BY MICHELLE BORTHWICK
A new trend right now is to take Ozempic and other similar drugs for quick weight loss. The startling reality behind the “miracle weight loss” is quite different than what you’ve seen online, and you are only hearing one side of the story. Drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy may possibly be effective for weight loss. But shedding pounds isn’t the only change patients might experience!
These drugs were originally prescribed to patients with Type 2 diabetes as they produce insulin and lower blood sugar. They also release a hormone that slows down digestion and keeps food in the stomach longer. This process suppresses hunger and leads to weight loss — but that can take a toll on the body.
What are the most typical side effects?
The most common side effects of Ozempic, according to the drug’s website, are consistent nausea, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting. Many patients who start these drugs get off them because the side effects do not improve. Constant nausea and abdominal pain are an unpleasant way to live. The stomach and brain are so connected that intestinal issues can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. Individuals develop anxiety about when and where symptoms will occur. It can also lead to avoidance of social activities, especially ones in which food is the focus, or when bathrooms may not be readily available. The emotional symptoms can in turn worsen the gastrointestinal symptoms creating a vicious cycle.
How Does This Compare to Keto?
When you compare Ozempic to Keto (which offers everything from weight loss, reduced appetite, reduced inflammation, improved heart and brain health, and lower glucose, and more) you have a way to lose weight quick that is healthy and sustainable. The Keto diet is far more than a lose-weight-diet. In fact, it’s more of a lifestyle change, with benefits far outweighing simply looking good in a bathing suit.
As a keto expert and coach, here are a few of my top reasons for giving Keto a serious look for weight loss, health, and lifestyle.
- Weight Loss & Delicious Foods
Keto and weight loss have become synonymous. They go together like hand in glove. With keto, weight loss is real and effective for one simple reason: it helps people convert from a carb-burning diet to a fat-burning diet. When you eat a diet high in carbs expect bloating, weight gain, and poor health. On the other hand, a high-fat, moderate-protein, and very low carb diet severely reduces your appetite, allows you to eat until you’re satiated, and burns fat from your body for energy.
The best part? You don’t have to starve yourself to get there. On a keto diet, you get to eat your fill of delicious and satisfying foods loaded with good healthy fats, which triggers ketosis. Once your body is consistently in ketosis this leads to increased energy, reduces appetite, eliminates brain fog and joint pain.
- Reduced Appetite
Imagine not feeling those food crashes and carb cravings. That’s the keto life. You eat, then you’re satisfied…for a long time! Once your body has settled into the diet, it works more efficiently, so you aren’t embarking on the wild ride that is the highs and lows of a carb/sugar laden diet. Without the sugar peaks and crashes, cravings disappear, and you feel satisfied.
- 3. Inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s natural immune response to help heal and fight infection. But too much and persistent inflammation can cause pain, joint stiffness, swelling, fatigue, and more. Ketosis is a strong anti-inflammatory chemical.
Another anti-inflammatory influence is the ketogenic diet itself; the keto diet helps promote the consumption of anti-inflammatory foods, such as eggs, olive oil, coconut oil, avocados, and other foods high in omega-3s.
- Diabetes & Blood Sugar Control
Since you eliminate sugar and most carbohydrates on a keto diet, it’s not hard to understand why it’s great for blood-sugar control. The less sugar and carbs you eat, the less sugar in your bloodstream. Therefore, after starting a keto diet, most people will notice a decrease in their blood sugar almost immediately. In fact, the effects are so immediate, it’s recommended that diabetics beginning a ketogenic diet work with their health care provider so they can adjust their medication as needed.
- Heart Health
The term “heart health” conjures images of little heart icon that appears on whole grains and cereals and promotes carbs/low-fat foods. But, in fact, a diet low in carbohydrates and higher in healthy fats has been shown to drastically improve the biomarkers associated with heart disease.
- 6. Brain Health
The brain loves keto just as much as the heart. The Keto diet has begun to be studied as complementary intervention for various neurological disorders. And while many scientists within the neurological field state that the brain prefers glucose over ketones, the brain does over time (with age) lose its ability to efficiently fuel itself with glucose alone. This is where ketones come into play.
Ketones have been shown to increase mitochondrial efficiency and production, which helps to protect brain cells from strokes and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Bottom line: the ketogenic diet has significant health benefits in a variety of areas, from metabolic health to heart and brain health, and more. As studies continue and more is understood about the body’s reaction to the ketogenic diet and how it can be leveraged for a variety of wellness initiatives, there will surely be more discoveries of the benefits of the high-fat, moderate-protein, low-carb ketogenic lifestyle. Regardless, always check with a dietitian or your primary care physician before making dramatic dietary changes.
About Michelle Keto
About Michelle Keto:
Michelle Borthwick, known more widely as Michelle Keto, is the foremost expert in living the Keto lifestyle and the go-to coach for Keto women. She loves the CA lifestyle and spends time between San Diego and Palm Springs, CA. Her 1:1 coaching, and group programs have helped hundreds of women from 25 states and 4 countries lose over 7,500 pounds while eating foods they love. This foodie’s motto, and business name, is “Keto is Easy” and she’s one of the only Keto leaders who promotes full customization for long term success. For a complimentary 30-minute coaching call please schedule at: https://ketoiseasycoach.com or email me at ketoiseasy@gmail.com
