What do we know about long-term metabolic health effects for clients on Ozempic, GLP‑1 (Semalglutide) drugs and how can holistic nutrition support sustainable outcomes?
In the 1980’s, researchers began studying a medication for stomach ulcers. By 1998, they found that the drug they were looking at also had an effect on balancing blood sugar. Clinical trials on Semalglutide (the generic name) began in 2008, as a solution for Type 2 Diabetes. Ozempic, the brand name, is the first version of the Semalglutide drug. It came into being in 2017, developed by Novo Nordisk.
Due to its additional effect of reducing appetite, by slowing the emptying time of the stomach, Ozempic has also become an extremely popular off-label weight loss drug. Unfortunately, when you stop Ozempic, these effects fade gradually. Hunger and appetite return. Cravings may feel louder. Thoughts of food come back. Your stomach empties faster. The pull to eat in order to silence emotions, relieve stress, or create comfort can return. This is your natural biology waking up.
Ozempic is also promoted as a drug that will reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events (i.e., heart attack and stroke) in adults with heart disease, improve kidney function, and improve metabolic function; i.e., insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.
The sister drug of Ozempic, Wegovy, a once-weekly injection, with most of the same side effects, has been approved as a weight loss drug and has been touted by Oprah and the show business community as a miracle – finally a way to lose weight without the yo-yo dieting of the past. There are other versions of this drug as well.
Ozempic and all GLP‑1 drugs are designed to:
- Improve blood sugar control
- Protect the kidneys
- Improve blood pressure & lipid levels
- Reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with heart disease and diabetes
- Improve metabolic function; i.e., insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome
Side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Acid reflux
- Heartburn
- Bloating
- Gastritis
- Muscle loss & bone density reduction
Can also include:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Ozempic Face (sagging or aging skin)
- Mood changes/depression
- Injection site reactions
More serious side effects include:
- Pancreatitis
- Kidney damage
- Vision changes
- Allergic reactions (swelling, rash, difficulty breathing)
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Thyroid cancer risk
Comprehensive data on its safety and efficacy beyond 2 years is limited. Ozempic is currently taken as a weekly injection. The cost per month can range from $200-$300 in Canada and in the US, up to $1000, without insurance.
A 2022 study on Ozempic found that most individuals regain the weight, and more, within a year after stopping the medication. Some side effects are irreversible. Diabetic patients are told that this will be a lifelong medication.
The Body Produces GLP‑1 Naturally
Interestingly, GLP‑1 is naturally produced, by the body, and is secreted by cells in the lower intestine. These metabolic hormones are released by the intestines, after eating, to help manage blood sugar by triggering an insulin release from the pancreas. Its function is to stimulate insulin and slow down digestion.
As a protective mechanism, this is extremely short-lived with an active lifespan of only 1 – 2 minutes in the bloodstream before being broken down by enzymes, to prevent overproduction of insulin and hypoglycemia.
Because of this rapid breakdown, its active effects on appetite and digestion last only a few minutes and it isn’t stored in the body for later use.
Note that the medication-based GLP‑1, Semalglutide drugs, can stay in the system for 5 – 7 weeks which is 1000 times longer than the body intends it to be active.
The problem? The Synthetic GLP‑1 drugs stimulate the release of more insulin, a fat storage hormone. When insulin is continually elevated, it increases inflammation, elevated estrogen, high cholesterol, damaged arteries, hypoglycemia, Tumor Necrosis Factor, and increased Leptin hormone.
Yet there are people on Ozempic who aren’t losing weight but may be losing muscle and experiencing serious side effects. Do they honestly believe that they can take this injection and then survive on a diet of junk food, including sugar, wheat, corn, and packaged snacks? The intake of these foods is often due to emotional issues which are not addressed by the weekly injections.
Healthy Alternatives
Use food to balance your hormones, enzymes to provide support for your digestive system, and chew each bite 40 — 60 times to help digest and assimilate your food. Support the liver.
There are many natural formulas that will support the liver, blood sugar, and insulin regulation. With hormone imbalances, it is important to look at the underlying causes – the food we eat, the times we eat, the things we think about, chronic stress, sleep disorders, and our lifestyle choices.
For some, eating 3 meals a day, with 5 hours between each meal, is the answer and for others intermittent fasting sets you up for success. Choosing clean food products that are grass fed, organic and free of pesticides and antibiotics will provide higher nutrient content. Look at the toxins in your personal care products and household cleaning products, these create a toxic load on the body. Look at your thyroid and adrenal function, your relationships and stress factors.
These contribute to weight gain when cortisol levels are elevated.
Boost your natural production of GLP1 by:
- Eating high-protein foods (30 – 35g per meal)
- Consume soluble fiber from oats, legumes, and vegetables
- Include fermented foods to support gut health
- Exercise regularly (150 minutes of moderate activity weekly)
With the help of a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, you can source the root causes of dis-ease, and begin to make the changes that will take you to your desired state of health.
Information compiled by Marlene Marshall, CNP, ROHP, CHCP
Written by Gilda Rovan, BA, RHN, ROHP, CHCP
These strategies are not meant to replace medical care.
Check out our other blogs on metabolic health:
https://edisoninst.com/how-much-sugar-should-you-be-eating/
https://edisoninst.com/hormonal-health/
NPP’s Webinar on Hormonal Imbalance: https://www.nppwebinars.com/hormone_imbalance.html
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