BY MICHELLE BORTHWICK
A new trend right now is to take Ozempic and other similar drugs for quick 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.
Many users are speaking out against Ozempic and other “quick fix” weight loss drugs. Sharon Osbourne has been vocal and expressed regret over taking the drug Ozempic for weight loss, saying she now weighs less than 100 pounds and “can’t put on weight.” In an interview with the Daily Mail last year, Sharon warned those interested in taking Ozempic to “be careful what you wish for.” “You can lose so much weight, and it’s easy to become addicted to that, which is very dangerous,” she said.” There are cases like this, and worse, happening every day that may not make the news.
What happens when you stop taking Ozempic?
After you stop taking Ozempic, you may experience changes in blood sugar, changes in appetite, and weight gain. The drug is intended for long-term use and should always be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional. So, in other words, when taking the drug, you are making a long term commitment that comes with long-term health side effects… all at the expense of weight loss.
Experts are now recommending that if you are going off the drug you should enroll in a nutrition program before going off the medication. Thus, allowing you to make healthy food choices. Seems to me we should have been focused on diet to begin with!
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 Keto Compare to Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic?
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 a healthy diet first and 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. Ditch the dangerous weight loss drugs and look at Keto instead.
Given the concerns and potential side effects associated with trendy weight loss drugs like Ozempic, as well as the long-term implications, it’s worthwhile to consider the Keto diet as a healthier and more sustainable alternative. Here are some compelling reasons to give Keto a serious look compared to Ozempic or other similar drugs:
Weight Loss & Delicious Foods:
The ketogenic diet promotes weight loss by transitioning the body from burning carbs to burning fat for energy. It allows you to eat satisfying, delicious foods rich in healthy fats while keeping carbohydrates low. This helps to curb appetite, leading to effective weight loss without the need for starvation or severe calorie restriction.
Reduced Appetite:
Unlike the fluctuating appetite experienced with carb-rich diets, the Keto diet helps stabilize hunger levels. Once your body adapts to ketosis, you’ll experience fewer food cravings and longer periods of satiety, making it easier to stick to your weight loss goals.
Inflammation:
Keto has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help alleviate symptoms of conditions like joint pain, swelling, and fatigue. By focusing on anti-inflammatory foods such as eggs, olive oil, and avocados, the diet promotes overall health and well-being.
Diabetes & Blood Sugar Control:
By significantly reducing sugar and carbohydrate intake, the ketogenic diet is beneficial for controlling blood sugar levels. This can be particularly advantageous for individuals with diabetes, as it may lead to improved insulin sensitivity and reduced reliance on medication.
Heart Health:
Contrary to conventional beliefs, a diet low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats has been shown to improve markers of heart health. By prioritizing foods that support heart health, such as avocados and omega-3-rich fish, the keto diet can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Brain Health:
Ketones provide a valuable alternative fuel source for the brain. Research suggests that the ketogenic diet may have neuroprotective effects, potentially reducing the risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
In summary, the Keto diet offers a holistic approach to weight loss and overall health, with benefits ranging from reduced appetite and inflammation to improved blood sugar control and brain health. Unlike quick-fix weight loss drugs like Ozempic, which come with undesirable and unhealthy side effects and long-term consequences, the Keto diet promotes sustainable lifestyle changes that support long-term wellness.
Michelle Borthwick McLaughlin, 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 8,000 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: ketoiseasycoach.com or email her at ketoiseasy@gmail.com