I am annoyed with Ozempic® and people's unrealistic expectation of it's power to help you loose weight.

Health Canada approved Ozempic (semaglutide) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults a few good years ago.

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning that it replicates the effect of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone in the body. GLP-1 hormones serve to regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin secretion, decreasing glucagon secretion, and lowering the pace at which the stomach absorbs food.

Ozempic is also effective in assisting obese patients to lose weight, according to clinical trials. The STEP program (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in Obese Persons) featured four randomized controlled trials with nearly 4,500 participants, the majority of whom were female. In clinical trials, patients who got 2.4 mg of Ozempic once weekly in conjunction with diet and exercise lost considerably more weight than those who received a placebo.  

The weight loss outcomes for women were comparable to those for males.

In one of the trials, which included over 1,200 participants, those who received Ozempic lost an average of 15.3% of their body weight after 68 weeks of treatment, compared to 2.6% in the placebo group. In another trial, which included over 1,000 participants, those who received Ozempic lost an average of 16% of their body weight after 68 weeks, compared to 5.7% in the placebo group.

To put this in perspective of effectiveness and cost; If you weigh 200 pounds, you have the propensity to loose on average 30 lbs in 17 months and at the dose required of 2.4mg per week , you will have to spend about $8500 Canadian$ over a course of that same time!

Ozempic's weight loss effects appear to be connected to its ability to suppress appetite and increase satiety. Ozempic may potentially contribute to weight loss by enhancing metabolic function and reducing inflammation in the body. Ozempic has been demonstrated to be beneficial in aiding weight loss in obese women and men when combined with diet and exercise -  Notice an important distinction here: nothing happens without diet and exercise too!

It is essential to remember, however, that Ozempic is not a weight loss medicine and should only be used under the guidance of a medical professional.

Read on - My interview with Radio Canada about my frustration with Ozempic advertisements