An Alternative to Using Ozempic for Weight Loss
We now have reputable news outlets reporting that diabetes medications like Ozempic should be used to “treat” obesity. Research is being conducted on specific populations and then generalized that everyone can safely use Ozempic to suppress their appetites. And diabetes drugs are becoming common conversation topics at dinnertime (and any time).
But should we be so quick to normalize taking Ozempic for weight loss?
Like all medications, it comes with side effects. The serious ones listed by the manufacturer are: possible thyroid tumors (including cancer), inflammation of your pancreas, changes in vision, kidney failure and gallbladder problems.
The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and constipation.
In fact, a family medicine physician at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, Dr. Nav Persaud, said about Ozempic, “We have seen it happen many times where there were these heralded wonder drugs that turned out not to work or to harm and kill people.”(1)
On a less immediate but equally important note, taking a drug for weight loss has psychological risks, says eating disorder therapist Carolyn Karoll.(2)
“Research has shown that weight-focused interventions often lead to increased preoccupation with food, feelings of guilt and shame, and a heightened risk of developing or worsening eating disorders.”
So, what’s an alternative to using Ozempic for weight loss?
While taking medication to suppress your appetite may be tempting, it’s temporary and doesn’t address what’s really going on for you. Research also shows that once you stop taking the drug (maybe you have side effects, maybe it’s deemed unsafe, maybe it’s unavailable), the weight is almost always regained.(3)
While constant weight loss and gain is physically hard on the body, it is also emotionally devastating. My approach with clients is two-fold: teaching proper nutrition and exploring the emotional journey beneath the behaviour.
The role of nutrition to stop binging
It’s important to work on balancing insulin levels, as research is revealing how impactful high insulin levels are on our energy, brain function and food cravings. To simplify, high insulin levels suppress a hormone called glucagon, which regulates our appetite between meals. When it’s out of balance, you can eat a full-sized meal, but you’ll still crave more.(4)
While Ozempic mimics a hormone called GLP-1 that promotes a feeling of satisfaction (and lowers blood sugar), your body can already do this naturally. Many foods that are high in protein, fiber and healthy fats trigger GLP-1 to promote a feeling of true satisfaction after a meal. These are foods like eggs, some nuts, oats, whole wheat, many vegetables, avocado and olive oil.(5)
Understanding your true hunger and satisfaction levels is key to long-term recovery. In my sessions, we work together to find the sweet spot where you can determine if your hunger is physical or emotional. This begins to repair the trust between your body signals and your mind. I call this binge prevention and it’s the first step in my process.
I have worked with many clients who have taken Ozempic and are worried their dependency on the medication will cause a weight rebound. Clients who are weaning off find it valuable to work with me on portions and true satisfaction through nutrition and mindfulness – finding out what they truly desire, rather than using food.
Counselling for weight loss
For long-term weight loss, it’s necessary to explore your relationship to food. Once you understand your personal history with food, then you can learn strategies to better manage overeating and binging.
At the core of the counselling work I do, I teach clients how to understand their relationship to food, cope with the emotions behind their food cravings, re-connect with their bodies and love themselves. This stops the binging!
Doing this therapeutic work is the way to finding permanent relief. I will guide you with compassion, support and care. 💜 ~ Shelley
Reach out to me at +1 (604) 670-1721 or by email to set up your free, half-hour consultation. Sessions are always confidential.
References
Drugs like Ozempic are popular for weight loss. That's because there's been little other help: obesity doctors. CBC Radio / Brandie Weikle. 2023.
The Risks of Promoting Wegovy and Ozempic for Weight Loss. Psychology Today / Carolyn Karoll. 2024.
Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: The STEP 1 trial extension. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism: A Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics / Wilding, J.P., et al. 2022.
Five Types of Over Eating Problems. www.franciewhite.com/five-types-of-over-eating-problems. Francie White. 2020.
What Foods Increase GLP-1 Levels? www.healthline.com/health/foods-that-increase-glp-1. 2024.