In recent months, the word has gotten out about Ozempic, the drug that improved individuals who have diabetes. Some of the side effects of Ozempic include thyroid tumors, trouble swallowing and hoarseness, all symptoms of thyroid cancer. Ozempic has also been in the news because of the weight loss that happens as a result of the drug. One of the first instances people saw was Kelly Clarkson, who has said that she takes Ozempic to regulate her diabetes. What people saw was her noticeable weight loss and that opened the doors for people to start asking their doctors to give them prescriptions for Ozempic to help them lose those pounds. Is Ozempic a weight loss drug though that the average person can and should be taking? Let’s take a dive into this.

According to the Cleveland Clinic and the CDC, 42% of Americans are living with obesity (defined as a body mass index, BMI, of 30 or higher). For these people, Ozempic is working in their favor and for very good reason. For the rest of folks living with a BMI under 30, diet and exercise and usually the safest route to take for weight loss purposes. Annoying to most because, who wouldn’t want a quick fix, right? Obviously, using a medication for anything other than it’s intended purpose isn’t a good idea but what some physicians are prescribing for some people who suffer with obesity is giving them a prescription for off-label Ozempic called Wegovy. When medication that is categorized as off-label is prescribed, you can utilize that medication for other things than its main use. Does this mean I’m telling you to run out and get your doctor to prescribe this for you? Of course not, y’all know me better than that!

How does Ozempic work?

Ozempic is administered by injection once a week into the thigh, abdomen or upper arm areas. It’s in a class of medications called “GLP-1 receptor agonists” or “GLP-1 drugs” for short. These GLP medications release a synthetic type of hormone that is normally released into the digestive tract to help lower blood sugar and mimics a feeling of being full. When a person takes Ozempic, it causes your body to naturally make more of the GLP-1, causing your appetite to be suppressed, not causing you to feel hungry and ultimately, you eat less. Being obese as a medical issue is one that is very complex metabolic disease. Basically, obesity is a dysfunction of the normal pathways that regulate our body’s reaction to weight loss. So, in effect, Ozempic and other weight loss medications are not just ‘correcting bad behaviors’, they actually change how your body reacts to food.

Let’s keep in mind that Ozempic isn’t FDA approved for weight loss purposes, only diabetes. As a personal trainer and someone who has worked in the fitness industry for over 15 years, this is one of those ‘trends’ for weight loss that is considerably dangerous. Especially if you have brand new clients come in, who are de-motivated from the start saying things like, “I could just go to my doctor, and they’d prescribe me a weight loss pill right?” This, THIS is why educating our clients and patients is so important. It’s our job as professionals to keep up with what’s trending, not only in fitness but medicine as well, because the two areas are often inter-connected…at least that’s how I’ve always thought about it. If you have a client who is already on the “I need Ozempic to lose weight” train when they come to see you for the first time, you need to educate them on why they may want to get off at the next stop. Education is power and information is the way you obtain that power.

If you’re curious about weight loss measures and are considering taking weight loss pills, etc., please, please, please consult your physician first. They will be able to tell you the safe ways and methods to lose weight effectively will be, so you don’t harm your body and make yourself even sicker.

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John J. Schessler is a Pittsburgh-based personal trainer, author, motivational speaker, and Instagram influencer. Mr. Schessler has worked in the fitness and education fields for over 20 years and has worked with children, adolescents, and adults from all fitness levels and backgrounds. He holds Sports Injury, Pediatrics, Orthopedics, and Exercise Therapy certifications. For speaker engagements or personal training inquiries, please email pghwellnesspt@gmail.com.