The medicine Ozempic, from the Danish pharmaceutical company New Nordisk, gained popularity on social media for helping with weight loss. Initially, indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, the medicine has weight loss as one of its effects. Above all, it has been used outside of the label indications for aesthetic purposes.
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As a consequence of weight loss, a side effect that has caught the attention of internet users is what has become popular as ‘Ozempic face’ or ‘Ozempic head’. The active ingredient of the medicine is semaglutide, a substance that inhibits appetite, leading to rapid weight loss. As a result, the person’s head would be disproportionate to the rest of the body.
Widely used by celebrities, the medication has shocked the world with its quick results. This is the case of the American presenter Oprah Winfreywho left the company’s board Weight Watchers after revealing that he adhered to the treatment with the pens. The country singer Maiarahas raised suspicions about the use of the medication, however, he attributed his weight loss process to changes in his diet and exercise routine
Other side effects
Among the effects most cited by users are nausea, dizziness and headache. Due to the effect caused by semaglutide, people also report that they are unable to drink water, or put any food in their mouth, without feeling nauseated.
Reports on the networks also bring to light bad breath, which can be associated with a lack of food in the intestine. Additionally, some users report constipation or constipation, others mention hair loss.
Therefore, the medicine can also help in the development of problems in the gastrointestinal tract, headache, feeling of weakness, low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia), inflammation of the pancreas, diabetic retinopathy and allergic reactions. Furthermore, prolonged use of the substance can cause an increase in the volume of the small intestine, which can lead to obstruction of the organ, reports an article recently published in the journal Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B. Among the most serious side effects are malnutrition and dehydration.
Is it safe to use Ozempic to lose weight?
According to Novo Nordisk, manufacturer of semaglutide-based medicines, most events are mild to moderate in severity and happen transiently, that is, they last days or a few weeks. For safe and controlled use, Ozempic must be used under medical supervision, even if it is for aesthetic reasons.
“Both medications are safe for weight loss. The only difference is the pen. The Ozempic pen goes up to 1 mg and the Wegovy pen (a medicine similar to Ozempic) goes up to 2.4 mg, because studies have shown that semaglutide in a higher dose is more effective for weight loss than a dose of up to 1 mg, as is the case with Ozempic”explains Elaine Dias JKPhD in endocrinology from USP and metabologist, in an interview with CNN. She also highlights, finally, that both Ozempic and Wegovy must be prescribed by the doctor accompanying the patient so that he can help and guide how to avoid these side effects.
* Under the supervision of Lilian Coelho
Ozempic, from Novo Nordisk
Photo: Disclosure / Brazil Profile
