side effects, but they tend to subside over time. It should be prescribed and monitored by knowledgeable healthcare providers.
- Dr. Robert Kushner advises a lower fat diet, moderation in food intake, and not skipping meals to reduce the side effects of the medication.
- He highlights the need for realistic expectations and careful management when using the medication, as it's not a quick fix but a long-term treatment for obesity.
- Stopping the medication can lead to weight regain due to changes in appetite perception, and individuals may slowly return to their original weight over time.
- The medication is indicated for individuals with a BMI of 30 or more, or 27 or more with medical complications. Lifestyle interventions are emphasized before considering medication.
- Dr. Robert Kushner compares obesity to chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes, emphasizing the need for long-term medication use.
- He acknowledges the medication's potential but also stresses the importance of addressing the root causes of obesity as a public health problem.
- For those interested in the medication, Dr. Robert Kushner advises making an appointment with a healthcare professional and asking targeted questions about available resources and support.
Revolutionizing Gut Hormone Treatments
- Dr. Robert Kushner discusses the emerging compounds that are mixing and matching multiple gut hormones with the likelihood of even more effective treatments around the horizon.
- Jonathan Wolff expresses excitement about the power of the gut and the potential for even better drugs to come in the next few years.
- Dr. Robert Kushner expresses enjoyment and gratitude for the discussion.
Revolutionize Weight Management with Personalized Nutrition Program
- Jonathan Wolff expresses excitement about the breakthrough in understanding the science of weight management and its potential for people living with obesity.
- He encourages listeners to consider trying Zoe's personalized nutrition program for improving health and achieving a healthy weight without drugs.
- Listeners can get 10% off their purchase by visiting joinzoe.com/podcast.