In contrast to the limited risk factors associated with dietary changes, Ozempic can result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and issues in organs such as pancreatitis. Also, research is showing that when you lose weight through Ozempic two-thirds of that loss is lean body mass rather than fat. My major concern though is that when you stop taking the drug, the feelings of suppressed appetite will start to go away, and people will start to feel hungry at their old levels. If the weight had come off quickly, you may feel even hungrier than before and because there has been no behaviour change the weight will escalate rapidly.
“It’s important to remember weight is only half of the health equation. If you suppress your appetite but maintain a diet high in processed foods, low in micronutrients, you could lose weight but not increase your actual nourishment. That is why support to improve dietary choices is needed, regardless of medication use or weight loss, for true health improvements,” Monique Etkind
“Medical practitioners need to ensure patients receive nutrition education in conjunction with Ozempic to ensure they can maintain their ideal weights once they wean off their weekly injections and be able to improve their overall health long term. Those patients choosing Ozempic ,or other pharmaceuticals to lose weight, have a multitude of options they are being bombarded with on a daily basis. “
The dangers of obesity are known, the treatments and management protocols well documented. New drug therapies and surgeries continue to improve outcomes but the broad solution remains the same.
- Eat healthy,
- Exercise regularly,
- Hydrate and get a good night’s sleep.
However, this complex facet of our lives consumes us all to varying degrees. Getting healthy, staying healthy, being healthy… sounds simple enough but what about your mood and energy levels each day?
More than 1/3 of Australian adults are classified as obese and this number is predicted to double by 2030. For every obese person the physical, mental and social struggles impact all areas of their life. The toll this takes is substantial and cannot be understated.
Professional practitioner supported weight management provides sufferers with more than a directed eating program. Dietitian’s guide and support their clients through the myriad of information, dietary options and health issues. Although there is much information available online, many people struggling with their weight have reached their capacity to make this change and taking on new information is difficult. Some of the barriers to accessing professional help from a qualified dietitian are cost, logistics of getting to appointments, shame and not wanting to admit there is a problem.
