The Semaglutide Weight Loss Revolution
FIT for LIFE
Thanks to social media and Hollywood actors, almost everyone is raving about the semaglutide weight loss revolution. Even Jimmy Fallon joked about it at the Oscars. He said, “When I look around this room, I can’t help but wonder if Ozempic is right for me.” Of course, the audience erupted in laughter and applause because many Hollywood actors have openly discussed their weight loss success after using the drug. I want to share my experience with you to give you an inside look at what the drug is, how it works, and how it impacted my journey to better health.
Semaglutide has a variety of brand names. The drug is categorized as a GLP-1, which is a glucagon-like peptide-1. Glucagon is a hormone formed in the pancreas to help break down glycogen (the stored form of glucose and the body’s energy reserve) into glucose in the liver. Glucose is the body’s primary energy source, and it’s released into the blood with the help of glycogen. So, after you eat, your blood sugar rises, and semaglutide tells your body to produce more insulin, which helps reduce your blood sugar level--a dream for people with diabetes. When it comes to weight loss, many medical professionals believe that the GLP-1 hormone may help curb hunger and slow food movement from the stomach to the small intestine, making you feel full longer and eat less. Many doctors believe that you must take the drug forever to prevent regaining weight.
While semaglutide promotes the release of insulin and reduces the release of glucagon, some patients report severe side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and constipation. CBS News reported that serious side effects like gallbladder issues, heart disease, and kidney failure could lead to hospitalization, and long-term side effects remain unknown.
My doctor prescribed medicine for Type 2 diabetes. I took it for seven months and stopped when I was unable to get my prescription refilled due to the shortage caused by people using the drug for cosmetic purposes as opposed to diabetes. During that time, I researched and decided to change to a plant-based diet to see if I could control my diabetes without the medication. In addition to eliminating meat and dairy from my diet, I walked between three and five miles daily. This regimen helped me reverse my diabetes, and my weight remained stable until the incident with Patti’s sweet potato pie during the holidays. I’m a work in progress, but I’ve been back on the vegan track since March 1.
My weight loss efforts started three years before taking the semaglutide, and the bulk of my weight loss was not a result of the medication, according to my Fitbit data. I lost around 20 pounds with it and 120 pounds on my own. There is something about the weight loss effect because it did help me move past a weight loss plateau. I’ve managed to maintain the weight I’ve lost and feel confident that I can continue to lose weight and control my diabetes without medication. This personal choice reduces my anxiety over the possibility of an adverse long-term impact. Some medical reports tout that semaglutide induces satiety, which tells your brain you’re full. I handle my cravings by drinking water, which suppresses my appetite.
Weight loss is not easy, especially when you have a significant amount of weight to lose. It is important to weigh all the risks and decide what is best for you. Every person is different, and sometimes, a little push is needed to get moving in the right direction. Have a conversation with your doctor to determine the best plan for you.
The opinions I shared in this article are not those of the newspaper. I am not a medical doctor, and as a certified nutritionist, it is not within my authority to recommend any dietary plan to treat any chronic illness. I shared my personal experience and what is working for me. You should not make any decisions based on my personal experience. Instead, discuss your situation with your doctor.
Ronni Walker is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in mass communication. She is committed to helping people transition to and maintain healthy lifestyles through the P.RE.T.T.Y. Girl Fitness project. You may contact her by sending an email to coach@PGF.life.